After the energetic rush of the holidays has finished, it dawns that someone's got to clear up all this mess! The way to finish quickly and remove the situation from your mind is to plan an organized clean up session.
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.
When it comes to using a big box for everything, you should bear in mind how much weight you're adding to the box. Too heavy, and you're going to regret filling them so much when it comes to lugging the box into the attic or basement. Try separating the items into 3 smaller boxes for example.
Christmas lights can be a nightmare to untangle (unless you have one of those trees with embedded lights). Try buying some (or make your own) reel to wind the lights and wire onto. Start from the plug socket, and wrap it round the reel first, then gradually work your way to the top.
This is ideal, as it is exactly the place you want to start from next year. Keeping the reels in another separate tub is a good idea, as putting them in the main box may increase the weight too much. The reel box could include other bulky things, like the tree stand, skirting or other big items.
The artificial tree will be ok to put back in its original box if you kept it. Another option is using a canvas sack, or new box. It has been known that bugs and insects can crawl through any gaps or holes in plastic sheeting or bags, so I wouldn't recommend wrapping the tree in plastic. It's best to keep the tree in a cool, dark area, to stop any warping from too much heat.
If you bought a live tree, it needs to be disposed of in the correct manner, instead of being left outside to rot, or thrown out on the side of the road somewhere. The website: www.earth911.org. can help you to find out your nearest recycling plant.
Ask the waste disposal people on the best way of disposal, and perhaps they'll suggest a place you can take it to. Recycling is easy, as it is naturally grown, and will degrade and rot of its own accord. This does seem a lot of hassle, but it is the right thing to do, and if you find it difficult, then remember the situation for next year " perhaps it will inspire you to buy a faux tree.
It's easy to just throw all the decorations in one big box and shove it in the basement, but it's always better to go the extra mile to prepare yourself for next year. A lot of time will be saved " especially when trying to untangle the lights!
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.
When it comes to using a big box for everything, you should bear in mind how much weight you're adding to the box. Too heavy, and you're going to regret filling them so much when it comes to lugging the box into the attic or basement. Try separating the items into 3 smaller boxes for example.
Christmas lights can be a nightmare to untangle (unless you have one of those trees with embedded lights). Try buying some (or make your own) reel to wind the lights and wire onto. Start from the plug socket, and wrap it round the reel first, then gradually work your way to the top.
This is ideal, as it is exactly the place you want to start from next year. Keeping the reels in another separate tub is a good idea, as putting them in the main box may increase the weight too much. The reel box could include other bulky things, like the tree stand, skirting or other big items.
The artificial tree will be ok to put back in its original box if you kept it. Another option is using a canvas sack, or new box. It has been known that bugs and insects can crawl through any gaps or holes in plastic sheeting or bags, so I wouldn't recommend wrapping the tree in plastic. It's best to keep the tree in a cool, dark area, to stop any warping from too much heat.
If you bought a live tree, it needs to be disposed of in the correct manner, instead of being left outside to rot, or thrown out on the side of the road somewhere. The website: www.earth911.org. can help you to find out your nearest recycling plant.
Ask the waste disposal people on the best way of disposal, and perhaps they'll suggest a place you can take it to. Recycling is easy, as it is naturally grown, and will degrade and rot of its own accord. This does seem a lot of hassle, but it is the right thing to do, and if you find it difficult, then remember the situation for next year " perhaps it will inspire you to buy a faux tree.
It's easy to just throw all the decorations in one big box and shove it in the basement, but it's always better to go the extra mile to prepare yourself for next year. A lot of time will be saved " especially when trying to untangle the lights!
About the Author:
Gina Smithson is the resident editor of the home & garden information 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.
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