CREATIVE WAYS TO STORE HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

by Alyssa Davis

Holiday decorations add to the festivity of Christmas and New Year’s, but they have to go somewhere when the holiday season is over. Here are some ways to store your decorations away safely and neatly so you will have no trouble bringing them out to adorn your home again next year.

Storage bins and boxes: Large plastic bins and cardboard boxes are good for storing your larger decorations like the Christmas tree, tree stand, and wreaths.  Use storage bins that have lids and are stackable, and make sure your cardboard boxes are sturdy and clean. Boxes that are damaged or stained may not hold up for very long. Using plastic bags may bend or disfigure the shape of the decorations.

Label each storage bin and box clearly and in detail, on more than one side of the container. The last thing you want to do come next year is to open and sort through several boxes looking for a specific decorative item. 

A great way to store your large boxes and save space is to use shelving mounted from the ceiling of your garage. Tucked away neatly overhead, you will know they are secure till the holiday season comes round again.

Paper tubes: Save your cardboard wrapping paper tubes for storing tinsel, garland, or Christmas lights. 

Wrapping these long strands of lights or garland around the tubes will help to keep them untangled and in good shape for future use. You can cut a slit at both ends of the tube, place the end of the strand of decorations through one slit, wrap the strand around the tube, and finish by sliding the strand through the slit in the other end. 

Place them in plastic bags to preserve them and store on top of boxes or under the bed where they won’t get damaged.

Smaller boxes and tissue paper: Holiday centerpieces and ornaments that are more fragile should be wrapped and stored in smaller boxes. 

They can also be placed in compartmentalized boxes and padded with crumpled newspaper or tissue paper.  Bubble wrap may be needed for valuable, easily breakable items.  You can create a compartmentalized box by sectioning off areas with sturdy cardboard, or use an egg carton for small ornaments.

Group the fragile items together and store in a place where the boxes won’t get crushed, like under the bed or on top of other heavier storage boxes.

Plastic or cloth sheets: Some large holiday decorations like Christmas trees and outdoor displays will not fit into a box or you may prefer to store them unboxed if you have the space in a garage or spare room. Cover these items with an old sheet, tarp, or recycled dry cleaning bags to protect them from getting dusty or faded.

Storage tips: To keep your decorations in good shape for as long as they would last, make sure the storage area is dry and cool. Moisture tends to rot fabric decorations and high temperatures can cause some items like candles to lose their shape.  You may want to seal your storage containers with duct tape and place pest pellets to keep insects and small rodents away.

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