Although the Christmas season is just beginning, it’s essential to be prepared and think ahead, especially when it comes to decorations. Use our top holiday storage tips to get ahead and ensure that taking down your Christmas decorations is as enjoyable as putting them up!
1. Take a Photo of Your Outdoor Christmas Display
After all the hard work it takes to put up your outdoor Christmas lights and lawn decor, it’s both a great keepsake and organizational tool to take a picture of the display. This way, you will be able to replicate the design next year and remember where everything is placed. A photo will also help you keep track of all the lights and decor you already have in case you’re looking to expand your collection. When storing your outdoor Christmas lights, be sure to organize them according to the display you have created. Use the photo you take to determine which lights belong together, so your setup next year will be easier than ever. This can also apply to your indoor setup!
2. Designate a Box for Christmas Cards
One of the biggest forms of clutter we accumulate after the holidays is the collection of Christmas and holiday cards from loved ones. The first step in organizing and storing Christmas cards is figuring out which ones you truly want to keep. As much as we’d like to keep every card we receive, Christmas cards create a lot of clutter. Take a moment to consider which cards you want to store. Once you decide which cards you’d like to keep, the best way to organize them is with a labelled box.
Check out this option from The Container Store.
3. Use Protective Storage for Christmas Dishes
The easiest way to protect your Christmas dishes is to store them in specially-designed packaging. There are several ways to store these dishes to ensure they remain in perfect condition for years to come. If you’re looking for a DIY holiday storage solution, consider wrapping them in bubble wrap from leftover online Christmas orders. Another great option is to use protective dish storage.
Check out this option from Amazon.
4. Use an Artificial Christmas Tree
These days, many people have been skipping the trip to the Christmas tree farm and instead opting for an artificial tree. An artificial tree is an excellent option if you’re looking for a quick and stress-free way to decorate this holiday season. One of the easiest aspects of having an artificial tree is the cleanup process. You can fold the branches of your tree and place them in their holiday storage bag or box. Black Friday is the perfect opportunity to get your tree on sale!
5. Use Cardboard to Store Indoor Christmas Lights and Garlands
It’s often thought that the easiest way to store your Christmas lights and garlands is inside a box. Although a box can be a great solution, it’s easy for the wires and garlands to get tangled together, making future decorating tedious. Instead, try opting for a simple piece of flat cardboard. Wrap individual strands of lights and garlands around the cardboard. This tip will make decorating easier for years to come!
6. Use Ornament and Gift Wrap Organizers
Ornaments, especially if they’re breakable, can be a tedious decoration to store year-round. Luckily, there are easier ways to store Christmas ornaments than having to throw them in a bag or box loosely. There are now ornament organizers available for purchase to keep your tree’s ornaments protected and all in one place. The same applies to gift wrap, bags, tissue paper, and ribbon.
Check out these options from Amazon: Ornament storage box & gift wrap storage.
7. Keep Your Space Tidy
As you prepare to enjoy this time of year, remember to keep your space tidy throughout the holiday season. A neat space will make for an easy cleanup, with less clutter to organize. You can take time throughout the holidays to do a quick cleanup. Even 10 minutes every day will keep your space tidy, and keep cleanup easy. Even keeping on top of your regular chores will make tidying up your holiday decorations much smoother!
8. Make Individual Piles
When it’s time to put your holiday decorations in storage, start by organizing them into individual piles. Even if you have designated holiday storage containers for decorations, creating organized piles will help you determine what to keep and what needs to be discarded. This method also helps if you’re looking to purchase storage solutions for your holiday decorations. Making individual piles before you start decorating will help you understand how much you really have, and how much storage you’ll need. This may seem like a tedious task, but it will keep both decorating and putting away your holiday decorations quick and enjoyable!
9. Declutter Your Decorations
One of the easiest ways to organize your holiday decorations before storing them is to declutter. Over the years, we often accumulate a lot of unnecessary or old decorations. It’s essential to keep on top of them, so your decorations are manageable and made up of items you love and cherish. Before setting up your holiday decorations for the season, please take a moment to review them and decide which pieces you truly want to keep. Then, either donate or throw out pieces you no longer need or want. This is a top holiday storage tip to remember!
10. Try Not to Get Overwhelmed
Storing holiday decorations can sometimes be a stressful activity, but we’re here to remind you to take a deep breath and take things slow. Rely on family and friends for help if you feel overwhelmed by the job, and approach it one day at a time. There’s no need to store everything in one day! You can find the right storage solutions for you and your home, and take the time to store things effectively. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to storage solutions. If you don’t have enough space, storage units are always available.
11. Store Candles and Temperature-Sensitive Decor Properly
Avoid storing candles, snow globes, or battery-operated items in attics, garages, or basements that aren’t temperature-controlled. Heat can melt candles, and freezing can crack glass or damage liquid-filled items. Keep these in a cool, dry space indoors, or inside airtight containers to prevent damage and leaks. This is a key holiday storage tip!
12. Label Everything Clearly
Before putting your bins away, use large, easy-to-read labels (or even a label maker) to note what’s inside each container — for example, “Tree Ornaments – Living Room” or “Outdoor Lights – Front Yard.” You can even add a brief inventory list taped to the inside lid. This makes next year’s decorating much faster and stress-free.
13. Set a Storage Routine
Plan a specific weekend or “holiday takedown day” after New Year’s. Having a routine makes the cleanup process part of your annual tradition and ensures nothing is left behind or stored carelessly.
We hope these holiday storage tips inspire your decorating this year. Happy holiday decorating (and cleanup)!
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