Project Clean Up 2025...Week 1: Organize Holiday Wraps/Stockings/Christmas Cards

Well, I flew through the first week of "Project Clean Up" 2025. My wrapping station is in my Master Bedroom and lets just say, it looks like a mixture of wrap, bows and boxes exploded all over my room. That's right! For an entire month, my room is the hideaway for all things Christmas wrapping. Bags, Boxes, Rolls of Wrap, Tissue Paper...oh my! What's funny about this sad scene is that it is my favorite place at Christmas! There is nothing better than taking my seat, turning on my fave wrap movie, The Family Stone and locking myself away for hours at a time. Kids...find your own entertainment for the night.

 

I just LOVE wrapping!! I do! It ranks right up there with matching socks. (Side note: I love to match socks too) Each gift is wrapped with that individual in mind. From the design of the wrap to how it's wrapped to the ribbon and gift dangle. I put as much time into my wrapping as I do finding just the right gift. Gift bags, gift card holders...they all have their own place as well. I love handing these gifts off to the recipient and see them unwrap! It's worth every second 💓

When January begins, so does my Clean Up which lasts 52 weeks. Week 1 is all about cleaning out, adding to and freshening up my gift wrap bins before sending them on their trek to the garage for the next 11 months. 

First is going through the rolls of wrap. I graduated from a tall box to a tall plastic bin this year. Unfortunately, I cannot fit a lid on this bin. Planning is always on the mind and one day, that bin will magically appear before me at a store. The first job is to look through the wrap and rid any rolls that don't have much left, are no longer a pattern I want to go with or just have not been used at all and won't be. If I have had a pattern for 2 years and haven't used, it goes to the sell pile. I also send wrap from the year that I only have 1 roll left of. I have certain patterns I like to go with per year and they do not always match for the following year. 

 

These rolls are heading out to sell. 

Gift Boxes: I do remove all pieces of tape, match with their bottoms and throw out any torn ones. I have many sizes, but they are all in a nice order. 

I had heck of gift boxes to get rid of this year. I didn't buy much last year, but used a ton this year so I stocked up big time the day after Christmas. Unbelievably, I think everyone gave me back the boxes to reuse and I ended up with an over abundance! 

 

Needless to say, selling off some...

 

Next, I go through my gift bag bin and stack in order by size. Just a few thrown out due to tears. 

 

Next is the gift card holders. I have sleeves, cards, tins, etc....Aren't some of these just adorable? Mini mailboxes, Sweaters and even Santa's wallet. 

 

 

 

Could you just scream in a baby voice?!! 

 

 

 

I do get rid of a few if they are not used over time or if I bought a large package and have too many. Off to the sell pile for these...

 

 

 

 Some fabric ones...aren't they so cute? 

 

 

 

Then you have the paper ones. These are all duplicates. I wouldn't give up all of the cute ones..trust. 

 

 

 

 

 These are my package dangles. You see Christmas tree ornaments, I see a beautifully decorated gift! I buy these on clearance the day after Christmas and watch out for unique ones here and there throughout the year. It's like giving a little gift...with the gift! I just love giving that extra smile, especially around the holidays. 

Sometimes, I don't use all of them and sort through what I have and put into the sell pile. Someone else may be able to use. Now sometimes, I purchase large bags of items and only want a few so what's left also goes up for sale. Here is my sale pile for this year...

 

 

 

 

I have to admit something right here and now. I am a gift tag hoarder. I said it. Not purposely. I always think I am out of tags so I pick more up. Then, pick more up. Then...well, lets just say, there are A TON. I purchase sheets of stick ons, but have also had the old fashioned ones you can tape on for years. I also cut old Christmas cards to use. Ok! I have a problem, I know. I went through my bin and got rid of a few. Here is the highlighted group I got rid of...a real blast from my past! 

I mean, I am 48. Probably about time to pass these onto whichever generation picks up our trends 💗

 

I actually ran low on Christmas cards this year and had to stock up. I only grabbed 2 boxes. Hope it is enough. We usually print a photo that we send out for our closer friends, but keep regular ones on hand as well.  

My tools tin is filled as well. Scissors, tape, pens, markers, ribbon shredders. No searching for anything come next year.

Normally, I pack all of this away and am able to enjoy my bedroom Christmas decor, but due to 2 of my sons getting married this year, I got way behind so the second floor, with the exception of the hallway, did not get decorated. To be fair, our house has 3 livable floors and 2 floors did get decorated (That's 10 rooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 halls decorated) That's one less floor to take down this year.

