Not so festive fact: The holidays generate hundreds of thousands of tons in additional waste between November and New Year’s alone. Among this waste, you’ll find artificial trees, formerly jolly broken baubles, knotted strings of lights, battered wreaths, and the plastic it all once came in.
Holiday decorating can be a hassle. Putting it all away is an even bigger bummer. However, the way we organize and keep our merriest objects can increase their lifespan, keep them in good repair, and make tucking it all away much easier. Here are a few holiday décor storage hacks that can save you money and space, leaving more room for joy.
Pare down your collection.
Décor is like anything else we buy for looks; a lot of it falls out of fashion. In a few short years, you have a mismatched collection of items that doesn’t really go with your neutral kitchen or recently refaced exterior.
Group items that go together. Eliminate the groups that don’t have your desired aesthetic anymore. Pass them along to someone else or donate them to a thrift shop. This is the beginning of any orderly storage initiative.
Go niche with your categories.
The biggest holiday décor storage headache is sifting through a jumble of items looking for what you need. Decluttering your collection is the best first start, but from there, pack them away in small categories.
For example, instead of “wreaths,” break it down to “medium-sized wreaths,” “fall wreaths,” “outdoor wreaths,” and other similarly tight categories. This will make the next décor storage hack much easier.
Scale down the size of your storage bins.
The big plastic tote is tempting. Crack it open, toss it all in, and be done with it. But this is the reason why your ornaments are broken, your garlands are bent out of shape, and your lights are in one big knot.
Aim for smaller boxes that are just big enough to accommodate your little groups. Use inserts and dividers that can protect glass items and keep objects from getting throttled and mixed around.
Sustainability tip: Instead of buying all-new plastic bins, repurpose some shoe boxes and shipping materials from online shopping. Carefully wrap items in brown paper and tuck them into smaller boxes.
Spend five extra minutes on labeling.
The scrawl of a Sharpie ages poorly. Two years ago, you emblazoned that cardboard box with “NATIVITY SCENE” only to find it full of fall gourds this year.
Buy large-format sticker labels and clearly, carefully mark the contents. If you use the box to store something else at the end of the season, just place another label over top of it.
Smarter string light storage.
Soft white or multicolored string lights make holiday hosting magical. They’re also one of the most mistreated types of holiday décor. Categorize lights by length and location of use, and wrap them around a spool before sealing them in an airtight bin.
Sustainability tip: Don’t want to buy special spools for your lights? Repurpose the cardboard tubes from your gift wrap. Carefully wrap the string of lights along the length of the tube, securing it with packing tape at each end. You can also create a notch on either end of the tube to slip the string light ends into.
Increase organization and decrease damage with built-ins.
The months you aren’t using your holiday décor are among the most damaging. Leaks or pests in attics, garages, and basements age your belongings, especially if they’re left sitting on the floor. Closets become cluttered and we’re always shifting boxes around, rattling delicate items unnecessarily.
The Designery is your organization and custom storage specialist. We help you design and install shelving, cabinets, and other clever storage tricks unique to your space. We even carry drawer inserts and other accessory organizers to keep items tidy, intact, and tangle-free. Find a location near you and book your free consultation.
Holiday décor storage FAQ
What is the best storage for holiday decorations?
It depends on what you have and where you keep it. Clear plastic bins offer visibility to help you identify the contents of the box at a glance. If storing in clear plastic, ensure it’s in a dark place, as UV exposure can fade decorations.
All storage solutions should protect your decorations from dust and moisture, so no matter what, go for as tight a seal as possible.
Where do most people store their Christmas decorations?
The garage, outdoor shed, and basement are the three most popular places to store Christmas decorations. All three of these places come with the risk of exposure to the elements.
Installing shelving to keep containers off the ground and choosing containers with tight-fitting lids can extend the life of all holiday décor.
How to declutter Christmas décor?
First, throw away anything that’s broken. Lay out everything left over and visualize it around your home, creating a decorating design plan that designates a place for each item. This is what you should keep.
Alternatively, choose a theme for the holiday, such as silver and white, or red velvet and natural greenery. For every on-theme piece you add, donate one that doesn’t fit in to a thrift store.
Another method is meaning. Keep all pieces with sentimental value or memories attached. Donate the rest, and only add items that complement your most significant pieces.
