Spectrum Organizing

With the holidays behind us and a sparkling new year ahead, it’s fun to spend this time imagining new possibilities for 2012, not only for our lives, but for our homes as well.

Take this opportunity to reevaluate your current storage solutions while gathering your holiday decorations to put away. Keep in mind that holiday items are only used a few weeks, but take up storage space 11 months of the year. Consider the following insights to improve the efficiency of your seasonal storage.

1.  Wrap strands of lights around cardboard to prevent tangling and store in a sturdy plastic container. Extension cords used with the lights can be included in the same container to expedite next year’s holiday decorating. (image via bhg.com)
2.  Fragile keepsake ornaments can be stored safely in an ornament storage box by Snapware® which includes 3 modular stackable trays with dividers that separate and hold up to 48 ornaments.
3. Store long rolls of gift wrapping paper in a storage box that slides easily under a bed. (Iris Gift Wrap Box via irisusashop.com)
4.  Conveniently store sterling silver and silver-plated holiday ornaments and tableware in zippered bags or flapped pouches that prevent tarnish! They’re offered in a variety of sizes by SilverGuard and are surprisingly affordable.
5.  Shred leftover remnants of gift wrapping paper to cushion fragile holiday ornaments for storage. (image via redbookmag.com)
6.  Containers designed with straight sides can help maximize your storage space. They hold more in the same space than containers with tapered sides. Visibly label each storage container with a description of its contents for quick and easy identification. Make good use of those little silica gel packets found in your shoe boxes. Drop them into your storage containers to absorb moisture that may occur, especially in humid climates.

Some of your newly acquired gifts from the holiday season may require new storage strategies if you’re unable to find places for them in your home. While making room for your new things, there’s no better time to enhance the style and functionality of your closets and other storage systems.

1. Slim velvet flocked hangers are only a quarter of an inch thick and designed to maximize your closet’s hanging space. The non-slip feature is a bonus. (image via Container Store)
2. Storing handbags in storage ottomans or a storage bench at the foot of your bed can free up valuable closet space and provide additional seating. (image via decorpad.com)
3. Houndstooth upholstered storage bench (image via Elle Decor)

Regard your storage spaces as actual rooms. Make thoughtful choices in the details with lighting, paint color, and storage furnishings that coordinate. These areas include, but are not limited to closets for clothing, linens, and household supplies. Think creatively and incorporate labels as a design element. Labels help to ensure that items are easily found and returned to their proper places.

1. Labeled roll-out shelves help accessories stay organized and easy to find at a glance. (image via bhg.com)
2. Shelf labels designate specific spots to store different categories of clothing in your closet. (image via Real Simple)
3. Linen closet shelf labels encourage family members to return items to their designated spots and stay beautifully organized. (image via marthastewart.com)