5 tips for holiday organization, according to Netflix's "The Home Edit" stars

While the 2020 holiday season is a little different this year thanks to a pandemic, there are still a few commonalities with years past—one being the rather unforgiving theme of clutter chaos. Where do I put all the Christmas decorations? Where can I store all the holiday wrapping paper until next year? I’ve loads of holiday cards: Should I keep them or toss them?

Lucky for you, we know where to turn for answers. We talked to Nashville-based home organization mavens and stars of Get Organized with The Home Edit on Netflix Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin for advice on how to contain the clutter this holiday season.

Whether you’re utilizing their handy collection from The Container Store or you’re going your own route, here are the duo’s top five tips for staying organized during the holiday season.

1. Create a gift-wrapping station

If there’s ever been a season for Santa’s sleigh to brim with creatively wrapped gifts, it’s 2020. Pull out all the stops (aka, handmade wrapping paper and fancy bows) for the inevitable contactless porch drop off of these gorgeous packages.

But, with all these wrapping papers and accouterments, one can go mad without a little organization. So, keep your gift decorations under wraps—literally.

Teplin says, “Create a gift wrapping station on the back of a closet door, using an over-the-door rack. This will maximize your space and offer easy accessibility.”

The Home Edit team loves The Container Store’s Elfa systems, because they are customizable to fit your needs, including storage for not just rolls of gift wrap, but also cards, ribbons, and other supplies.

2. Contain the cards

Tame the mail madness by organizing (or, even—gasp—tossing) your holiday cards from loved ones, once the season is over.

If you’re the sentimental type and save all your annual customized correspondences, Shearer suggests clearing the paper clutter by either scanning them as digital copies or sorting them by year in stackable storage boxes.

3. Take care with your tableware

Even though get-togethers aren’t on this year’s calendar, bringing out your fine holiday tableware for your intimate at-home affair can help make things special.

After feasting, and then washing, use labels to keep your plates organized as you’re packing them up until they return in 2021.

Teplin says, “When you have glass or ceramic accents or tableware for holiday get-togethers, store them in stackable china storage cases or wrap each item tightly in foam packing sheets before placing them in a labeled bin.”

4. Store your stuff like a seasoned pro

Decorating for the holidays creates less of a headache when you have a go-to place for all the seasonal items. Stockings, pillows, tablecloths, and tree skirts can either be stored in stackable bins, or if you don’t have the room, vacuum-sealed bags, according to Shearer.

“The containers can be labeled in two different ways,” she says, “by room or by item. If you tend to keep it routine, labeling by room will help in the unpacking process.”

5. Plan ahead if you like things in their places

Before you start packing up your holiday decorations, Teplin suggests snapping a few photos of your decorated rooms that you can use as a quick reference for next year. This is a great strategy for creatures of habit. A basic brag book offers easy access to your holiday design plan.

“It will simplify the unpacking process when you can visually see what you have and where it needs to go,” she says.