Materials for Prepping the Area
- Old Sheet
- Towels
- Tissue Paper, Used Gift Wrap Or Old Socks
- Liquor Boxes With Dividers
- Egg Cartons
- Plastic Containers
- Rubber Bands, Twist Ties, Pipe Cleaners
- Masking Tape
- Labels
- Markers
- Cardboard Sheet or Paper Towel Rolls
- Turkey Baster
- Baking Soda
- Step Ladder
- Zip Lock Bags
Prep the Area
1) Put a large sheet on the ground. This is to catch any needles and to make disposing
the tree easier.
2) Next nestle old towels right under the tree. This is to catch any ornaments that
may fall
3) Gather all your materials together and organize them.
Store the Ornaments
1) Start at the bottom and remove all the ornaments carefully wrapping them in
tissue paper, old socks or bubble wrap. Nestle them in layers in sturdy shoe or shirt
boxes, egg cartons and/or clear plastic bins.
TIP: Shredded paper makes good insulation
2) Work your way up to the top.
3) Keep hooks on to make hanging easier next year.
4) Use a sturdy step ladder to remove the top ornaments and hand off to a partner
5) Group smaller non-fragile ornaments into zip lock bags.
6) You can get containers that are made especially for storing ornaments at container
stores, craft stores etc. There are foam bags that protect the ornaments, acid free
boxes for archival quality ornaments and all materials you need to keep it well
organized.
7) Label everything to make next year’s decorating much easier.
TIP: Use dry erase tape and cut it to size and label it but you can erase and change
it later.
TIP: ContainerStore.com has all the materials you need to make the job organized
and efficient
TIP: Organize a party to make taking down Christmas as festive as putting it up
TIP: Keep hooks on to make hanging easier
TIP: Sturdy plastic containers make stacking easier and protect ornaments from moisture
LIGHTS:
1) Roll around flat sheets of cardboard or empty wrapping paper or paper towel rolls,
or you can get clear bins that come with light spools.
2) Or wrap around your elbow and secure with masking tape. Then they are in easy loops for stringing next year.
WHAT IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE TREE IN THE HOUSE?
Work on one tree at time and keep all the ornaments for that tree together.
And label them: Family Room Tree or Hallway Tree to make next year’s decorating easier.
Dispose of the Tree
1) First, remove left over water using a turkey-baster. Then dry out the stand with
paper towels.
2) Lay the tree down on the old sheet and with your buddy, pull it taught to create a
giant sling.
3) Carry it out to the curb for your regular tree pickup.
RECYCLE: Find out where you can recycle trees in your area. Most communities have programs for chipping and recycling the trees.
TreeTowne.com and Earth911.org have recycling options for your tree DANGER: NEVER BURN A TREE IN YOUR FIREPLACE!
Clean Up
TO REMOVE NEEDLES STUCK IN THE CARPET:
First sweep up with a broom and dustpan. Then sprinkle baking soda on the area
before vacuuming to help the needles slide out easily.
