How to Store Holiday Decorations Efficiently:
Tips for Organized Storage
December 4, 2024
Jasica Usman
https://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/how-to-store-holiday-decorations/
Declutter and organize before you store holiday decorations
Before storing your holiday decorations, take the opportunity to declutter. Discard any broken, damaged, or outdated items and consider donating those that no longer hold sentimental value or that you no longer use. Streamlining your collection not only saves valuable storage space but also creates room for new treasures you may wish to add in the future.
“Then drop off those unused or under-loved decorations to your local donation center before the holidays. It’s a double win, as others get to benefit from your donations + you’ve made the post-holiday process more efficient by creating new breathing room in those storage containers!” — Details by Deb
“To make holiday unpacking and packing less stressful and more enjoyable, start afresh each season with a clear vision of your ideal holiday experience and use that vision to guide what you declutter, keep, and where you store your decorations.” – Vivien Lee-Mayhue, owner of Tidy Up Los Angeles
“When it comes to holiday decor, what goes up must come back down! Start by editing out anything you didn’t use this year — there’s no need to store it for another year if it’s no longer your style. Label bins clearly and organize them by category or room to take the guesswork out of next year’s setup. A little post-holiday organizing now means a smoother, stress-free start to the festivities next year.” – The Simple Life professional organizers
Clean for longevity
Proper cleaning before storage is essential for preserving your decorations. Wipe down ornaments, clean fabric items, and vacuum any loose debris from artificial trees and wreaths. Cleaning ensures your items stay in pristine condition and prevents the spread of mold, mildew, and pests while they’re in storage.
Choose the right containers to store holiday decorations
Selecting the proper storage containers is key to protecting your holiday decorations. Opt for sturdy, airtight bins or boxes designed for holiday storage. Clear plastic containers allow you to easily see what’s inside, and labeling each box will help you quickly locate the items you need. Make sure containers are strong enough to handle the weight and fragility of your decorations.
“Instead of just tossing them inside of a general bin where they can get lost in the shuffle, try using vacuum-sealed bags to keep display sets together and to stop items from getting tangled or mixed up. This can apply to ornaments, garlands, display pieces, and lights. Removing the items from storage for next year will be a breeze when everything is pulled out with the associated set with the added benefit of no tangles.” – Fulfilling Your Future
“There are so many tips and tricks to use in organizing and storing holiday decorations, but my biggest tip is to use clear plastic, stackable containers whenever possible. These come in a variety of sizes, but shoebox-sized ones in particular are GREAT to use for ornaments and more delicate decor pieces.” – Organized Inspiration
Strategic organization
Organizing your decorations thoughtfully will make the unpacking process much smoother the next year. Group items by category, such as ornaments, lights, garlands, and tree skirts, to minimize time spent searching. Use smaller containers within larger ones to separate delicate or small items. Consider creating an inventory list to keep track of all your decorations, especially if you have a large collection.
‘I love to store holiday decor in airtight bins that have either red/green handles or lid, but a clear base. This allows you to have a general idea of what is in the bin, and you know that it’s for the holidays! Additionally, I love using specific ornament bins or dividers so that ornaments aren’t piled on top of each other in a box. If you don’t want to purchase ornament boxes, save tissue paper from unwrapping presents and wrap your ornaments in it so they have a little bit of protection! “ – Categorized by Katie
“Organize your bins by date (holiday or season) and ensure they are easy to access and put away. Labeling your shelves will also help keep everything organized.” – Lettuce Organize
“You can keep your holiday bins in an attic or crawl space, but as you get older and busier, those bins become too hard to get to and therefore rarely get used.
Save the “best real estate” shelves (e.g., the middle 2 or 3) for items you use on the regular; then, you can get excited about decorating each year since you’ll know where everything is.” – Organization Fabulous
“Keeping heavy boxes in areas that are easy to access is important to safety. Storing a heavy box in an attic that requires a ladder may be challenging and could cause bodily harm. While storing heavier items on floors in garages or in closets not often used can keep access to these heavier boxes easy.” – HomeZada
Protect fragile items
Fragile holiday decorations deserve extra attention. Wrap each delicate ornament, figurine, or decoration individually with tissue paper or bubble wrap to avoid breakage. Store these items in padded storage boxes or use specialized ornament storage containers with compartments to keep everything secure and cushioned.
“Protect fragile ornaments with dividers, and wrap string lights around cardboard or reels to avoid tangles. Store wreaths in dedicated containers or hang them to preserve their shape. For easy access, keep seasonal items grouped and placed in a designated spot like a closet, attic, or garage shelving.” – Organized By Juliana
“Wreaths can be expensive, so wreath storage is a must. The snap-together wreath organizers can be hung up or placed on a shelf. They can fit a large and a small in one, keeping all the bows and ribbons from being smashed.” – Joyful Order
Storing artificial trees
To properly store an artificial tree, disassemble it carefully, removing any ornaments or lights. If you still have the original packaging, store the tree in its original box for optimal protection. If the original box is unavailable, wrap the tree in a soft blanket or sheet to shield it from dust, dirt, and damage.
