What to do with the new stuff?
After the holidays is a great time to instill organization skills in children. Include your child in the decision-making of where to store new gifts and what should be replaced in order for the new items to fit.
Help them make space with a few easy starters: broken toys, outgrown clothing, unfinished crafts, first semester school work, and items that belong elsewhere. Even the very young can understand the definition of “full.” If the floor and furniture tops are designated off-limits zones for storage (I called them hot lava), kids can be brought around to making some tough decisions. Support their choices, even if something new is not preferred over an old favorite.
Tips for taking down the decorations
Plan it and put a date on it! Then break it down into manageable tasks. First put on some music. Just as you decorate to old favorites, assign tunes to un-decorating. A scented candle would be nice too! Decide what will be more enjoyable (or less unpleasant)…including the family in this or not.
Contain decorations by room or type; all family room in one labeled bin, living room decorations in another, all greenery in another, etc.
Consider taking down the tree as a separate task. Take a break after un-decorating or do it on a different assigned day.
Refresh the House
Keep the house from feeling bare by treating yourself to some fresh flowering house plants and a pretty wreath on the front door. Also look through your cabinets or discount stores for anything that shines. A little extra reflected light goes a long way through darker winter days ahead.
Terry founded TLC Home, LLC in 2008 as a Professional Organizer logging hundreds of hours helping individuals get comfortable and functional in their homes. Terry knows how to make a home attractive too! She soon added staging to her services and became an ASP certified Stager in 2012. 
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