Week 2 is currently in full swing; Organize All-Occasion Wrap/Gift Bags/ Greeting Cards/Stickers. The good news is, I am able to do it in front of the tv while catching up on some Christmas movies during these snowy months.

See you all at the end of the week! 

Project Clean Up 2022...Week 8: Foyer

I finally got my foyer finished! Can you believe it??? This is the room that everyone enters first and is usually the cleanest room as it is the first seen, but lately, we have had shoes, baseball equipment, band instruments and more dropped in this area. After having a talk with the kids...

I was finally able to get myself back on track. 

This room is not huge, but has very high windows, lots of stairs, flooring, walls and woodwork. That's a lot of wiping and scrubbing. 

Here is how everything was done in this room...

__ Dust and Windex Light Fixtures.

I am not a huge fan of this light fixture, very dated, however it allows just the right amount of light I need for my sales job. It collects a ton of dust so when it is cleaned well, it is definitely noticeable. 

__ Wash walls and trim.

__ Wash doors, knobs and switch plates.

__ Wash door cart. 

__ Clean heating register

We have hot water heat in our house since we live in the middle of nowhere and there is no gas available out here. We have these heat registers in all the rooms. The metal always needs cleaned down and each space between the metal pieces has to be meticiously cleaned out. I use a bamboo skewer to pull the dust between each out. A vaccuum hose will not work, I have found so this is what I do ever year in every room. Takes time for sure. 

__ Clean or replace entry mat. 

__ Sweep and scrub floors.

I love this vinyl that we picked the last time we did flooring. It hides dirt well, but also can stain easy. I hand scrub this whole floor during my clean up. 

Don't forget the stairs. Since these are hardwood, I hand scrub with Murphy's Oil Soap and dry immediately with a towel. These stairs get so tracked up. Whether with shoes or the oils from your bare feet, 10 people in a house can cause a lot of damage. I do what I can to get the dirt cleaned and they look very nice for the year. 

It always looks so nice when finished! 

__ Wash and Windex Windows.

 

This is the biggest job in this room....Windows! Almost the entire foyer is made up of windows. They are so high. I have to stand on the tip top of a 6 ft ladder in many areas to get the full window and the trim above each. This is towards my front door.

 

These are the windows going up the stairs. They get wiped down all year of course, but a thorough wiping is this time of year. 

Dining Room is the next blog to come...

Project Clean Up 2022...Week 7: Coat Closet

So I know I said I would do the Foyer on Week 7, but it is such a large job that I am taking care of the smaller ones first (My OCD is starting to fight me though). Decided to go ahead and tackle the Coat Closet just outside the Powder Room since it is right beside the last room I did. Doors are open and I dive in! 

It never seriously hits me how many people live in my house until I hit this closet. More than one coat per person, especially. I always swear that we never need more than one coat per person, but then you have to count light jackets, wraps, etc...so much! 

No, it's not like that. It is indeed pretty organized because of last year's Project Cleanup, but just so much! 

This closet has all of our coats/jackets, school supplies, coloring books/crayons, a chest of winter scarves/hats/gloves and pool towels.

Here is what you need to do: 

__ Empty out coat closet

__ Dust down walls, wash if able

__ Wash or vacuum floor, whichever is applicable

__ Sort items as you return them to the closet

__ Store out of season items

__ Sell or donate unwanted items

My own additions:

__ Wipe out coloring book bins

__ Check Coloring Books and Art Supplies. Throw out broken crayons, old glue, dry glue sticks, full coloring books. Arrange colored pencils and markers in packs to make sure all are there and get rid of any that are not complete. 

__ Pool towels are checked for holes and those are tossed. What is left is folded neatly and stacked in 2 columns on the right of the baskets.

__ Clean out mini wooden chest. Keep winter gear needed, remove items no longer needed and place into yard sale bin.

__ Check Preschool/Elementary supplies bins. Wipe out bins. Check that all items are in bins for homework; crayons, markers, colored pencils, pencils, eraser, pencil sharpener, glue stick and scissors. 

__ Check school supplies used throughout the year; book covers, mini packs of tissues, mini bottles of antibacterial hand gel.

__ Bin for pencils/pens. Check that all pens still work. Get rid of excessive amounts of both that have gained over time and toss any pens that no longer work. 

__ Bin for mini flags that go on the hanger in the rock garden. Check that all are still to be kept.

__ Seasonal Headpieces. Check that all are still in good order. 

__ Neatly store box of chalk and textbooks to the right of bins

__ Neatly store box of chalk and textbooks to the right of bins

I am not going to say which room will be done next because I keep changing it, but it will either be the Dining Room, Den or Foyer. I guess it will be a surprise....ha! 

