6 Smart Tips for Storing Holiday Decorations

Decorating your home does more than set the mood for the holiday season — it’s an exercise in nostalgia and tradition. But if you’ve ever faced a mountain of tangled lights, crushed ornaments, or mystery bins labeled “misc.,” you know how quickly it can put a damper on your holiday spirit. Set yourself up for success next year (and every year) with these simple organization and storage tips.

1.    Plan your packing.

Set aside a dedicated day to take down and organize your holiday decorations. Give yourself ample time to thoughtfully pack everything and clean up afterwards. Store your decorations in a cool, dry location to prevent damage and wear.

2.    Select the right storage bins.

Clear, plastic storage bins protect your decorations and make it easy to see what’s inside. Plan ahead by purchasing 1-2 bins for each decorated room. Sort items according to the room you display them in, and add detailed labels to each bin.

3.    Pack ornaments with care.

Stock up on these supplies for storing Christmas tree ornaments:

Wrap delicate ornaments, then place them snugly in cardboard containers. Place the containers in your ornament storage bin, and add excess bubble wrap between them to prevent shifting.

4.    Take your lights for a spin!

Nothing makes the season merry and bright like stringed holiday lights! Avoid the dreaded tangle next year by wrapping lights around a spool made for extension cords. Then, wrap tissue paper or cardboard around the spooled lights to prevent damage to the bulbs. Don’t have a spool? A plastic clothing hanger can be an affordable substitute.

5.    Hang your wreaths with care.

Store your wreaths well to keep them looking great year in and year out. Before packing wreaths away, gently clean them with a soft duster. Place each wreath in a plastic bag or garment bag. For a vertical storage solution, hang the wreath on a heavy-duty clothing hanger with the hook poking through the opening of the bag.

6.    Wrap it up!

Consider using a trash can or wicker basket to store your wrapping paper upright. Gift bags and tissue paper can be stored together in a magazine rack or mail sorter. Separate gift wrap supplies based on their seasonality, keeping generic patterns accessible for birthdays, anniversaries, and other gift-giving occasions.