Compact storage solutions
If you’re working with limited storage space, consider more compact solutions. Roll up garlands and wreaths, then store them in vacuum-sealed bags to save space and keep them protected. Utilize under-bed storage bins, stackable shelves, or vertical storage racks to maximize every inch of available space.
“A good strategy for storing holiday items in a small apartment is whittling down the treasures to the very essential favorites. Placing them all in a labeled bin can instantly create a holiday vibe upon opening the box. If you have several bins, it’s helpful to itemize the contents.” – Organizing Queen NYC
“Use wall hooks to hang wreaths or wreath bags. Larger or longer hooks can hold 2-3 wreaths, depending on their size. These hooks are perfect for areas with limited space, such as near a basement entryway.” – Happy Tree Organizing
“If you’re in an apartment, stack the bins on top of each other and hang a curtain in front for a clean finish—no one will ever know what’s behind the curtain!” – Dallas Organizer
Label everything clearly
One simple but most effective way to stay organized is to label each storage container clearly. Note what the container holds and the specific holiday it pertains to, making it easier to find what you need next season. Use durable labels or a label maker, and always mark the boxes in a way that makes them easy to identify at a glance.
“Color-code storage containers by floor or room using bright labels or tape that even kids can recognize. This simple system turns holiday decorating into a family activity where everyone can grab their designated boxes and help transform the space. It’s an organizational method that grows with your family and can make setup a cherished tradition.” – Inspired Living NW
“If you want to get even more organized, place a small note inside each bin with any tips or setup reminders you learned this year (like “String lights left to right for best effect” or “Which string light is best for outdoors vs. indoors”), or better yet, include some photos of the set up you liked best as a reminder for the following season.” – iSo Design & Interiors
“Use labeled boxes to keep everything tidy and easy to find next year. Wrap fragile ornaments in bubble wrap or soft cloth, and wind lights around a piece of cardboard to prevent tangles. A little effort now will make decorating next year so much easier.” – Moincoins US
Here are a few categories to sort them into, as suggested by Harmony Home Organizer
Holiday lights
Holiday linens
Holiday tree ornaments
Holiday decor
“Store holiday decorations in large, clear bins that can be easily stacked. Be sure to label all four sides so you can quickly identify the contents.” – Organize Your Life
Create an ideal storage environment
Choose a cool, dry location to store holiday decorations. Avoid attics, basements, or garages, which are prone to temperature fluctuations, humidity, and pests. A climate-controlled space, such as a closet or storage unit, is ideal for maintaining the quality of your decorations. The right environment will help protect them from mold, fading, and degradation.
“If you have a garage, consider installing overhead bin storage, which will keep everything out of your way until you are ready for it. These units can be stationary or motorized.” – Creative Storage Buffalo
“When packing away ornaments, use a reverse packing technique. Place the less precious ornaments at the bottom of your box, followed by those of moderate importance. Finally, position your most cherished ornaments on top. This intentional arrangement makes the unpacking process exciting, as your favorite ornaments are at the top, ready to adorn your tree first. This way the best always get featured and not forgotten.” – Simplify You
Regular maintenance
To ensure your decorations remain in top condition, inspect them periodically. Check for signs of damage, pests, or mold. If you discover any issues, clean and address them promptly. Taking the time for occasional maintenance ensures your decorations stay ready for future holiday seasons.
By following these simple yet effective tips for storing your holiday decorations, you can preserve their beauty and functionality for years to come. A little effort spent on proper storage and organization will save you time, stress, and frustration in the future—making every holiday season just a little brighter.
“Inventory the boxes on your computer using your favorite organizing app, so you can see what you have available without going to the storage room.” – Clutter is Postponed Decisions®
“You can choose to store your holiday decorations in the room they go to every year. Include a label (i.e., family RM, etc.) and/or a picture. Or choose to store the same items together: all reindeer, outdoor lights with electrical cords, fuses, and extra bulbs. New storage bags are now designed to leave the tree standing upright; choose to leave yearly decorations on the tree by using shrink wrap to hold them in place. Be sure to share your extras with family and friends, or offer to a local charity if they are in great condition.” – Stuff The Clutter
Wrapping up: Store holiday decorations like a pro
And there you have it, folks! With these tips, you’ll be a holiday storage pro in no time. So, go forth, organize, and let your holiday cheer shine year after year. Happy storing, and happy holidays!“Before you start packing up your holiday decorations, snap a few photos of how you’ve arranged them around your home. This simple step not only helps you recreate the same look next year with ease but also lets you digitally document sentimental items. For example, if you have heirloom ornaments or decorations passed down through generations, consider digitizing those photos with notes about their origins. Storing these digital ‘memories’ alongside your photo library ensures they’re preserved and can be shared with family for years to come.” – 2000 Paces Photo Organizing
Cynthia Braun is a certified professional organizer for Long Island, New York
