After-Christmas organizing tips

After the last gift has been unwrapped, the Christmas cookies have been eaten and “Auld Lang Syne” has been sung, it’s time — groan — to pack up all the holiday decorations.

Boxfli, a Costa Mesa store specializing in boxes, packing and shipping, has provided storage tips so that when it comes time to decorate again next year, not a minute will be wasted sorting through a disorganized mess.

Make use of the boxes: Store holiday décor, holiday cookie cutters and other seasonal supplies in leftover gift boxes. Boxes that come in holiday colors or a holiday print will stand out in storage when you need to find them next year. Also, boxes can be used to transport your favorite holiday cookies or appetizer to the next party. Fold any remaining boxes flat so they can be stored and used again.

Color-code your decorations. You will know exactly which room the decorations are for, and you can take the boxes to that room and unpack there rather than unpacking first and sorting afterward. When you are done, you know what fits in each box, so storing it is just as easy.

What to do with holiday clothing: Christmas sweaters, pajamas, scarves and other items that you wear only during the holidays should be stored in Christmas shirt boxes in your closet so they don’t get in the way of clothing that you need all the time. If your closet is small, move storage items or off-season clothes out of the closet. Put them in pretty boxes that can be displayed on a bookshelf in another room like an office. No one has to know what’s in the boxes, and they can add a pop of color to the room.