Helpful information for Oklahomans from wheat fields to city streets.
01/01/2023
Now that the holiday season has come to a close, it’s also time for the task of taking down all the lights, greenery and decor of the holidays! This may not be as fun as it was to deck the halls at the start of winter, but don’t rush through it. Organizing and storing your decorations properly can make the next round of holiday decorating easier, safer and stress-free. Here are five tips to store and organize your holiday decor:
First, go through all of your decorations and dispose of any that are broken or damaged. When taking down light strands, check the cords to see if they are cut, frayed or bent out of shape. Check ornaments and decor for any chipped or shattered pieces that could cause cuts. If they can’t or won’t be repaired by the next holiday, safely dispose of these items! This will save space and prevent any potential safety hazards.
Use a ladder and gloves while removing outdoor lights, and consider having a friend or family member give you a hand. Once they’re down, take the time to carefully wrap and store your lights. There’s nothing worse than going to deck the halls and realizing your lights are broken or horribly tangled! Consider wrapping lights around a piece of cardboard or through a PVC pipe to keep the lights organized and protected until next year.
Many people store items in attics or garages where the temperature isn’t as well-regulated as it may be inside your home. Make sure any decorations you’re storing are ready to face changing temperatures throughout the year. A couple of easy ways to keep your items safe: wrap up or bag any decorations that could be damaged by water, ensure outdoor decorations are fully dry before storing, and remove batteries to be repurposed or stored separately to prevent corrosion.
Sort your decorations into categories, such as tree ornaments, lights, garlands, etc. and use clear plastic storage containers to store your decorations. This will allow you to easily see what’s inside and save time searching for specific items. Label each container with the contents to make it even easier to find what you need.
Store your decorations in a dry, cool place that is out of reach of children and pets and check the area for safety hazards before you put everything away. Having all the boxes and bins out of the way means it’s the perfect time to look around for any water damage, mold or mildew, or potential fire hazards that may have come up since last year. If you’re storing items in an attic, check the pull-down ladder for cracks or damage, as they can become safety hazards as they age and need to be replaced from time to time.
Now you’re ready to organize your holiday decor! Whether you’re a long-time policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we have team members who can help. If you have questions or concerns that you want to discuss, connect with your local OKFB agent today. If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your home, auto, commercial and life insurance needs.
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