Mrs. Fields Secrets

It’s January 10, folks, and it’s time to get those Christmas decorations taken down and put away for the next 10 or 11 months. If the task seems overwhelming, use these simple steps for pain-free put-aways. It’s easier than you think and you’ll be sitting in your clean January home in no time! Ready to get started?

1. Work in one area at a time. Instead of pulling down stuff all over the house at once, focus on only one area and then label your storage container as such. For example, take down all of the decorations on the fireplace mantle and then label the container “Fireplace Mantle.” This will make decorating next season simpler too, because everything you need to decorate that area is all in one place. Additionally, this is a great tip if you work outside your home and need to break down the process over several days. You’ll have the satisfaction of seeing an entire area cleared and put away, which is great motivation for the next day.

2. Touch things only once. This tiny tip is an enormous time saver. Make it a goal as you’re taking things down that you will only handle or touch things one time, meaning that each item goes directly from your hand into its storage place. Without realizing it, you may be moving items two or three times—to the table, then to the counter, then to the box. Touch it only once and you’ll save yourself a lot of time.

3. Roll Christmas lights in a ball. Keep tangles away and increase the life of your lights by rolling them in a ball, like a skein of yarn. It really works!

4. Write yourself notes for next year. No need to reinvent the wheel. Leave yourself notes in each box of things you want to remember, such as, “String this garland with the plug starting at the bottom of the stairs near the outlet.” You’ll want to hug your old self for these thoughtful tips. Remember to place the notes at the top of the box.

5. Use an old sheet or drop cloth to transport your tree to the curb. Spare your home a pesky trail of pine needles and your back an unnecessary ache by using an old sheet or painting drop cloth (available at hardware stores for a dollar or two) for Christmas tree take-down. Spread the sheet out immediately next to your tree. Lift and tip the tree onto the sheet, then tuck up the corners to hold it all in while you easily drag it to the curb. So simple!

Have any more tips? Share them in the comments section. I’d love to read them.

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