The holiday season is full of joy, but once the festivities are over, it’s time to take down the decorations. If you’re like most people, this can feel like a bit of a hassle. Untangling lights, finding broken ornaments, or struggling to fit everything back into storage can make the task even more daunting. But with a little planning, storing your Christmas decorations doesn’t have to be stressful!
Here are some simple, practical tips to keep your holiday décor organised and easy to manage, so you’ll be ready to deck the halls next year without any frustration.
1. Sort and Declutter First
Before you start packing everything away, take a moment to go through your decorations. There’s no need to store things you no longer use or that are broken. If you’ve got lights that no longer work, ornaments that have seen better days, or décor that you didn’t even put up this year, it might be time to let those go.
Doing this will not only free up storage space but also make it easier to find the decorations you really love when the next holiday season rolls around.
2. Use Clear, Labelled Containers
One of the easiest ways to keep track of your Christmas decorations is to store them in clear, plastic bins. This way, you can see what’s inside without having to open every single box. It also helps to label each container, so you know exactly what’s in it. For example, you might have one bin for ornaments, another for lights, and one for outdoor decorations.
Color-coded bins can also be helpful. Some people like to use red and green storage bins specifically for holiday items to make them easy to identify in the attic or garage.
3. Wrap Lights and Garlands Carefully
We’ve all been there—pulling out a tangled mess of Christmas lights that takes forever to sort out. To avoid this, wrap your lights around something sturdy, like a piece of cardboard or a specially designed light reel. You can also use empty paper towel rolls or plastic hangers to keep your lights from tangling. Do the same with garlands to keep them neat and easy to use next year.
Pro tip: Label each strand of lights with a little piece of masking tape, so you know exactly where it belongs (e.g., “tree lights” or “outdoor lights”).
4. Keep Ornaments Safe
Ornaments can be fragile, so it’s important to store them carefully. You can buy special ornament storage boxes that come with dividers, or you can make your own with items you already have. Egg cartons are perfect for small ornaments, while larger ornaments can be wrapped in tissue paper or bubble wrap and placed in sturdy boxes. If you’re reusing the original packaging, make sure everything is snugly packed to avoid breakage.
5. Store Wrapping Paper and Ribbons Separately
Wrapping paper, gift bags, and ribbons tend to get crushed if they’re stored with heavier items. Consider storing these materials in a separate bin or even a tall, narrow container that keeps rolls of wrapping paper upright. You can also hang them in a garment bag or use a designated wrapping paper storage bag to keep them neat and easy to access.
6. Protect Your Tree
If you use an artificial Christmas tree, don’t just stuff it back into its original box (which may be falling apart by now). Instead, invest in a tree storage bag or a sturdy plastic bin designed for trees. This will protect the tree from dust, moisture, and damage while it’s in storage.
7. Create an Inventory List
It might sound like overkill, but creating a quick inventory of your decorations can be super helpful. Jot down a list of what’s in each box, especially if you have a large collection of holiday décor. This way, you won’t have to dig through multiple bins to find the one thing you’re looking for next year.
8. Pick the Right Storage Spot
Where you store your decorations matters. Choose a cool, dry place to keep your holiday items safe from extreme temperatures or moisture, which can damage delicate decorations.
Taking the time to store your Christmas decorations properly will save you time and frustration when the next holiday season comes around. By decluttering, using the right containers, and protecting your items, you can make packing away the holidays a much smoother process. Plus, when it’s time to decorate again, you’ll know exactly where everything is—and that means less stress and more holiday cheer!
