Holiday Storage Ideas: 6 Tips for Organizing Holiday Decor & Gift Wrap
The holidays are a time for joy, celebration, and of course, beautiful decorations! But once the festivities are over, packing up your holiday decor can be a daunting task—especially if you're not sure how to store it properly. Whether it’s wreaths, artificial trees, or strands of twinkling lights, storing your decorations the right way will not only preserve them for years to come but also save you time and effort when it’s time to pull them out again next season.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to storing holiday decor like wreaths, trees, and lights so you can stay organized and keep your festive items in tip-top shape!
1. Artificial Christmas Trees
Artificial trees can take up a lot of space if not stored correctly. Here’s how to make sure your tree stays fluffy and beautiful for many holidays to come:
Disassemble and Pack Carefully: If your tree has multiple sections, break it down into its individual parts. This will prevent the branches from getting crushed or bent out of shape.
Use a Tree Storage Bag: Invest in a high-quality storage bag designed specifically for artificial trees. Our favorite BALEINE tree bag is durable, protects from dust and damage, and comes in 7.5 feet and 9 feet tree height options. For a more ecofriendly option reuse the box it came in!
2. Ornaments
Ornaments are often the most sentimental part of holiday decorating. Whether they’re heirlooms passed down through generations or new additions you’ve picked up over the years, it’s important to store them carefully to avoid breakage and preserve their beauty for future seasons. Here’s how to store ornaments in a way that keeps them safe and organized:
Use Ornament Storage Boxes: The easiest and safest way to store ornaments is by using a dedicated ornament storage box. This BALEINE one from Amazon features individual compartments and stackable trays which can be collapsed when when not storing ornaments.
Wrap in Tissue Paper: For extra protection, especially for delicate or glass ornaments, wrap each piece individually in tissue paper. This helps cushion them and prevents any bumps or scratches during storage.
Store by Theme or Color and Label the Containers: To make it even easier to decorate next year, consider storing your ornaments by theme or color. If you have a specific color scheme for your tree, this will allow you to easily pull out the right decorations and get started without having to dig through all your boxes. If you have many different types of ornaments (e.g., glass, ceramic, vintage, or DIY), labeling your storage boxes can save you time when unpacking. Simply write the contents on the box or use colored labels to differentiate between ornament types or seasons.
Store Hanging Hooks Separately: If the hooks are easy to remove from your most delicate ornaments, we recommend keeping any hooks in a separate container to prevent them from getting tangled in your ornaments or scratching up those delicate ornaments.
3. Holiday Lights
Holiday lights are a holiday favorite but can quickly become a nightmare if they’re not properly stored. Here's how to keep them from tangling and breaking:
Wrap Lights Around a Reel: To avoid a tangled mess, wrap your lights around a spool or large piece of cardboard. You can also purchase plastic light reels designed specifically for storage. This heavy duty zippered bag holds three reels and keeps the lights untangled and protected from dust and damage.
Store in Containers: Once your lights are wrapped, place them in storage bins. Both the Clear Weathertight bins from The Container Store and the black bins from Home Depot are great options.
Label the Containers: When you store your lights, make sure to label the containers clearly so you know where you used them.
Test Lights Before Storing: Always check that all of your holiday lights are working before you store them! This will help you avoid frustration when it’s time to set them up again.
4. Gift Wrap and Gifting Supplies
Gift wrapping is an essential part of holiday giving, but after the season ends, it can be easy for rolls of wrapping paper, bows, and gift bags to become a tangled, disorganized mess. Storing your gift wrap and gifting supplies efficiently ensures that they stay in good condition and are ready for use the next time a gift-giving occasion comes around. Here’s how to store these items with ease:
Use a Gift Wrap Organizer: A dedicated gift wrap organizer, whether a box, hanging organizer, or rolling cart, is one of the best ways to store gift wrap supplies. This sturdy fabric storage bag from Amazon has compartments to keep gift wrap rolls separated from other supplies like gift bags, gift tags, stickers, and ribbon.
Store Gift Bags and Tissue Paper Flat: Keep gift bags and tissue paper flat to prevent them from getting creased or folded. We recommend storing them in an underbed bin, and both the above storage bag and this plastic gift wrap box from The Container Store fit perfectly.
5. Wreaths
Wreaths are a hallmark of holiday decor, but they can be tricky to store due to their delicate shape and natural materials. Here’s how to store them properly:
Use a Wreath Storage Bag: A heavy-duty, breathable storage bag designed for wreaths is a great way to protect your wreaths from dust, dirt, and damage. Be sure to choose a bag that fits the size of your wreath to avoid crushing it. Our favorite is this BALEINE one from Amazon that comes in 24”, 30”, and 36” diameters.
Avoid Attic or Damp Spaces: Wreaths made of natural materials like pine, holly, or dried flowers can deteriorate in humid or extremely hot environments. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
6. Bins & Containers and Where to Store Them
Use Heavy Duty Bins: Our favorite bins are the Clear Weathertight bins from The Container Store and these black bins from Home Depot. Both options come in sizes ranging from 2 gallon to 40 gallon.
Maximize Vertical Space in the Garage or Attic: Consider using shelving units in your garage, closet, or basement. Our go to is the Seville Classics Solid Steel Wire Rack that has wheels and comes in multiple shelving heights and depths to fit garages/attics and bins of all sizes.
Keep Your Holiday Decor Organized Year After Year
Proper storage isn’t just about protecting your holiday decor—it’s about making your life easier when the next holiday season rolls around. By following these tips and using the right storage containers, you’ll be able to keep your wreaths, trees, lights, gift wrap, and other decorations in great condition, all while keeping your storage spaces neat and organized.
Need help organizing your holiday decor (or your entire home)? Our professional organizing services can help you create custom storage solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us today to get started and ensure a clutter-free, stress-free holiday season!
