As the holiday season comes to a close, the challenge of storing seasonal decorations for the next year begins. Proper storage ensures that your holiday decor remains in great condition and is easy to access when decorating again.
Whether you're looking to store your Christmas decorations, gift wrap, or other seasonal items, following some best practices for storing holiday decor can save you time, space, and stress.
Let's get straight to the point
To store holiday decorations effectively, start by decluttering and keeping only the items you love. Group similar decorations together and choose the right storage containers—clear bins for bulky items and padded boxes for fragile ones.
Always use padding like bubble wrap for delicate items and store them in a dry, cool place to avoid damage. Label all containers with contents and dates for easy access.
For larger or outdoor decorations, ensure they’re stored securely and protected from moisture. Keep everything organised in a dedicated space to save time and prevent stress next season.
Preparing for Holiday Decor Storage
Purge and Declutter Holiday Decor Items You No Longer Love
The first step in preparing your holiday decor for storage is to declutter. Before packing away decorations, take a moment to review everything and assess if there are any items you no longer need or love.
Over time, holiday decorations can accumulate, and some may no longer match your style or needs. Don’t be afraid to let go of items that no longer bring you joy or are too worn out. This will free up storage space and ensure that you're only storing the items you truly want to keep.
Categorise and Group Similar Items Together
Next, categorise your seasonal decorations by type, such as Christmas ornaments, wreaths, lights, and linens. Grouping similar items will help make unpacking and decorating next year much easier.
Consider storing your Christmas ornaments in one container, your holiday lights in another, and your wreaths and garlands in separate boxes.
This will also help protect fragile items by preventing them from being crushed or tangled with other decorations.
Plan Ahead for Storage Needs
Before you start packing everything away, think ahead about your storage needs. If you’re storing holiday decor in a shed, garage, or attic, ensure the space is dry and cool.
Avoid areas prone to humidity or extreme temperatures, as these conditions can damage delicate ornaments, artificial trees, or other seasonal decorations.
By planning ahead, you'll also ensure that you have the proper storage containers for each type of decoration.
Choosing the Right Storage Containers for Holiday Decor
Large Storage Bins for Bulky Items
For larger holiday decorations, such as artificial trees, large wreaths, and garlands, it's best to use large storage bins.
These bins are designed to hold bulky items and can be easily stacked to save space.
Opt for clear plastic bins so you can easily identify the contents, and make sure the lid fits securely to keep out dust and moisture.
Totes and Storage Trays for Smaller Items
For smaller decorations, consider using totes or storage trays. These are ideal for Christmas ornaments, candles, and other fragile items.
Totes are easy to carry and come in various sizes, making them a versatile choice for holiday decor storage.
Using smaller containers for individual items will also help prevent breakage and make it easier to locate specific decorations when it’s time to decorate.
Specialised Containers for Fragile or Unique Items
Certain items, like delicate ornaments, holiday candles, and decorations, require special care. To keep fragile items safe, consider using specialized containers such as ornament chests, padded storage boxes, or bubble wrap.
These containers provide extra cushioning to prevent breakage during storage. For added protection, wrap delicate items in tissue paper or bubble wrap before placing them inside containers.
Packing and Storing Holiday Decorations
Use Padding and Protective Materials for Delicate Items
Always use padding and protective materials when storing fragile items like Christmas ornaments or delicate decorations. Tissue paper, bubble wrap, and even old newspaper can help prevent scratches, cracks, or breakage.
Place delicate ornaments in separate compartments within their storage containers for extra protection. This will help keep them from shifting around and getting damaged during the off-season.
Store Items in a Dry, Cool Place
Ensure that your holiday decor is stored in a dry and cool location. Excess moisture or heat can damage ornaments, artificial trees, and other decorations.
Avoid storing your decorations in basements or attics prone to humidity or extreme temperature fluctuations.
If you don’t have a climate-controlled space, consider investing in a storage unit with these features to keep your items safe.
Consider Climate-Controlled Storage for Sensitive Items
Some seasonal items, like Christmas tree lights and other electrical decorations, may require more sensitive storage.
A climate-controlled storage unit may be your best option if you’re storing fragile or valuable holiday decor, such as heirloom ornaments or vintage items.
This will protect your decorations from moisture, extreme temperatures, and pest damage.
Storing Specific Types of Holiday Decor
Christmas Lights: Use Labeled Plastic Bags or DIY Storage Spools
Christmas lights can be one of the trickiest items to store because they tend to tangle easily. A simple solution is to wrap your lights around a DIY spool made from a cardboard tube or a spool from a craft store.
Alternatively, you can place your lights in labelled plastic bags to keep them organised and untangled.
Label each bag with the type of lights (e.g., “indoor Christmas lights” or “outdoor lights”) to make it easier to find what you need next holiday season.
Ornaments: Use an Ornament Chest or Cookie Tins
For fragile ornaments, consider using a dedicated ornament chest. These chests come with individual compartments, separating each ornament from damage.
