Holiday Decoration Storage Tips That Actually Work

The holiday season is a time for celebration, family, and fun, but packing up after the festivities can be overwhelming. Fortunately, properly storing your holiday decor is easier than you might think. If you're looking for how to store Christmas decorations, you've come to the right place. Our holiday decoration storage ideas are guaranteed to keep your ornaments, lights, and seasonal accents in pristine condition.

Best Places to Store Holiday Decor

The first thing you should do is decide where to store Christmas decorations. Once you know where your holiday objects are going, you can plan the best way to store them. The goal is to protect your treasures from dust, pests, and extreme temperatures as much as possible. Here are popular holiday decoration storage locations found in most homes:

Closet

A utility or linen closet can be perfect for small boxes containing fabric and fragile items, like Christmas ornaments.

Garage

For many, the garage is a convenient spot to store decorations. It's a good choice for larger items, such as artificial trees and outdoor holiday decorations.

Shed

Sheds are similar to garages, but may be more prone to moisture.

Under the Bed

Somehow, this primary piece of real estate is often overlooked. It's ideal for flat items, including wrapping paper, wreaths, and tree skirts.

Attic

Although they offer lots of space, attics can be problematic. Because temperature swings in the attic can be extreme, avoid storing any holiday decorations that are sensitive to temperature and humidity (such as textiles, candles, and paper) there.

How to Store an Artificial Christmas Tree

Artificial trees are a great way to save time and money, but they may be cumbersome to store. Here's how to store an artificial Christmas tree so it always looks brand new: 

• Lose the box: The original box has one purpose–to transport the tree to your home. It isn't for long-term storage. Instead, get a heavy-duty storage bag intended for artificial trees.
• Compress the tree: After removing all the Christmas tree decorations, compress the branches upward, following their hinge points. Use wide bands or straps to secure the branches for storage.
• Disassemble if necessary: If you have a larger tree that needs to be disassembled, read the instructions to learn how to take it apart. Once in pieces, take the same basic steps to store it. For older trees, you may need to remove each branch separately, then place it in the bag.
• Store upright: Store the tree upright to preserve the lower branches. If you must lay it down, lay it flat and don't put anything on top.

RELATED: The Best Christmas Trees for Every Home

How to Store Ornaments 

Holiday ornaments are often the most valuable and sentimental decorations, but they can easily be damaged. Use these tips to protect and store ornaments:

• Save the box: The original box can be the most practical storage option, especially for expensive keepsakes.
• Use an ornament storage organizer: They have individual compartments, adjustable dividers, and removable trays to prevent breakage, dust, and discoloration.
• Get creative: Hot-glue multiple plastic cups to a sturdy piece of cardboard and use them as individual storage containers. Use egg cartons for smaller, delicate decorations.

How to Store Gift Wrap

Storing rolls of wrapping paper is tricky—they're bulky and tear and unravel. Keep your gift wrap supplies organized by storing them in:

• Flat bins: Put the paper rolls, bows, tags, and tape in flat bins to keep them safe. (These fit nicely under beds!)
• Vertical bins: A tall, narrow trash can or designated bin is ideal for storing rolls vertically in a closet.

RELATED: Gift Wrapping Do's & Don'ts

How to Store Outdoor Decor & Inflatables

Outdoor decorations, especially those large inflatables, are challenging to manage. They take up a lot of space and are already dirty when it comes time to put them away. Follow these best practices for storing outdoor holiday decor and inflatables: 

• Make sure they're dry: Storing wet outdoor decorations can lead to mold and mildew.
• Roll them up: Roll up the inflatables neatly. This makes them more compact and helps compress any remaining air out.
• Use bubble wrap: Wrap plastic or fiberglass pieces in bubble wrap.
• Store in labelled bins: This makes them easy to find next year.
• Corral smaller items: Place smaller parts and pieces, like stakes and ropes, in individual mesh bags.
• Stack: Store anything too big for the storage bin on top to keep all the outdoor holiday decorations together.

How to Store Garland, Wreaths & Greenery

Storing garland, wreaths, and greenery carefully helps maintain their shape and prevents shedding. Consider using these two objects to store greenery: 

• Clothes hanger: Wrap garland around a hanger and secure the ends with a rubber band.
• Garment bag: Cover wreaths and garland with a garment bag and hang them up.

RELATED: The Secret To Long-Lasting Poinsettias (& Why They're Worth the Effort)

How to Store String Lights

Christmas lights can be frustrating to store because they tend to tangle easily. These handy items keep your string lights knot-free:  

• Plastic reel: Wrap lights around a plastic reel designed for extension cords.
• Cardboard: Wind lights around a piece of cardboard, an empty wrapping paper roll, or a paper towel tube and use notches or tape to secure the ends.
• Hanger: Coil lights around a clothes hanger and hang in a closet.

How to Store Holiday Dishware

Fine china is beautiful, but it requires careful TLC. Put a stop to cracking or chipping by using:

• Fine china storage cases: The most sensible option is to use a fabric or a rigid case for china. They have inserts to keep the various dishes separate and padding for extra protection.
• Separators between dishes: Add separators between dishes stored in a cupboard or on a shelf. Something as simple as coffee filters will work.

How to Store Holiday Linens

Whether you hung stockings by the chimney with care or decorated with holiday napkins, tablecloths, and kitchen towels, follow these holiday decoration storage tips:

• Wash and press: Wash your linens before storing them. Some may need ironing to smooth wrinkles.
• Roll and tuck: You can roll and tuck larger linen pieces, such as tablecloths, into a poster tube for safekeeping.
• Put them in empty drawers: If you have the space, consider a dedicated dresser or drawer just for holiday linens.
• What not to do: Avoid using plastic bags or cardboard. Instead, use acid-free tissue paper or cotton sheeting and put them into a breathable fabric bag or storage bin.

RELATED: How to Wash Your Favorite Cozy Items

Decorations & Holiday Spirit

Take your time deciding how to store Christmas decorations after the holiday celebration ends. It could mean fewer tangles and crushed ornaments next year. The right organizing solutions and clever storage hacks will also make decorating easier when the holiday season rolls around again.

Does putting decorations away have you missing the holidays already? Check out How to Keep the Holiday Spirit Going for Just One More Month.