Stress-Free Holiday Storage: 10 Tips for Taking Down and Storing Decorations
Although the holiday season has just begun, it’s never too early to think ahead! The holiday season is magical, but taking down decorations and organizing them for storage can feel overwhelming. With a little planning and the right techniques, you can make the process stress-free and set yourself up for a smoother decorating experience next year. Here are ten practical tips to help you take down, declutter, and store your holiday decorations like a pro.
#1 Plan Ahead for Success
Before you start packing away your holiday cheer, take a moment to plan your approach. Organizing decorations as you take them down will save time and prevent frustration when the next holiday season rolls around. A little effort now means a lot less stress next year!
#2 Sort Decorations Before Storing
As you take down your decorations, go through each item and sort them into categories: keep, discard, or donate. Broken ornaments, tangled lights that don’t work, or decor you no longer love can be discarded or recycled. Gently used decorations that no longer fit your style can be donated to local charities or community organizations.
Group similar items together, such as tree ornaments, lights, garlands, and wreaths. This makes packing and storing much easier.
#3 Invest in the Right Storage Solutions
Protect your decorations with storage solutions designed to keep them in good condition:
Clear Bins: Use transparent, sturdy bins so you can easily see what’s inside.
Ornament Boxes: Invest in boxes with dividers to keep ornaments secure.
Wreath Containers: Store wreaths in specialty containers to maintain their shape.
Light Reels: Avoid tangled lights by wrapping them around reels or spools.
Labeled Bins: Label each bin by category (e.g., “Tree Ornaments,” “Outdoor Lights”) for easy identification.
#4 Use Creative Packing Methods
DIY packing methods can save you money and protect your decorations:
Wrap delicate ornaments in tissue paper or bubble wrap and place them in egg cartons or small boxes.
Use plastic cups in bins to create individual compartments for fragile items.
Wrap holiday lights around cardboard or spools to prevent tangles.
Store garlands in plastic bags to keep them from getting dusty or damaged.
#5 Label and Categorize Everything
Label each bin or container with its contents, and consider adding color-coded labels for quick recognition. For example:
Red and Green: Christmas decorations.
Blue: Hanukkah items.
Neutral Colors: Winter-themed or non-specific holiday decor.
A clear labeling system ensures you can easily find what you need without digging through multiple bins.
#6 Store Strategically
Choose storage locations that protect your decorations from moisture, dust, and temperature extremes. Ideal options include attics, basements, or dedicated storage closets. Use shelving units to keep bins off the floor and stackable containers to save space. Place frequently used items, like outdoor lights, in easy-to-reach spots.
#7 Take Down Decorations Methodically
When removing decorations, start with the least visible areas and work outward. For example, begin with outdoor lights and lawn decor, then move inside to tackle the tree and living spaces. Assign family members specific tasks to make the process quicker and more enjoyable.
Take photos of your decorated spaces before dismantling them. These pictures will serve as a helpful reference when setting up next year.
#8 Declutter as You Go
Use the cleanup process as an opportunity to declutter. If you didn’t use certain items this year, consider whether you still need them. Letting go of unused decorations creates space and makes organizing more manageable.
#9 Don’t Forget Non-Decoration Holiday Items
Holiday storage goes beyond decorations. Use this time to organize:
Gift Wrap: Store rolls of wrapping paper in a vertical container or under-bed storage box.
Ribbons and Bows: Place in clear bins or small compartments to keep them intact.
Holiday Tableware: Pack seasonal tablecloths, dishes, and centerpieces in labeled bins for safekeeping.
#10 Prepare for Next Year
As you store decorations, think about how you’ll set them up next year. Arrange bins in the order you’ll need them, such as placing outdoor decorations on top for easy access. Create a checklist or inventory to track what you have, so you’re not left guessing next year.
Enjoy a More Organized Holiday Season
By following these tips, you’ll not only protect your holiday treasures but also enjoy a smoother, stress-free decorating experience next year. Taking the time to declutter, organize, and store your decorations properly allows you to focus on the joy of the season instead of the hassle of cleanup.
Ready to get started? MACMOM Organizing is here to help! Contact us today for professional organizing services to make your holiday storage simple, efficient, and stress-free. Let us take the guesswork out of holiday cleanup so you can enjoy the magic of the season year after year.
