How to Store Christmas Decorations
The holidays are over, and now it's time to pack away the magic until next year. But before you toss everything into random boxes or leave it piled in the corner of your garage, let's talk about the importance of proper storage. Organizing your Christmas decorations now saves you time, money, and stress next season. It also helps protect delicate items, like ornaments or wreaths, so they stay in great shape year after year.
Whether you're working with limited space in an apartment, or you have a garage to dedicate to storage, this guide has you covered. We'll share tips for everything from lights to trees, ensuring that your holiday decor is stored safely and efficiently.
And if you're still in hosting mode with all the festivities, be sure to check out our Pre-Holiday Cleaning Tips for inspiration on how to prep your home for holiday guests—and take some of those lessons into the new year!
Let's get started on turning post-holiday chaos into a stress-free storage plan.
General Tips for Organizing Christmas Decorations
Organizing your Christmas decorations doesn't have to be a hassle with a few simple strategies.
Start by investing in clear, labeled bins to make finding specific items a breeze.
Group your decorations by category—like lights, ornaments, or wreaths—or by the room or area they're used in for a more streamlined setup next year.
Consider creating a holiday storage inventory or labeling each box with detailed contents to save time during the next holiday season.
For those in small spaces, options like under-bed storage or stackable bins can maximize space while keeping your decor organized.
With these tips, storing and retrieving your decorations will be easier than ever! Read on for specific recommendations to make post-holiday clean-up a breeze.
How to Store Christmas Lights
Christmas lights bring magic to the holiday season, but untangling a jumbled mess of wires next year can ruin the festive mood before it even starts. Storing your lights properly not only saves you time but also extends their lifespan by preventing damage. Here's how to keep your lights organized and in good condition:
Use Light Storage Reels or Wraps
Invest in a light storage reel — or create your own by wrapping the lights around a piece of sturdy cardboard or a spool. Secure the ends with twist ties or rubber bands to keep them in place. This prevents tangles and makes them easy to unroll when decorating next year.
Label Each Strand
If you use different types of lights for your tree, windows, or outdoor spaces, label each strand with a tag or piece of tape. This makes it easy to identify and plan your setup next season.
Store in Plastic Bins
Place the wrapped lights into a clear, labeled plastic bin for protection. Clear bins allow you to see the contents at a glance, saving time when you're searching for decorations.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
If you're storing your lights in a garage, attic, or shed, make sure the area is climate-controlled or at least protected from extreme temperature changes. Freezing or overheating can damage the wires and bulbs.
Check for Damage Before Storing
Take a few minutes to inspect each strand for broken bulbs or frayed wires. Replace any damaged bulbs and repair or discard damaged wires to avoid surprises next year.
Proper storage ensures your lights will shine brightly for many holiday seasons to come.
How to Store Outdoor Christmas Decorations
Storing outdoor Christmas decorations can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can protect them from the elements and keep them in great condition for next year's festivities.
Here are some expert tips to ensure your outdoor decorations last:
Clean and Dry
Before putting them away, take the time to thoroughly clean and dry your outdoor items. This prevents rust, mold, or mildew from developing during storage, especially for items that have been exposed to the elements.
Store Inflatables Properly
For inflatables, deflate them completely and place them in large, clear plastic bags. This helps prevent creasing and keeps them safe from dirt and moisture while ensuring they're easy to spot when it's time to set them up again.
Hang or Use Oversized Bins
Large decorations like oversized lawn ornaments and wreaths can be tricky to store. Hang them on heavy-duty hooks or store them in oversized bins to prevent them from being damaged or taking up unnecessary space.
By taking a little extra care with your outdoor decorations, you'll keep them in prime condition for the next holiday season—plus, next year's setup will be quicker and easier!
How to Store a Christmas Tree
Storing your Christmas tree properly will save you time and frustration when it's time to bring it out next year.
Here's how to do it right:
Disassemble Artificial Trees
Once the holidays are over, take apart your artificial tree. If you still have the original box, that's the best option. No box? No problem—invest in a tree storage bag to keep it safe and dust-free. Just make sure to get one that fits your tree snugly to avoid any unwanted squishing.
Space-Saving Tree Storage
Short on space? Slim tree bags are your friend. These specially designed bags slide easily into closets or fit neatly under beds, so you can stow your tree without taking up valuable room. Perfect for apartment dwellers or anyone looking to maximize storage!
Real Tree Tip
Real trees can be a bit trickier. Once you've enjoyed your tree, don't just throw it out—recycle or compost it instead. It's a sustainable way to say goodbye to your tree and avoid unnecessary waste.
Store your tree properly now, and next year, you'll thank yourself when it's time to set up that perfect holiday centerpiece again!
How to Store Christmas Ornaments
Christmas ornaments are often the most sentimental part of your holiday decor, so keeping them safe from damage is a top priority.
Here's how to store them properly:
Divided Storage Bins
Invest in storage bins with padded compartments to protect your fragile ornaments. These bins are perfect for keeping your baubles, glass balls, and collectible items safe from breakage and scratches. Keep each ornament snug in its own compartment to prevent shifting during storage.
Repurpose Egg Cartons
Don't throw away those empty egg cartons—they're perfect for storing delicate ornaments. Use the individual cups to hold smaller, fragile items. Just make sure to wrap them in tissue paper for extra protection!
Sentimental Items
For those special ornaments that hold sentimental value, wrap them in tissue paper and store them separately in sturdy boxes. This extra layer of protection ensures that those heirlooms or one-of-a-kind pieces stay safe until next year.
With a little planning and the right storage solutions, your ornaments will stay intact and ready to shine!
How to Store Christmas Wreaths
Wreaths can be tricky to store without getting flattened or crushed, but it doesn't have to be complicated. Here's how to keep your wreaths in great shape:
Use Wreath Bags or Large, Round Bins
A wreath bag or a big, round bin is your best friend. It'll help keep your wreath in one piece and prevent it from getting squished in storage.
Hang Them on Hooks or Use Garment Bags
If you've got space, hanging your wreaths on hooks is a great way to keep them from getting bent out of shape. Alternatively, garment bags are a perfect option to keep them safe without cramming them into a box.
Label the Bags or Bins
Don't waste time digging through boxes every year. Just stick a label on your wreath bags so you'll know exactly where your holiday greenery is stored—no guessing needed!
Storing wreaths doesn't have to be a headache. With these few steps, your wreaths will stay looking great, and your future self will thank you come the next holiday season!
Make Next Year's Decorating a Breeze
Taking a little extra time to store your holiday decorations properly now will save you effort next year. Whether it's Christmas lights, wreaths, or ornaments, organizing and storing them the right way will make setting up your space next season so much easier. Plus, it'll keep your decorations looking fresh year after year!
Once the decorations are packed away, book a cleaning with Pristine & Cleaned. We'll get your home spotless and ready for the new year, so you can focus on getting your decorations organized without the mess.
