For most of us, having to pack away the Christmas decorations, leftover food and a multitude of children's toys following the festivities is something we dread. When you've spent an evening forcing the tired-looking Christmas tree back into its box and wrestling the tangled fairy lights into submission, it can leave you feeling jaded.
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Planning ahead
After a hectic December, most of us feel like lying on the settee and chilling out, but someone has to tidy the house and get ready for the New Year. Instead of tackling everything in a haphazard fashion, why not get organised in advance this year? Having a plan can save time when packing away your decorations and other Christmas items, so it doesn't become such a massive chore.
Now's the time to invest in some clever solutions and learn how to box clever when it comes to putting your house back in order. Put in the work now, and it will make it so much easier next year when it comes to unpacking your decorations again.
Rummaging around in tatty cardboard boxes in the attic will become a thing of the past after you invest in some purpose-made storage boxes, so you'll know exactly where everything is. Although it may seem a little early to be thinking about Christmas 2020, your future self will thank you when the time comes!
Tree lights
One of the most time-consuming and stressful jobs is trying to untangle the Christmas tree lights, especially if you have more than one set. Keep them tangle-free by packing them away properly after Christmas, so it's easier to unravel them the following year. Simply putting them in a box won't necessarily keep them neat.
First, wrap the lights around an empty kitchen roll tube, securing the ends by wrapping clingfilm around them. Then, put them in a clear plastic box with a lid, so they will stay neat ready for next time.
Decorations
Invest in boxes of various sizes to store your decorations, including Christmas tree baubles, tinsel, wreaths and any larger arrangements. You need boxes that will last a long time, so it's worth buying durable, sturdy options. Don’t rely on an old shoebox!
The Really Useful range of boxes lives up to its name, as there are many different shapes and sizes that will last for many years.
Rather than having to wrap each bauble individually in tissue paper or newspaper, you can buy boxes with individual compartments to make your life much easier.
If you have an artificial Christmas tree, it can be hard getting it to fit back into its box, so use the gift ribbon leftover from Christmas to tie the branches down before you even attempt it.
Toys
It's inevitable that any children in the family will have received plenty of toys for Christmas. By New Year, you'll be looking for somewhere to store them, as even the most enthusiastic kids can't possibly play with all their toys, all of the time.
Invest in a large plastic trunk that can be stored tidily in the bottom of the wardrobe when the toys aren't in use. This will enable you to vacuum without breaking your leg as you fall over the Harry Potter Lego bus, Simba from the Lion King and the numerous other toy cars and dolls that will otherwise litter your lounge floor.
Food leftovers
Don't end up throwing away leftover food because you prepared too much. When stored properly in food-quality plastic containers, you can keep it until it's needed.
Separate the different cooked meats, sausage rolls, pork pies, pigs in blankets, gravy, vol-au-vents, puddings, cakes, desserts and other perishable goodies and freeze them until you're ready to eat them.
When Christmas is over, don't let the cleaning up operation spoil your time off.
The Solent Plastics team would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Tidy New Year!