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 removing ornaments from the tree, wrap any delicates up in paper or bubble wrap, then place in small plastic tubs. These tubs should be labeled to remind you what's in there next year. The smaller tubs can then be kept in a larger container. If you used any festive wreaths, these should be placed in rigid boxes before also placing in the larger container. The star on top of the tree needs to also be wrapped independently before placing in the bigger box too.
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.
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.
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.
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 removing ornaments from the tree, wrap any delicates up in paper or bubble wrap, then place in small plastic tubs. These tubs should be labeled to remind you what's in there next year. The smaller tubs can then be kept in a larger container. If you used any festive wreaths, these should be placed in rigid boxes before also placing in the larger container. The star on top of the tree needs to also be wrapped independently before placing in the bigger box too.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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