So you’ve cleaned up from the last big holiday-tinsel is down, pumpkins are put away, and flags are folded. Now, how do you store all your seasonal decorations so they’re protected, easy to find next year, and your storage area doesn’t become a mess? The key is a bit of planning and smart organizing. Instead of tossing everything together in random boxes, take a step-by-step approach. This makes sure your decorations last longer and your storage stays tidy. Here’s how to make storing decorations a task you can actually enjoy, rather than dread.
Since Americans spend over $230 every year on holiday decorations-excluding lights-it’s smart to store them carefully. Taking good care of your decor means it will last longer, and you won’t have to keep replacing broken or lost items next year.
Why organize and store seasonal decorations?
Organizing and storing decorations isn’t just for neatness after the holidays. There are real benefits to putting some effort into this. It saves time and trouble later, keeps special items safe, and helps you get more out of the decorations you enjoy.
Think of this as preparing for a smoother experience next year. A solid system now means you’ll spend less time searching for stuff and more time actually decorating and enjoying the season.
Saves time and eases holiday stress
Picture this: the holidays are here, guests are coming, and you want to make your home festive. Instead of wasting hours digging through a mess of unmarked boxes, you reach for the clearly labeled bins you need. Everything’s in order and ready to use. When you take time to sort, pack, and label your items, your future self will thank you. You’ll avoid frustration and have more time to celebrate.
Keeps fragile and valuable items safe
Many decorations, especially those with sentimental value, are easily breakable. Cardboard boxes don’t do a good job protecting these items, especially over time. Invest in good, sturdy containers-especially ones made for items like ornaments or wreaths. Packing things carefully in the right container protects your decorations from accidents, dust, and even moisture, so they’ll look great next year too.
Stops clutter and uses space wisely
If seasonal items aren’t organized, they can quickly take over garages, closets, or attics. Soon you have a pile of bins and boxes that take up valuable room. Using stackable bins, shelves, and special containers helps keep everything in order. With a good system, your decorations are easy to find and your storage area stays neat and useful.
How to prepare decorations for storage
A little work up front makes packing away your decorations much easier. This first step is all about sorting out what you really want to keep, making sure it’s in good shape, and setting up a simple system to get things out quickly next season.
Declutter and donate items you don’t use
This step is very important. Be honest-if you didn’t use an item this year, will you really use it next year? Toss or recycle anything broken, and give away things that are still in good shape but no longer fit your style. Getting rid of what you don’t need now will save room and cut down on clutter later.
Group decorations by holiday, season, or type
Next, organize what you’re keeping. The easiest way is to sort by holiday (Christmas, Halloween, etc.) or by season. You can also break it down further by item, like all lights together or all table decorations together. The goal is to make it easy to find what you need when it’s time to decorate again.
Clean and check decorations before packing
Before putting anything away, clean each piece and check it for damage. Wipe off dust, fix or get rid of broken items, and take out batteries (so they don’t leak). This way, everything will look good as new when you take it out next year.
Write an inventory list for quick reference
Making an inventory might sound extra, but it comes in handy. Just write down what’s in each box or bin, either on paper taped to the container or in a digital note. For example: “Christmas-Red Ornaments” or “Fall-Dining Table Decor.” This way you don’t have to open every box to remember what’s inside.
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Declutter and Donate | Saves space, less clutter |
| 2 | Sort by Holiday/Type | Easier to find items |
| 3 | Clean & Inspect | Keeps items in good condition |
| 4 | Make Inventory List | Quick reference |
How to pick the right storage containers
The right container matters for keeping decorations safe and organized. Not every bin is the same-pick based on what you’re storing and the space where you’re keeping it. This prevents damage and helps everything fit well.
Clear vs. opaque bins
You have two main choices: clear bins or solid (opaque) bins. Clear bins let you see what’s inside, so you can find things faster. Solid bins look neater on shelves, but you’ll need to label them well. Think about where you’re storing things and choose whichever makes sense for your space.
Special containers for ornaments, wreaths, and lights
Some items need special containers. Ornament boxes with little sections keep glass balls from banging together. Wreath boxes keep wreaths round and dust-free. Light reels or spools stop light strings from getting tangled. While you can use homemade solutions in a pinch, special containers make organization and protection easier.
