Step 6: Holiday Linens - Keep 'em fresh!
If you love to decorate your house extensively for the holidays, you probably have a variety of different holiday linens: tablecloths, napkins, towels, blankets and throws, rugs, and more. But what should you do with all these items during the off season? Cardboard boxes are not a good option, because they can draw moisture and insects. Unless you want moth-eaten table runners, steer clear of corrugated storage. Plastic storage bins are a better option, because they do keep out moisture. (If your storage area is particularly damp, you may want to throw in a few silica gel packs in each plastic bin to absorb any moisture that might get in).
Another option is to use a vacuum seal bag, like the one shown above in the picture on the right. There are several different brands of these bags on the market. They are basically a large zippered plastic storage bag that has a round flanged spot where you attach your vacuum and suck all the air out of the bag. It’s pretty amazing how these bags can compress a large pile of linens. If you have limited space for storage, this might be a really good option for you. On the downside, however, when you go to bring them out of storage, everything in the bag will be horribly wrinkled, and will probably have to be washed, dried, and ironed before use.
If you are fortunate enough not to be cramped for space in your home, you might consider clearing out one shelf in your linen closet for holiday linens. A top shelf works well because it’s usually far enough out of reach that you wouldn’t want to put day-to-day use items up there anyway. If you want to keep your linens from getting dusty on the top shelf of the linen closet, try storing them in large plastic zippered bags, such as the ones that pillowcases and sheet sets usually come in.
Regardless of how you choose to store your holiday linens, it’s always a good idea to place a scented dryer sheet or two between layers of fabric before packing them away into storage. This will keep the fabrics smelling nice, and it will also help keep moths and other insects away during the year.
Step-By-Step Tutorials:
Step 1: Out With The Old!
Step 2: Store the Tree
Step 3: Tangles of Holiday Lights
Step 4: Protecting your Christmas Tree Ornaments
Step 5: Got Greenery?
Step 6: Holiday Linens - Keep 'em fresh!
Step 7: Wrap It Up - Wrapping Paper & Supplies
Step 8: All That Other Stuff - Candles & Misc. Accessories
More Great Ways to Organize Your Holidays:
Create a Holiday Organization Notebook
Create an “Open First for Christmas” box
Use an old dresser as your Holiday Organization Center
Create a Decorating Tool Kit
Set up a Wrapping Station in your home
Create a Wrapping Supply Hamper
Year Round Christmas Organizing
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