Published: January 01, 2024

A Stress-Free Guide to Properly Storing Your Holiday Decorations

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but as the decorations come down, the daunting task of storing them properly for the next year often looms. Properly storing your holiday decorations not only ensures they remain in good condition but also saves you time and frustration when it’s time to decorate again. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some tips and tricks to help you store your holiday decorations efficiently and effectively.

Gather Your Supplies:

Before you start packing away your decorations, gather the necessary supplies. You’ll need:

• Sturdy cardboard or plastic storage boxes with lids
• Bubble wrap, tissue paper, or newspaper for fragile items
• Ziplock bags for small ornaments or loose items
• Labeling materials (e.g., markers, labels, or a label maker)
• Shelving or storage racks to keep boxes organized

Sort and Declutter:

Begin by sorting through your holiday decorations. Take this opportunity to declutter and get rid of items you no longer use or need. Donate or recycle what you can, and toss any damaged or irreparable decorations. Reducing clutter will make storage more manageable and leave you with decorations you truly cherish.

Properly Pack Fragile Items:

For delicate ornaments, glass figurines, or fragile decorations, take extra care in packing them to prevent breakage. Wrap each item individually in tissue paper or bubble wrap. Place them in small boxes with dividers or compartments to prevent them from knocking into each other. Label these boxes as “fragile” to handle them with care in the future.

Use Ornament Storage Containers:

Consider investing in ornament storage containers designed specifically for holiday ornaments. These containers have individual compartments or trays, ensuring your ornaments remain organized and protected. Some even have adjustable dividers to accommodate various ornament sizes.

Wrap Lights Neatly:

Lights can easily become tangled and damaged if not stored properly. Use a piece of cardboard or a specialized light storage reel to wrap your string lights neatly. Alternatively, you can wrap them around a plastic hanger or a cable organizer to keep them tangle-free.

Label Everything:

Labeling is key to an organized holiday decoration storage system. Clearly label each box with its contents, such as “Christmas lights,” “Tree ornaments,” or “Outdoor decorations.” You can also include a brief description of the items inside. This will save you time when you’re searching for specific decorations next year.

Store Artificial Trees:

If you have an artificial Christmas tree, store it in a specialized tree storage bag or box. These are designed to protect your tree and keep it in good condition. Before storing the tree, disassemble it into sections and wrap the individual sections in old bed sheets or tree storage bags to prevent dust and damage.

Climate-Controlled Storage:

If you have a lot of vintage or delicate decorations, consider storing them in a climate-controlled space. Extreme temperatures and humidity can damage decorations over time. UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of York has a climate-controlled storage facility that provides a stable environment to preserve your holiday treasures.

Invest in Clear Storage Bins:

Clear plastic storage bins are great for holiday decoration storage because they allow you to see the contents without opening the box. This makes it easier to locate specific items and reduces the need to rummage through boxes.

Keep an Inventory:

Maintain an inventory list of your holiday decorations. This can be a spreadsheet or a note on your phone. Note the contents of each box, its location, and any special instructions for handling fragile items. This list will be your go-to resource when setting up decorations next year.

Properly storing your holiday decorations not only protects your cherished items but also makes the decorating process more enjoyable and less stressful in the future. With the right supplies and organization, you can bid farewell to tangled lights and broken ornaments and say hello to a festive and stress-free holiday season year after year. Happy decorating!

For more information and to find out how we can help, visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of York or call (717) 276-8719.