See you next time! 

 

Project Clean Up 2022...Week 6: Powder Room

Running behind, but determined to get these blogs up! I decided to switch Week 6 and 7 and did my Powder Room first (Foyer will be Week 7) I really needed to get this room clean and cleaned well. 

So, although a small room, there is a lot of detail to clean in here because as we all know...

Walls, Ceiling, Baseboards, Heater, Sink Cabinet, Sink, Toilet and Floors....it all gets hit! 

Here are the steps (beyond the normal ones) for a beautiful powder room...

__ Open windows

__ Empty all cabinets and vanity. Wash inside, replace items neatly. Discard expired medications and cosmetics if needed. Make list of any items running low. Fold hand towels and stack neatly. 

__ Wash outside of cabinets and vanities.

__ Clean toilet, inside and out. Remove seat and clean around seat bolts.

__ Clean sink drain.

__ Shine faucets.

__ Clean mirror and frame.

__ Dust light fixtures. My light fixtures have glass shades, cleaned the glass, change bulbs if needed. 

__ Wash windows and window sills. Take out and wash window screens.

__ Wash switch plates. Wash walls and trim. Wash doors and door knobs.

__ Wash floor registers and other vent covers.

__ Sweep and wash floors.

__Reseal grout lines if necessary.

__ Wash curtain, toilet cover and rug.

__ Scrub trash can or purchase new one.

Added my own items as well...

__ Replace soap.

__ Change out magazines in rack. 

__ Replace toilet scrub brush.

__ Put out fresh hand towels.

__ Buy new 1st floor toothbrushes, toothpaste and individual plastic closing cases for each. Label.

__ Stock first aid kit.

__ Stock toilet paper. 

A shot from the hall into the powder room...

The cabinet has all of our necessities. Everything gets pulled out and cabinet gets scrubbed down. A list has to be made for restocks. New toothbrushes in cases. Also, add items that need replaced in first aid kit.

I wanted to find a better place to keep extra rolls of toilet paper and came across this great basket that will hold around 3 rolls so, grabbed it up! 

When I originally redesigned this bathroom, I knew I wanted a magazine rack that looked like a work of art. This record holder needed nothing done to it and fit the bill. I change out magazines every few months so there is always something fresh to read.

 

Onto Week 7....Foyer! 

Project Clean Up 2022...Week 5: Great Room

 So, who feels absolutely lazy and ready for a nap when it is cold and snowy out? 

I swear that starting my Project Cleanup in the wintertime is sometimes the hardest decision, but in order to get it all done, the time is exactly right! 

Excuse the mantle. When I took the pics, I was getting ready to bring out Valentine decor and had one piece up that I had created during a craft night, but you get the just of the room. Some people say that I am a minimilist. I guess I do kind of fall in that category. I do like the room to look lived in, with a hint of museum neatness. 

This room is very well lived in. My kids scatter crumbs and spill drinks. I pull wrappers out of the cushions sometimes and I run a business a few days every 2 weeks in this room. You can imagine how often I broom sweep, dust...it can become quite a mess if not kept up on. This is a great time to really get down to the nitty gritty of the room. 

A few other angles of the Great Room...

So, as I've told you before, this room is big. I mean, BIG. It is the room with the highest ceiling, tall walls, lots of windows, ceiling beams, lots of furniture, fireplace and hardwood floors. Here is how I made it all happen...

__Vacuum sofas

__Spot clean sofas, if applicable

__Febreze Sofas and any pillows that cannot be laundered

__Launder throw pillows and blankets

I just love a clean, fluffed sofa! Decorative holiday pillows coming soon. 

I am totally loving my new coffee table decor, actually just moved from one area to another. These items were once down underneath my tv stand where you could just barely see them. 2 photography books, an old camera and an old wooden box. The box now houses my remote controls so it serves a purpose which I love! I am all about everything having a purpose. 

__Dust shelves, furniture and decor

__Touch up black furniture with marker

Now for a few new pieces...

After dusting this shelf, I added the blue flash piece. I had one identcal here, but it had fallen off of the shelf and cracked. I bought a box of photography accessories from an auction and was very excited to find not only 1, but 2 identical ones (now I have an extra) 

Another new "retro" camera added to my collection after dusting down this shelf. 

Check out these nice vintage jars that were made for editing back in the day. Perfect  "new to me" decor pieces...

I had this camera, but I grabbed a jar and filled it with hallogen bulbs for a cool look. 

