KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Organize and Label: Develop an inventory and labeling system for your holiday decorations to avoid damage and misplacement. Using a digital inventory list can help keep track of the condition and location of each item.
Use Proper Storage Containers: Opt for clear plastic containers over cardboard boxes to protect your decorations from moisture and ensure visibility. For fragile items, use tissue paper, bubble wrap, or special storage boxes to prevent breakage.
Protect Lights and Breakables: Store strings of lights by wrapping them around cardboard or using wrapping paper tubes to prevent tangling. For breakable decorations, wrap them in protective materials and store them in sturdy containers like dish packs or egg cartons.
Sadly, the holidays are over now, and it’s time to put away the holiday decorations. The idea is to get them all back where you got them in a somewhat organized fashion, preferably without breaking them. Let’s finish this holiday season off right by avoiding tangled lights, misplaced decorations, and broken ornaments.
TIPS FOR STORING HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
Once the holiday season wraps up, the last thing you want is to break your favorite ornaments or damage an expensive artificial Christmas tree. Here are a few practical holiday decoration storage tips you can use to keep your items in perfect condition.
INVENTORY & LABELLING SYSTEM
Before packing holiday ornaments and Christmas decorations into a box and calling it a day, consider developing an inventory and labeling system that works for you. Ornaments, figurines, and other holiday decorations are delicate and easy to break. If you aren’t careful, you could accidentally break something in storage or place a heavier box on top of a lighter one.
The best way to keep your holiday decoration storage safe and organized is to label every box you use. If the box is fragile, you’ll also want to make sure this is written on the box or container.
If you have a lot of decorations to keep organized, consider creating a digital inventory sheet to track your decorations. With an inventory list, you can get as detailed as you want. You can track where each item belongs in your home during the holiday and its current condition. If you only want to track your belongings, use a simple, easy-to-read inventory list to highlight what’s in each box.
STORAGE CONTAINER SELECTION: MATERIAL & SIZING
If you have a tight budget, you can store holiday decorations in cardboard moving boxes. When using these boxes, it’s best to store them in climate-controlled seasonal storage solutions, such as self-service storage. If you do use cardboard boxes at home, ensure the boxes are elevated and not placed on the ground. This will help prevent moisture from impacting the box’s structural integrity and keep your items in mint condition.
The best storage option for Christmas decorations is a clear plastic container. These boxes will protect your belongings from moisture and humidity. It’s also see-through, so you’ll always know what’s in each box.
STORING STRINGS OF LIGHTS
Christmas lights often get tangled or broken when stored. A great way to protect and store your light strings is to wrap them around a piece of cardboard cut to fit within a plastic storage bin. You can also string them through used wrapping paper tubes to keep them safe.
KEEPING BREAKABLES SAFE
Make sure to take special care with breakable decorations. You should wrap them up in tissue paper or newspaper to keep them safe. In addition, you can store the breakables within plastic cups if they fit, or within dish packs or liquor bottle boxes. You can even place the smallest ornaments inside egg cartons to protect them. You can keep your holiday candles safe by putting them in used paper towel tubes or an old sock.
CHRISTMAS TREES, WREATHS, AND LINENS
For those who are storing an artificial Christmas tree, you can purchase tree bags or boxes, which make moving and storing your tree much easier. You can also purchase wreath storage bags that help wreaths maintain their shape.
THE ESSENTIALS
For years in which you are too busy to fully decorate, or you plan on traveling, you should put together a box of essential holiday decorations. This box of holiday essentials is much easier to move, unpack, and decorate than pulling out all the holiday decorations. Make sure to put it in a place that is easily accessible.
STORAGE SOLUTION
If storing your holiday decorations in your attic or closet and getting them out every year seems like a hassle, or if your decorations take up too much space in your house, you may find it much easier to rent a storage unit and keep them there. This way, you can easily access them when you want, and they aren’t taking up precious space in your house the rest of the year.
INVEST IN A RELIABLE SEASONAL STORAGE SOLUTION
Storing an artificial Christmas tree? Need more space for your ornaments and lawn decor? No matter how many boxes of holiday decorations you have, Price Self Storage has a reliable solution for your belongings. Our seasonal storage solutions are climate-controlled and available for short- and long-term leases. Find a storage facility location near you today.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ORGANIZING HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
Keep your favorite holiday decorations safe in storage with our expert tips and guidance. Before you get started, review our frequently asked questions about holiday decoration storage.
What is the best way to store fragile holiday decorations?
You should always carefully wrap fragile holiday decorations with bubble wrap or packing paper. You may also want to organize your storage boxes based on item, ensuring heavy or bulky items don’t get stuck in boxes with delicate holiday decor.
How can I keep my holiday lights from tangling during storage?
When packing holiday lights into boxes, carefully coil them with your hand and secure them with a zip tie. Depending on how many strings of lights you have, you may want to wrap each one individually in reusable bags to prevent them from breaking or getting tangled.
Is it necessary to use climate-controlled storage for holiday decorations?
Yes, you should always store holiday decorations in a climate-controlled storage unit. Extreme changes in temperature or humidity can cause irreversible damage to your favorite decor.
How should I label my storage containers for easy identification?
You should label each one of your storage containers using a Sharpie or marker. Label each side of the box so that if anything is moved or tipped over, you’ll always know exactly what’s inside.
Can I store my holiday decorations in the attic or basement?
Yes, you can store Christmas decorations in the attic or basement. To protect your decorations from dirt, grime, and humidity, pack them into clear containers. If you’re packing your decorations in a cardboard box, ensure the boxes are elevated and not placed directly on the floor.