Labeling tips for easy finding
No matter what bin you use, labeling is a must. Write on masking tape, use a marker, or get a label maker. Label by holiday, season, or room. A clear label makes finding what you want quick and simple.
Ideas for storing big or oddly shaped items
Some decorations just won’t fit in regular bins. For example, rolling storage bags make it easier to store artificial trees upright. Hang big items up high on garage shelves and cover with plastic to keep off dust. Put long, artificial flowers in vases or tall buckets. Get creative-old suitcases work for lights, and a trash can can keep wrapping paper neat.
How to pack and protect breakable decor
Fragile items need more attention. Just tossing them in a box can lead to disappointment when you unpack them next year. The right packing supplies and methods will keep everything safe.
Padding and packing materials
- Bubble wrap for glass ornaments and delicate figures
- Tissue paper or coffee filters to prevent scratches
- Egg cartons for small, breakable pieces
- Excelsior or shredded paper for extra padding
Dealing with lights, garlands, and trees
Keep strands of lights tangle-free by wrapping them around cardboard, a hanger, or using a spool. For garlands, wrap around cardboard as well. If storing artificial trees, disassemble and put in the box or tree bag. Tie up loose branches to keep them together and prevent bending.
Storing wreaths and florals
To keep wreaths from being crushed, use a wreath container or hang them up. For artificial flowers, store them upright in vases or buckets. For longer stems, fix PVC pipes to a wall to hold them standing up so they don’t bend or break.
Where should you keep seasonal decorations?
The place you put your decorations makes a big difference in how well they hold up. Some areas of the house work better than others, depending on the item and how sensitive it is to temperature and humidity.
Common storage areas
- Attic: Good in mild, dry climates, but can get too hot or cold
- Basement: Often damp, so watch out for moisture issues
- Garage: Temperature changes can be a problem; also can be dusty
- Inside the house: Closets, under beds, or cabinets are often best for delicate things
Important things to think about
- Temperature and Humidity: Avoid areas that get too hot, cold, or damp
- Accessibility: Store items you use often somewhere easy to reach
Tips to save space and stay organized
Even with the right bins and a good spot, you want to keep your system from turning messy. Think about different ways to use space and keep things neat over time.
Use vertical space and hang things
Add shelves for stacking bins. Hang things like wreaths on hooks. Over-the-door racks can hold small pieces like ribbons or bags. Make use of wall space and doors to stretch your storage area.
How to stack bins for best access
- Put heavier bins on the bottom
- Place bins you’ll need first on the top or in front
- Keep similar holidays or seasons together
Keep things tidy all year
After every holiday, tidy up the area as you put things away. Move bins you won’t need to the back, and bring forward ones for the upcoming season. Update your inventory lists and remove anything you no longer want. Use shelf liners to stop bins from sliding around.
How to plan for next season
Don’t just think about storing-think ahead. A few small steps now will make decorating much easier next year.
Update box lists yearly
Every time you put things away, update your inventory. Add new items or take off items you got rid of. Take pictures if that helps you remember what’s inside, especially for bins you can’t see into easily.
Set a schedule for changing decorations
Pick dates to put away current decorations and bring out the next set. Add them to your calendar or set reminders so you don’t rush at the last minute. Having a set time for swaps helps the whole process go smoothly.
Common questions about storing decorations
Here are answers to some questions people often have:
How do you stop mold and pests in storage?
- Use plastic bins with lids to keep moisture out
- Make sure the area is dry and use dehumidifiers if you need to
- Put cedar blocks or rings in bins with fabric items to keep moths away
- Never store food with decorations
Do you need climate-controlled storage?
It depends. If you have items that are delicate or made from wood, paper, or certain plastics, keep them in a space where temperatures and humidity don’t change much. For sturdier things, like most plastics or outdoor decorations, less controlled areas are fine if the items are in good bins. Look at what you have and where you want to keep it, then make your choice.
What do you do with broken or out-of-date decorations?
Toss or recycle anything broken that can’t be fixed. Give away things that still look good but you don’t want. Only store decorations you really use and like-less clutter means less to organize!