Now that the Diwali festivities are finally over, you can relax. But wait! There is all that stuff to put away! It's tempting to dump everything in an old trunk and store it away until next year. But remember mildew and dust mites?
With some handy storage tips, you can keep your decorations and expensive clothing as good as new all the year round!
Stow the trousseau
After wiping your wallet clean on those expensive silks and fine fabrics, be sure to keep your precious threads intact.
Silks and satins tend to fade with light and heat and the fibres wear out causing the fabric to shred. So, pack your sarees neatly in saree bags and store them in cool place.
Don't store fragile clothing like lycra and knits on hangers for a long time as they go out of shape. Try folding them instead, so they won't sag or stretch.
Pack your bags
Don't you just hate it when bags and items stored in cupboards reek of camphor? Try replacing the camphor with sachets of silica gel. This is especially good for leather wear like bags and shoes. The silica gel will help absorb any moisture that may affect your beautiful accessories and cause them to mildew. Plus, these sachets are non-smelly.
Besides silica gel, it would be a good idea to further put your accessories in individual plastic bags. This will protect the outer surface of the accessory and any embroidery work on it too.
Shoo away the mildew!
Those lovely wedged heels, stylish stilettos and colourful mojris are fungus favourites. Keep that foul odour and ugly mildew at bay by sprinkling a little baking soda on the insides of the shoe. This will absorb moisture as well as any unpleasant smell. Your shoes will feel as fresh as a daisy whenever you slip into them next.
Handle with care
Last Christmas you brought out your precious crystals only to discover that your sparkling dozen is now down to 10. This time around, wrap each glass individually in newspaper and store them in a firm cardboard box. But that's not all. Fill in the remaining space in the box with lots of crushed paper, so there is no room for the glasses shift and break.
Remember to cover silverware with tissue paper so that it doesn't get tarnished. Then store it in plastic boxes or in wooden cabinets. Don't forget to add in a couple of camphor balls.
If you are afraid that your cutlery might rust, rub a little oil on them before putting them away. They are sure to stay sparkling for as long as you want. Coat rubber marzipan moulds with talcum powder and wrap them in plastic. This way they won't develop cracks.
Also, store all your sweet-making equipment like moulds, baking tins and rolling pins in one cabinet or box. You will thank yourself when you find them at one go next time around. Make sure there is nothing acidic like lemon or vinegar in the storing cabinet or the aluminum baking tins will get pitted.
Roll away the decorations
More often than not festive décor is shoved into plastic bags and tossed up into the loft. Agree, putting back every single bunting and string of light can get annoying. But a little extra effort now will have you less frustrated next year.
Firstly, always try and keep the original packing that your décor comes in. This way you won't have to run around in search of boxes and padding material.
Wrap long strings of Diwali lights and streamers around cardboard sheets or tubes to avoid knotting. You can use scraps like the covers of old books or the tube from cling wraps or foil.
Fold up the collapsible lanterns and wrap them in paper. Avoid using newspaper as the ink might stain them. Then place them in a plastic bag, sealed with masking tape. Finally, pack them in cabinets or cartons. Remember not to store heavy items over them or they will get warped.
Save up plastic ice-cream tubs and use them to store knick-knacks like trinkets, bells and diyas. Use cardboard dividers with paper or thermocol stuffing to keep the pieces in place. Be sure to label the boxes. It makes it so much easier to pick them out the next time you need them.
You can avoid having that little wingless angel or a beheaded wise man from your Christmas crib if you take a time off to pack them well. Wrap each statue in tissue and then in bubble wrap with a rubber band around it so that it remains secure. Once again, place them in a cardboard box with plenty of padding.
Stack up the linen
Yes, the festivities are finally over and you are back to the comfy cotton upholstery. But don't forget about those lovely silk and satin cushion covers and bedspreads. Get them laundered and neatly folded. Then put each one in an airtight or fine mesh bag to prevent creepy crawlies from feasting on them. Be sure to place camphor about the shelf to keep away pests.
Storage must-haves
• Silica gel sachets
• Baking soda
• Airtight or mesh bags
• Camphor balls
• Cardboard boxes and plastic tubs
• Bubble wrap
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