Tidy Up Your Holiday Season With These Simple & Smart Organizing Ideas

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and occasional chaos. Between decking the halls and wrapping gifts, it can feel like there is too much to do and not enough time to do it. The good news? With a little planning and organization, you can transform holiday stress into holiday cheer.

Today, we will explore how to set up efficient decorating and gift-wrapping stations to keep your festivities running smoothly.

From practical tips to creative solutions, these tips will make this your most organized holiday season yet.

Why Organization Matters During the Holidays

The holidays often bring a flurry of activity, from hosting parties to attending events. Staying organized can save you time when decorating or wrapping gifts. It also minimizes frustration by keeping supplies easily accessible. And it enhances the overall enjoyment of holiday preparations.

An organized approach also allows you to focus on what truly matters: spending quality time with loved ones and creating lasting memories. When everything is in its place, you will feel more relaxed and ready to embrace the holiday spirit.

Setting Up a Holiday Decorating Station

Designate a Dedicated Space

Choose a specific area in your home to house all your holiday decorating supplies. A spare room, a corner in the garage, or even a section of a large closet can work well. Having everything in one place reduces the need to hunt for missing items.

Use clear storage bins labeled by category (e.g., “Tree Ornaments,” “String Lights,” “Wreaths”) for easy identification. Stack bins neatly to maximize space, and consider using shelving units if you have a large collection of decor. If space is tight, vacuum-sealed bags can be a lifesaver for compressing items like garlands and tree skirts.

Take Inventory Before You Start

Before unpacking decorations, take stock of what you already have. Create a checklist or take photos to document your inventory, which can help plan next year. This stops you from buying the same thing twice          . 

Test string lights to make sure they work, and replace any missing bulbs. Discard broken items or set them aside for repair. If you are crafty, consider repurposing damaged pieces into DIY projects or ornaments.

Organize by Zones

Divide your decorating tasks into zones. Some of these zones might include tree decorating, outdoor décor, and indoor accents. Place items for each zone in separate bins or containers to streamline the setup. For example, keep all tree ornaments, hooks, and garland in one bin labeled “Tree Supplies.” 

For outdoor décor, store extension cords, timers, and outdoor-safe items together. Having a specific container for each area ensures you can decorate one section at a time without rummaging through unrelated items.

Make It Accessible

Store frequently used items in easy-to-reach places. For instance, keep hooks for hanging wreaths and a step stool nearby for putting up lights. Use stackable bins or under-bed storage for smaller spaces, and label everything clearly so you can grab what you need at a glance. 

If you decorate in stages, ensure the next set of supplies is readily available when you are ready to continue. A small caddy or basket with your most-used tools (like scissors, tape, and extra hooks) can be a handy addition.

Post-Holiday Packing Plan

Think ahead to the end of the season. Use color-coded bins (e.g., red and green for Christmas) for simple storage. Wrap fragile items in tissue paper, bubble wrap, or even recycled holiday paper to keep them safe. Label each bin clearly with its contents and the zone it belongs to (e.g., “Indoor Decor” or “Tree Supplies”). 

For lights, consider using a cord reel or wrapping them around a piece of cardboard to prevent tangling. Keeping an inventory list inside each bin can also help for quick unpacking next year.

Creating a Gift-Wrapping Station

Choose the Perfect Spot

A gift-wrapping station does not need to take up much space. A small table, an unused desk, or even a corner of your dining table can work. The key is to make it a dedicated space where everything you need is within reach. 

Choose a spot with good lighting and enough surface area to spread out your materials comfortably. If possible, position the station near an outlet to easily plug in a hot glue gun or charge your phone to look up DIY gift-wrapping ideas.

Gather Essential Supplies

No gift-wrapping station is complete without the right tools. Stock your area with a variety of wrapping paper rolls to suit different occasions and styles. Include a selection of gift bags and tissue paper for quick solutions. Keep sharp scissors and plenty of tape on hand, as these are the backbone of any wrapping project. 

Add flair with ribbons, bows, and gift tags, and do not forget pens or markers for labeling. A ruler can help ensure precise cuts, and using a pegboard or wall hooks to hang ribbons and scissors can keep everything tidy and within reach. For extra convenience, consider adding a tape dispenser and small containers for tiny items like spare tags and twist ties.

Keep It Organized

Organization is key to keeping your gift-wrapping station functional. Use containers or baskets to categorize your supplies. For example, keep all gift tags and pens in a small box, while a larger bin can hold ribbons and bows. Store wrapping paper rolls in a vertical organizer or a bin designed to prevent them from unrolling. 

Drawer organizers are excellent for separating smaller tools like scissors, tape, and markers. Clear containers can make it easy to see what you have at a glance, saving you time when working on multiple gifts. If you have space, dedicate a drawer or shelf for additional items like spare batteries for light-up decorations or adhesive hooks for tricky wrapping jobs.

Make It Portable

For those with limited space, a portable gift-wrapping station can be a game-changer. Use a rolling cart with multiple tiers to store all your essentials. The top tier can hold tools like scissors, tape, and pens, while the middle tier is perfect for ribbons and bows. Use the bottom tier for heavier items like rolls of wrapping paper and gift bags. 

This setup allows you to move your station wherever it is needed, whether it is the living room, bedroom, or even closer to the tree for last-minute wrapping. Add a cutting mat or a small foldable table to create a stable wrapping surface.

Think Eco-Friendly

Adding an eco-friendly twist to your wrapping routine can make the holidays more sustainable. Choose recyclable wrapping paper or reusable gift bags made from fabric or sturdy materials. Kraft paper is another excellent option, offering a blank canvas for creative touches like hand-drawn designs, stamps, or stenciled patterns. 

Instead of traditional bows, try embellishing packages with natural elements like twine, dried orange slices, or sprigs of greenery. You can even reuse old maps or newspapers as unique and stylish wrapping materials. Not only will these choices reduce waste, but they will also make your gifts stand out under the tree.

Bonus Tips for Staying on Track

Preparing for the holidays can become overwhelming fast. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind as you get things ready:

Create a decorating and wrapping schedule. Plan specific days for decorating and gift wrapping to avoid last-minute scrambles. 

Enlist help. Assign tasks to each person, such as sorting ornaments or cutting wrapping paper. This not only lightens the workload but also creates cherished memories.

Use technology. Apps like Todoist or Trello can help you organize your holiday checklist. Create separate boards or lists for decorating and wrapping to keep everything on track.

Keep spare supplies handy. Always have extra tape, scissors, and gift tags on hand. Running out mid-project can derail your momentum and add unnecessary stress.

A well-organized decorating station and gift-wrapping area can make your holiday preparations much smoother. The key is to plan ahead, keep supplies tidy, and maintain a little flexibility for unexpected surprises. 

Do you know someone who could use our services? If the answer is yes, contact us today about purchasing an Imagine It Done gift card. The gift of organization and peace is always on trend.