This is what the lower portion of my tv stand looks like. I clean and touch up all black furniture with a marker so it looks like new again. The right shelf once housed the items that are now on my coffee table. These 2 baskets are new. The right basket holds magazines and the left one is still up in the air. Will figure it out. 

__Clean lamps and lampshades

__Wash windows and sills

__Take down curtains and handwash, dry, rehang

These are the windows towards the back of our room, towards the pool area. There are 3 other high windows in the front of the room, but these are the only curtains that have to be taken down, handwashed and dried. 

__Take out and wash window screens

__Clean TV screen

__Carefully dust electronics

__Tidy electronics wires. Tuck nicely out of sight. Label them, if practical.

__Sort dvd's in basket under coffee table. Keep any under that are currently watching, put others back in dvd cabinet. 

__Wash switch plates

__Wash walls and trim as needed

For anyone who has never seen this (I use on my stove) or used for other areas, did you know it will get scuffs off of your walls? Be very careful if you have colorful painted walls as it can remove paint if pressed too hard, but it is amazing with scuffs and marks (it's good for your tennis shoes as well) 

__Wash doors and door knobs

__Wash floor registers and other vent covers. Hose sweep as far down in vent as possible. 

__Clean floors; broom sweep, shopvac sweep cracks of plank wood. Mop, Dry. 

We have plank wood flooring so I get the Shop Vac going and sweep thoroughly between the cracks. That is when you really have that feeling of the room being clean. 

__Vacuum area rugs 

__Sweep cobwebs and stink bugs out of fireplace

Onto Week 6: Foyer.

See you next week! 

Project Clean Up 2022...Week 4: Organize Gift Bins

I always love this week of this cleanup since it requires organization of my notebook. Gifts Organization and let me tell you....

Gifts....Gifts Everywhere! 

 Let me let you in on what my gift bins are:

I buy all year long. I begin the day after Christmas and watch out all year for just the right gifts. You never know when you will find that "ultimate" item (and at a great price too) It really saves money and time as you get closer to Christmas.

So, here is my system. Each member of my family has an 18 gallon Rubbermaid type bin that I keep in my garage (younger ones have 2 due to sizes of toys)

Each bin has their initials added to the end. Simple black marker written on an index card and attached with packing tape or get your own self stick labels...you know your storage space, have at it!

I am lucky. My four car garage is a meca of bins so watch out!!! Could you imagine if the kids were able to get to them? That are stacked 4 bins up just to be on the safe side. Who knows what they may do? Attack the toys or just go full force for the bin...

I keep a notebook of all items bought. Just a 70 sheet spiral notebook written in pen. Example of my pages:

Pg 1: Mom
Pg 2: Dad
Etc...

One of these will suffice. 

After Christmas, the gifts used have been crossed out and others need to be written if purchased after Christmas. I love to get it written down immediately and put away, but sometimes I have to do a quick run to the garage and items do end up out of place sometimes so this week is an imperative week of organizing.

If you would like to have a gift system (and save money in the long run) here are your instructions:

**1 Bin per Immediate Family Member

-Label each end with their initials (index card with marker, tape on with clear packing tape)
-Store all gifts per person in their designated bin (includes gifts and clothing)
-Keep a large Ziploc bag in each bin for smaller items so they don't get overlooked (stocking and basket stuffers, jewelry)

I also have one bin for my extended family (all go in this one together...Mom, Dad, Sisters, etc...) and my husband has 1 bin that covers his extended family.

In the notebook: 

One page per person.
List all gifts on the front of one page.
List all Clothing on the top part of the back side of that page.
List all small stocking/basket stuffers on the lower part of the back side of that page.

Keep notebook and pen in a place in the same area as your bins so you will remember to immediately write down and stay on track.

My notebook seems to go on forever so gifts can get moved around a bit to other people or even knocked completely off if not used in a reasonable amount of time. If that happens, I determine whether to keep in extra bins (*read about these a few paragraphs down) or it goes into a yard sale box.

If you already have this system, simply go through and make sure all items are written down and placed into their designated bins. Be sure to check what you currently have and make sure it still falls under that designated person. Example...are they still within range for a board game waiting in their bin to be gifted, etc...

Be sure to shop all year for Christmas, Birthdays, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day and any other holidays!

I also keep extra bins; Women, Men, Girl's, Boys. When I come across nice items for a great price, they are roaring and ready to go for a last minute birthday party, host gift, etc...Also, a place I put items that I choose to keep on hand that were originally purchased for a family member and then never gifted.

Happy Organizing!

I am now in week 5...Great Room cleaning and organization. See you next week!