We’re thrilled to share that this article was recently featured in Westchester Home Magazine!
As we approach the holiday season, I’m excited to introduce myself to the Westchester community as your local professional organizing and move management expert. I’m Andrea Krohn, owner and founder of LA Move Consultants, and a Certified Virtual Organizing Professional with over a decade of experience helping families throughout Greater Los Angeles create organized, functional spaces.
As the Immediate Past President of NAPO-LA and a specialist in life transitions, I’ve seen firsthand how the extended holiday season—from Halloween through New Year’s—can transform our homes from organized sanctuaries into festive wonderlands, and the unique challenges that come with managing multiple holiday transitions.
The Holiday Marathon Reality
October kicks off what I call the “holiday marathon”—a three-month period where decorations rotate faster than seasons change. Halloween pumpkins give way to Thanksgiving cornucopias, which quickly transform into Christmas trees and Hanukkah menorahs. Each transition brings new decor while the previous holiday’s items need immediate storage solutions.
The Rotation Challenge
Most families underestimate the complexity of managing multiple holiday inventories. Where do the Halloween decorations go when it’s time for Thanksgiving? How do you access Christmas lights when they’re buried behind Halloween storage? The key is creating a seasonal rotation system that anticipates these rapid transitions.
Strategic Seasonal Solutions
Start by designating specific zones for each holiday. Think of your storage area as having “Halloween,” “Thanksgiving,” and “Winter Holidays” neighborhoods. This prevents the common mistake of storing everything together and having to dig through Halloween items to find Christmas ornaments.
Create a master inventory for each holiday with photos. When you’re rushing to transform your home from spooky to thankful to festive, these visual guides become invaluable time-savers.
Smart Transition Techniques
Use clear, stackable containers labeled by both holiday and room location. “Halloween – Front Porch” or “Thanksgiving – Dining Room” eliminates guesswork during busy decorating days.
For items that transition between holidays—like general fall leaves or neutral seasonal linens—create a “multi-holiday” category. These versatile pieces can bridge the gap between celebrations.
The Immediate Storage Rule
Here’s a professional tip: as soon as one holiday ends, immediately store those items in easily accessible containers. Don’t let Halloween decorations sit around “just for a few days” while you prep for Thanksgiving. This creates clutter buildup that makes each subsequent holiday more stressful.
Seasonal Decluttering Opportunities
Each holiday transition is a perfect time to assess what’s working. That plastic pumpkin that looked tired this Halloween? Donate it before storing. The Thanksgiving centerpiece you never used? Pass it along to someone who will appreciate it.
Planning for Success
Create a simple seasonal calendar noting when you typically start decorating for each holiday. This helps you plan storage access and prevents the frustration of realizing your Christmas lights are buried behind other items.
Consider investing in a rolling cart for frequently rotated items. This mobile storage solution can move seasonal essentials from storage to staging area effortlessly.
The Long Game
Remember, successful holiday organizing isn’t about having Pinterest-perfect storage—it’s about creating systems that support your family’s celebration style. Whether you’re minimalist decorators or go all-out for every holiday, the right organizational approach makes each transition smoother and more enjoyable.
The holidays should enhance your life, not overwhelm it. With thoughtful planning and strategic storage, you can embrace the magic of each season while maintaining the organized, peaceful home you deserve year-round.
Andrea specializes in move management and organizing services throughout Greater Los Angeles. For more organizing tips and resources, visit LAMoveConsultants.com.