5 Tips for Easier Holiday Decorating
The holiday season is one of the most magical times of the year—but let’s be honest, it can also be one of the most stressful. Between preparing gifts, planning meals, and taking care of all the extras, decorating your home can quickly turn from a fun tradition into a daunting task. The good news? With a few smart strategies, you can simplify the process and still make your space sparkle with festive charm. Here are five easy tips to take the hassle out of holiday decorating, so you can spend less time untangling lights and more time enjoying the season.
Store Wisely
Store decorations by season, room, or category in labeled bins or boxes. When it’s time to decorate, you can grab exactly what you need without rummaging through everything. Plus: If you store decorations for several holidays, color code the bins for greater ease, such as pink for Easter, orange for Halloween, blue for Hanukkah, and red for Christmas.Guide Future Set-up with Pictures and Notes
Love the way your decorations look? Snap a photo for reference next year; your future self will thank you! You can also put notes in the storage boxes to guide set up in future years.Pre-Check Lights and Power Sources
Test all lights before hanging them, and make sure extension cords and outlets are in good shape. This prevents the classic frustration of discovering dead lights after they’re on the tree. (To ensure safety, look for the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) mark on all power strips.)Use Timers and Smart Plugs
Set lights to turn on/off automatically, or use an extension cord with an on/off foot switch. It saves energy and means you don’t have to crawl under the tree or reach behind furniture every night.Weed Out What You Don’t Use
As you sort through your decorations, think about those you no longer use. Is it time to let go? Set them aside for consideration when you’re packing up for the season. It’s so much easier to decorate when you’re not rummaging through items that no longer inspire you.