How to Store Holiday Decorations: Your Guide to a Stress-Free Holiday Season
The holiday season might be the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s also the busiest, messiest, and most chaotic. Between last-minute gift shopping, navigating crazy traffic, and decking the halls, it can all feel too much. And let’s not even mention the aftermath—the clean-up is often the most overwhelming part of it all. If you’re ready to make things easier for yourself and your family, it’s time to learn how to properly store holiday decorations.
Trust us, once you get this sorted, the holidays will feel a little less daunting and more enjoyable each year.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a detailed and stress-free guide to help you with holiday decor storage. Let’s dive in!
Why Should You Learn to Store Holiday Decorations?
Anyone who’s ever faced the post-holiday chaos of tangled lights, broken ornaments, and misplaced decor knows exactly how frustrating it can be. So maybe it’s time to let Christmas truly be merry this time around?
Learning how to store holiday decorations strategically will save you so much time and energy, but most importantly it will allow you to just enjoy the moment.
Just think of it this way: setting up a smart storage system for your holiday decorations is a one-time effort that pays off year after year. With everything neatly organized and labeled, you’ll know exactly where to find what you need next season, which saves a lot of time and headaches. Plus, it’s an opportunity to hone your home organizing skills which you can apply to other areas of your home and life. It’s the ultimate win-win!
The best part? You will end up with a functional, beautiful home and a more relaxed mind.
8 Tips for Storing and Organizing Holiday Decor
Storing holiday decor sounds like a hassle but it doesn’t have to be, especially when you know all the right tips and tricks. So, here are eight tips from us to help you organize your seasonal items like a pro.
Think Ahead
First things first, make a plan. It might seem unnecessary, but it’s important to think ahead when it comes to your holiday decor. Here’s why. It sets you up for a smoother, less stressful experience next year.
Pack decorations in the order you’ll need them and reverse-organize the setup process for next year’s festivities. Future you will be so grateful for the effort you put in now to keep everything neat and logical.
Get Rid of Items You No Longer Love
Out with the old, in with the new! If something didn’t bring you joy this year, it’s unlikely to make the cut next year. Don’t delay the decision—sort through your decorations now and keep only the items you truly love.
Not everything needs to go to the trash. Consider donating, reselling, or regifting ornaments and decor that no longer fit your style. Clearing out the clutter creates more space and allows fresh energy to flow into your home and life.
Choose the Right Storage Containers
Have you thought about whether you’re using the right storage containers for your holiday decor?
It may sound obvious but it’s really important to invest in high-quality, durable storage containers for Christmas decorations—especially if you’re storing decorations that have been in your family for generations and hold sentimental value. The right containers will protect your treasures for years to come and make storage a breeze.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing containers:
- Opt for large bins and trays: Sturdy storage bins, totes, and trays are great for organizing bulky items like ornaments, wreaths, and garlands.
- Secure lids and handles: Look for containers with tight-fitting lids and strong handles to keep your items safe and easy to carry.
- Label-friendly options: Choose containers that are easy to label so you can quickly identify what’s inside without opening each one.
- Consider storage conditions: If your storage area is prone to temperature changes or humidity, look for containers designed to withstand those conditions, like air airtight or moisture-resistant options.
Carefully Pack Away Your Items
Just as important as finding the right containers is handling your decorations with care to ensure their safekeeping. You want to make sure all your cherished items are safely packed away for next year and in good condition for years to come.
To protect fragile ornaments, wrap each one individually in bubble wrap or use natural excelsior to protect them from scratches or bumps. Other than bubble wrap, you can use other high-quality protective packing materials like foam sheets, or packing paper to keep delicate items safe. And here’s a pro tip for you: you can wrap fine or delicate textiles in acid-free archival tissue prior to going into storage bins to prevent discoloration or damage over time.
For items like fragile holiday wreaths, you might want to consider investing in a heavy-duty latching plastic wreath storage container because it will keep them dust-free and perfectly shaped.
Christmas lights can be a hassle for storing too, but try to take the time to wind them neatly onto a spool or a piece of cardboard to avoid the dreaded tangle next year.
A little extra effort today will save you time, frustration, and stress when the next holiday season rolls around. Future you will thank you!
Categorize and Group Similar Items
Next organizing tip is to group holiday decor items by category, such as candles, artificial trees, or wreaths. Group items by room if you set up your home the same way every year. This is another important step that will help you so much in the future because you will have less work to do then.
Think of it as the “work smarter, not harder” rule: put in a little extra effort today to make next year a breeze.
Use Labels and Signs
Another tip that will save you tons of time and frustration: labels and categories your storage containers. Use an index card to jot down exactly what’s inside each storage bin, then tape it securely to the front or top of the bin where it’s easy to spot.
Go a step further and label the containers with their contents and the date they were packed away.
This way, you’ll know straight away what’s inside and how long it’s been stored which will make holiday decoration (and clean-up later) much easier and less stressful.
Keep Holiday Decor Fresh
Before storing holiday pillows and blankets, give them a good clean to prevent mustiness and ensure they’re fresh for next season. Pack them in airtight containers to protect against dust, pests, and extreme temperature changes. To keep all your Christmas decor in top condition, store it in a cool, dry place where it’s safe from humidity and temperature fluctuations.
This simple prep work will keep everything looking and smelling great year after year.
Find a Designated Holiday Storage Location
It’s a good idea to choose a designated storage location to store Christmas decorations, such as a closet, attic, or even a custom storage space designed specifically for your seasonal items. The key is to keep these areas easily accessible and organized so you’re not digging through piles each year.
If space at home is limited, you can always rent a nearby storage unit to keep everything neat and safe, ready to go when the next holiday season arrives!
Storage units offer extra space, security, and climate control, which takes some responsibility off your shoulder when it comes to protecting the items and it also leaves more room in your home for other valuable items.
Final Thoughts
By following these tips and guidelines, you can make both your holiday season and the task of storing holiday decorations effortless and stress-free— as it should be!
Remember to choose the right storage containers, pack and store holiday decor with care, and stay organized by categorizing your items for easy access next season.
For extra peace of mind (and extra space at home) don’t let all those holiday decorations gather dust in the attic or clutter up your living space. If you’re in the Ponca City area, grab those storage bins, and head to My Storage Box. Our secure and accessible storage solutions keep your seasonal decor safe, organized, and ready to shine next year. With My Storage Box, storing your holiday decorations is simple, hassle-free, and ensures more joy when the holidays roll around again. Happy decorating!