Get Organized Debbie Williams is an organizing strategist and founder of OrganizedTimes.com. She is the author of  "Common Sense Organizing" from Champion Press. Storing Holiday Supplies Question: This year when I pulled out the boxes of Christmas ornaments and holiday decorations, I discovered some have been ruined. Some of the holiday candles melted and are deformed, a couple glass ornaments are broken and a couple of cloth decorations got eaten by what looks like moths. I've been keeping them in the garage in cardboard boxes. Do you have any storage solutions that will protect them for next year? Leanne Answer: I'm so sorry that this happened to you! Unfortunately for us frugal folk, cardboard boxes are havens for moisture, bugs, and easily smashed. I recommend that you invest in sturdy tubs to organize and store your holiday decorations. Buy one at a time, storing all but plastic items inside, keeping an eye on the sales (now through January) to add to your stash. Take the time now to jot down a list of items you need due to lost, then keep an eye out for sales so that you can replace them a little at a time. You may want to keep an inventory of all your decorations in a safe place, such as your planner, the junk drawer, or your file cabinet-- NOT with your Christmas decorations in the attic or garage. After Christmas has passed, pull candles and store them separately in a cool place (not over the stove, refrigerator, or near the water heater). Box them up and label them so you can easily find them-- jot this down on your list if need be to jog your memory next year. Wrap glass ornaments in newspaper, newsprint, or recycled plastic grocery bags. Store in organizers with crate dividers for protection, then label and store until next year. Keep the critters out of your precious keepsakes by tossing in a few blocks of cedar (found at Target, Walmart, and even grocery stores). No more moth holes! Store your tubs or under-the-bed boxes in a dry place and make sure they are well labeled. It helps to tape on a label that says "1 of 5", "2 of 5", etc. That way if you have a helper (a.k.a. your husband) trying to find holiday ornaments next year, they'll know when they've gotten them all! Keep your inventory, a wish list for next year, and Christmas cards/list in your desk or files so that you can get an early start on decorating and planning next year. Best wishes for a stress-free holiday in 2002! Good luck, Debbie Williams Also see: Ask Debbie your questions Recently answered questions Conquering playroom clutter