If you don’t have a chest, consider using small cookie tins or craft boxes with compartments. Layer each ornament with tissue paper or bubble wrap for extra protection.
Organising and Labeling Holiday Decor Storage
Mark Holiday Containers with Contents and Date
Labelling your storage containers is an essential step in organising holiday decor. Be sure to mark each container with the contents and the date so you know exactly what's inside when it's time to decorate again.
You can use a permanent marker or printable labels to do this, such as “Christmas Ornaments—2024” or “Holiday Lights—Outdoor.” This will save you time when you’re unpacking and help you avoid the hassle of opening multiple containers to find a specific item.
Use a Dedicated Holiday Storage Space
Create a dedicated storage area for your holiday decorations, whether it's a closet, garage, attic, or storage unit.
Keeping your seasonal decorations in one location makes staying organised and preventing clutter easier.
A designated holiday decor space will also allow you to store items safely without worrying about them getting damaged by other household items.
Storing Holiday Linens and Textiles
Use breathable storage bags or bins for holiday linens, such as tablecloths, holiday-themed pillows, and blankets.
Store them in a linen closet or under-bed storage containers to protect them from dust and damage. Clean these textiles before storing them to avoid stains or odors.
Keep Holiday Pillows and Blankets Fresh and Clean
Holiday pillows and blankets should be kept fresh and clean in breathable fabric bags. Avoid plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and lead to mildew.
Ensure the linens are thoroughly dry before storing to prevent them from getting musty or damaged.
Storing Outdoor and Large Holiday Decorations
Store Large Outdoor Decorations in a Dry, Secure Area
Outdoor decorations like inflatable snowmen, large nativity scenes, or oversized wreaths should be stored in a dry, secure area.
A shed or garage is ideal, but ensure the area is free from moisture and fluctuating temperatures.
If you have large artificial trees or wreaths, consider using a storage bag or protective cover to protect them from dust and damage.
Tips for Efficient Holiday Season Storage
Invest in Proper Storage to Save Time and Stress
Proper storage containers will save you time and stress during the holiday season. Having the right storage bins, totes, and padding materials ensures that your holiday decor remains safe and organised for years to come.
Well-organized storage also makes it easier to access your decorations when the next holiday season arrives, so you won’t waste time searching for what you need.
Keep Holiday Decor Storage Containers Easily Accessible
To make setting up holiday decorations easier next year, keep your storage containers in an easily accessible location.
This could mean storing them in a closet or on shelves that are easy to reach rather than on the very top shelf of a hard-to-reach attic space.
Keeping your holiday decor organised and within reach will make the holiday season much more enjoyable.
Best Practices for Storing Holiday Decor
Store Holiday Decorations in a Way that Prevents Damage and Breakage
One of the most important best practices for storing holiday decorations is to store them in a way that prevents damage and breakage.
Wrap fragile items in tissue paper or bubble wrap, and store them in separate compartments.
Keep items like wreaths in protective bags or boxes to prevent crushing. Always ensure that everything is packed securely and organised by type for easy access.
Consider Storing Holiday Decorations Off-Season to Free Up Space
Another tip is to store your holiday decorations off-season to free up space in your home. Consider using a storage unit, garage, or attic to keep your decor when it’s not in use.
This can help free up valuable space in your home while keeping your decorations safe and secure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Holiday Decor Storage
Avoid Storing Holiday Decorations in Humid or Extreme Temperatures
One of the biggest mistakes people make when storing holiday decorations is storing them in humid or extreme temperature conditions.
Humidity can cause damage to paper, textiles, and wood, while extreme temperatures can make plastic and metal decorations brittle.
Always store your holiday decor in a temperature-controlled, dry environment to preserve its condition.
Don’t Overcrowd Storage Containers
It’s easy to overstuff storage containers to save space. However, overcrowding can lead to damaged decorations and difficulty accessing items when needed. Always leave extra room in storage containers to ensure that items can be stored safely and won’t be crushed or tangled.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Should I Store Fragile Holiday Decorations?
Wrap delicate items, like glass ornaments, in bubble wrap or soft materials such as excelsior. Store them in sturdy containers that prevent crushing or breakage.
What Are the Best Storage Containers for Seasonal Decor?
Use clear plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes. Plastic bins protect your decorations from moisture, dust, and dirt, while clear containers allow easy identification of contents.
How Do I Organise My Seasonal Decorations for Easy Access?
Sort decorations by category—like interior vs. exterior—and label each container clearly. This will help you find items quickly when you need them.
Can I Store Holiday Decorations in a Shed?
Yes, but store them off the floor in a dry, climate-controlled area to avoid exposure to extreme temperature changes and moisture.
What Steps Can I Take To Prevent Tangled Lights and Garlands?
Use cardboard spools or dedicated storage reels for holiday lights, and wrap garlands around sturdy forms or store them in designated bins to prevent tangling.
