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Holiday decor storage is the last job on the list once the celebrating is over, and it decides whether your lights, ornaments, and heirlooms come out in good shape next year. Tangled strands, crushed wreaths, and cracked glass ornaments are almost always a packing problem, not bad luck. Whether you are pulling your decorations out now or putting them away in January, a little planning goes a long way. Here are 11 practical tips for packing and storing your holiday decor, plus how to tell when it is time to move it out of the closet or garage and into a storage unit.
1. Declutter before you pack anything
The easiest way to shrink your holiday decor storage needs is to own less of it. Before anything goes into a bin, pull out strands of lights that no longer work, ornaments with chips or cracks, and decorations your family has simply outgrown. Donate what is still in good shape and toss what is not. You will pack faster, and next year you will unpack only the things you actually love.
2. Sort by holiday and by room
Group decorations by holiday first, then by where they go in your home. Tree ornaments stay with tree ornaments, mantel pieces stay with mantel pieces, and outdoor decor gets its own bins. When December rolls around, you can grab exactly what you need for the living room without digging through everything else.
3. Choose sturdy, clear plastic bins with latching lids
Cardboard boxes break down, soak up moisture, and invite pests, which is why plastic bins are the better choice for long-term storage. Look for bins with snap-on lids, and pick clear ones when you can so you can see what is inside. Label every bin on the side and the top with the holiday and the contents, since stacked bins are rarely turned around to check a label.
4. Wrap ornaments one at a time
Glass ornaments are the most common casualty of storage. Wrap each one in plain packing paper or bubble wrap, then place them in a bin with dividers, such as a compartment ornament box or a cardboard divider set. Keep the original boxes for special pieces, and never toss loose ornaments into a bin and hope for the best. Put the heaviest items on the bottom and the most delicate on top.
5. Wind lights around a reel, not into a ball
Tangled lights are the number one complaint about holiday decor storage, and the fix is simple. Wrap each strand around a piece of sturdy cardboard, a hanger, or a purpose-made light reel, tucking the plug end in so it does not unravel. Test every strand before you store it so you know what needs replacing next year, and keep the wrapped strands together in one labeled bin.
6. Take your artificial tree apart the right way
If you have an artificial tree, break it down by section and bag or box it according to the manufacturer's directions. A tree storage bag with handles makes it far easier to carry, and the original box works well if you still have it. Remove any ornaments and loose lights first so nothing gets crushed, and store the tree somewhere dry and upright if you can. Because a tree is the bulkiest item most families own, it is often the first thing that tips a home from "tight on space" to "time for a storage unit."
7. Protect wreaths and garland from crushing
Wreaths lose their shape fast when other bins are stacked on top of them. Store each one in a wreath container, or slide it into a large plastic bag and keep it flat on top of your stack or hanging on a wall hook. Garland can be loosely coiled and tucked into its own bin, away from heavy items.
8. Pack fragile pieces and heirlooms separately
Your grandmother's nativity set and the ornaments your kids made deserve their own bin. Wrap each piece, label the bin "fragile," and keep it out of the bottom of any stack. Candles, glass, and fabric keepsakes are the items most affected by heat and humidity, which is where a climate-controlled storage unit can make a real difference, since temperature swings in attics and garages can warp plastics, soften wax, and dull delicate finishes.
9. Clean and fully dry outdoor decor and inflatables
Wipe the dirt and moisture off yard decorations, and let everything dry completely before packing. Even a little dampness can lead to mold and musty smells by the time next season arrives. Fold inflatables loosely according to their instructions, and store light-up yard pieces with their stakes and cords in one bin so nothing goes missing.
10. Wash and dry stockings, linens, and tree skirts first
Launder fabric decor before putting it away, since stains set over time and attract pests. Make sure each item is fully dry, then store it in a bin with a little breathing room instead of squeezing it flat. For items you care about, wrap them in clean cotton or acid-free tissue rather than plastic bags.
11. Know when it is time for a storage unit
If your decor now takes up half the garage, crowds your hall closet, or forces you to stack bins to the ceiling, it may be time for extra space. A small unit can hold your tree, your bins, and the rest of your seasonal gear, and it keeps your home clear the other ten months of the year. Not sure how much room you need? The storage unit size guide can help you pick the right size, and our household storage options are a good fit for seasonal items. If you have big inflatables or outdoor displays to load and unload, a drive-up unit lets you pull right up to your door.
Store your holiday decor with Purely Storage
Packing your decorations well is half the battle, and a safe, dry place to keep them is the other half. At Purely Storage, we have locations across California, Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Tennessee, with unit options for everything from a few bins to a full season of decor. Find a Purely Storage location near you and reserve a unit online, or browse more packing advice on our storage tips page. Ask about current promotions at participating locations when you reserve.
