With Christmas fast approaching and the mad dash around for those last minute items upon us, what better time to ensure that our homes are our sanctuaries from the hustle and bustle of Christmas.

When it’s cold and grey outside, there is no better feeling than walking into a warm and cosy home where you can switch off from the outside world. Here are a few simple and easy tips to transforming your home into your perfect winter holiday bolthole.

1. De-clutter. With those extra days off work why not use that time for a good clear out? Get hold of plenty of storage boxes and be ruthless. You will feel so much better!

2. Organise your de-clutter: Have three boxes or colour coded bags at the ready! Use one for charity, one for the rubbish dump and one for items you want to keep. Start with the spaces furthest away as these items are most likely to need de-cluttering - attics, backs of cupboards, high shelves and under beds. When you open a cupboard and you cannot see what’s at the back then it’s time to get motivated and clear things out!

3. The Guest bedroom: Often overlooked and used as a dumping ground or for storage. Nevertheless it needs a good clear out at least once a year and during that pre-Christmas guest panic. Make decisions based on the reality of what you need and use regularly. Take one last long look and decide to move it on.

4. Wardrobes: Try on your clothes and decide what pieces make you feel good all the time. Throw out those items you keep ‘just in case’, if that moment hasn’t come yet then the chances are it never will! Fold clothes neatly as it creates more space whilst allowing you to see your clothes much easier. ‘Grip to me’ and multi layer clothes hangers are great space savers allowing you to hang clothes at different heights and save space.

5. Organise your Christmas decorations whilst they are out: Throw out any old or broken decorations. When it’s time to take them down package them all safely, using packing paper or bubble wrap for those precious items ready for storage and another round of use next Christmas.

6. Store cupboard clear out: When cooking over Christmas rummage through your store cupboards. It’s amazing how quickly they get over loaded and you will be surprised how many items lurk at the back of the cupboard that are close to or past their sell by date. Use up any old items and throw out any products past their use by date ready for a fresh start in the New Year.

7. Storage: Any items you are keeping in storage should be packaged in strong, robust boxes. Use packing products like bubble wrap to ensure they are safe and secure. Label the boxes clearly, that way you know exactly where everything is. And for the ultra keen, compile a list or database with details of all your boxes and where they’re kept!

When you get that niggling voice in your head saying ‘I wish I’d never started this’ remember how good you’ll feel when it’s all done! Rather than making it your New Year’s resolution, take this time now to do these few little things and make your home your haven.

From everyone here at Teacrate Packaging..... a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.