Once the excitement has died down and the holiday is over, it's time to take down the seasonal dcor, and start getting the house back to order.
When untrimming the tree, consider keeping similar ornaments wrapped in paper and in small plastic boxes to prevent breakage. The plastic boxes can be labeled with their specific contents for easier use next year, and all of the small plastic boxes can be kept in one big plastic tub/container. Any garlands you use can be placed in their own boxes and then in the big plastic tub. Also include your star or angel in the big plastic tub, carefully wrapped in its own small plastic box to protect it.
Depending on the amount of boxes you need to put in the large container, dividing the decorations up could be a good idea to save a bad back. Excess weight should be avoided, as the box will eventually need to be hauled into the basement or attic. Try using multiple big boxes, instead of one big one.
Lights from the Christmas tree can be a tangled mess of string. Unless you have a pre-lit faux-Christmas tree where the lights remain attached, youll need a system to keep lights from becoming a big mess. The best idea is to use a Christmas light reel to keep strands of lights straight. Start at the base of the tree with the outlet plug and work your way around the tree, winding the strand of lights around the reel.
Finishing at the top of the tree can be an advantage, as next year you're going to want to begin putting them back on from the top. The reels will be heavy, so to avoid them crushing any of the other ornaments, or giving personal injury to the person that has to lift it, the should be placed in a separate container, perhaps with the tree base and skirt.
Your faux tree should be stored in its original box (if you can get it back in there without breaking anything), a properly labeled new box, or a strong canvas bag. Ive seen whole trees stored in basements and garages wrapped in plastic, but I wouldnt recommend that since bugs and dust can find their way into the small openings of the plastic. Keep the stored tree in a cool, dark place to prevent any disfiguring from overheating.
A live tree needs to be disposed of properly. Resist the temptation of throwing it on the side of the road; the dead tree doesnt belong there. Research the disposing of Christmas trees in your area and find out where you can recycle it by going to www.earth911.org.
Talk to your waste disposal company to gather information on their policies for trees, and see if they know of recycling centers you could take it to. Christmas trees are biodegradable, which means they can easily be recycled for mulch among other things. If its too much of a hassle for you to dispose of your live tree properly, purchase a faux-Christmas tree at the end of this season (on sale) for next years use and forego a live tree.
Although it may be tempting to quickly put away all of your Christmas dcor in random places, its more advantageous for you to take time this year and do it correctly so the following years of trimming and untrimming the tree are less frustrating and time consuming. - 15359
When untrimming the tree, consider keeping similar ornaments wrapped in paper and in small plastic boxes to prevent breakage. The plastic boxes can be labeled with their specific contents for easier use next year, and all of the small plastic boxes can be kept in one big plastic tub/container. Any garlands you use can be placed in their own boxes and then in the big plastic tub. Also include your star or angel in the big plastic tub, carefully wrapped in its own small plastic box to protect it.
Depending on the amount of boxes you need to put in the large container, dividing the decorations up could be a good idea to save a bad back. Excess weight should be avoided, as the box will eventually need to be hauled into the basement or attic. Try using multiple big boxes, instead of one big one.
Lights from the Christmas tree can be a tangled mess of string. Unless you have a pre-lit faux-Christmas tree where the lights remain attached, youll need a system to keep lights from becoming a big mess. The best idea is to use a Christmas light reel to keep strands of lights straight. Start at the base of the tree with the outlet plug and work your way around the tree, winding the strand of lights around the reel.
Finishing at the top of the tree can be an advantage, as next year you're going to want to begin putting them back on from the top. The reels will be heavy, so to avoid them crushing any of the other ornaments, or giving personal injury to the person that has to lift it, the should be placed in a separate container, perhaps with the tree base and skirt.
Your faux tree should be stored in its original box (if you can get it back in there without breaking anything), a properly labeled new box, or a strong canvas bag. Ive seen whole trees stored in basements and garages wrapped in plastic, but I wouldnt recommend that since bugs and dust can find their way into the small openings of the plastic. Keep the stored tree in a cool, dark place to prevent any disfiguring from overheating.
A live tree needs to be disposed of properly. Resist the temptation of throwing it on the side of the road; the dead tree doesnt belong there. Research the disposing of Christmas trees in your area and find out where you can recycle it by going to www.earth911.org.
Talk to your waste disposal company to gather information on their policies for trees, and see if they know of recycling centers you could take it to. Christmas trees are biodegradable, which means they can easily be recycled for mulch among other things. If its too much of a hassle for you to dispose of your live tree properly, purchase a faux-Christmas tree at the end of this season (on sale) for next years use and forego a live tree.
Although it may be tempting to quickly put away all of your Christmas dcor in random places, its more advantageous for you to take time this year and do it correctly so the following years of trimming and untrimming the tree are less frustrating and time consuming. - 15359
About the Author:
Gina Smithson is the resident editor of the Home & Garden Guide at Schmoozins - an online magazine for women that gives all women a voice. Join us as a contributor, schmoozer or just hang out a while.
