As the festive season ends and the last mince pie disappears, a familiar job returns: packing away the Christmas decorations. But how do you make sure those special baubles, twinkling lights, and lush garlands stay in great shape for next December? The answer is careful planning and the right storage methods. Treating this task with care means you’ll open neat, damage-free boxes next year, saving time, money, and stress.
Your decorations are on display for a few weeks, but they sit in storage for many months. So a little effort now pays off when you start turning your home into a winter wonderland again. You’re protecting both money and memories, and keeping the Christmas magic easy to bring back every year.
Why Storing Christmas Decorations Properly Matters
Good storage isn’t just about tidiness; it’s a smart way to protect your festive items. Without it, next year’s decorating can turn into fixing and replacing. Careful storage keeps things safe from knocks, damp, and pests, and helps your collection last.
Prevents Damage from Impact, Damp, and Pests
One common risk is impact damage. Boxes stacked in tight spaces can crush ornaments and break lights. Fragile items like glass and ceramic decorations need padding to stop bumps and jolts. Damp and mould are another threat that can stain and ruin decorations, especially fabric pieces. Poor airflow and changing temperatures encourage mildew, often signalled by a musty smell.
Pests can also cause trouble. Mice and insects are drawn to quiet storage spots like cellars, lofts, and garages. They can chew wires and fabrics and create safety risks. Tightly sealed containers help keep them out.
Protects Sentimental and Valuable Items
Many decorations carry memories: an heirloom bauble, a child’s handmade ornament, or a souvenir from a special trip. These are hard to replace. Safe storage keeps these treasures intact so they can be enjoyed for years. Antique or high-value pieces also benefit from extra protection for peace of mind.
The joy these items bring is priceless. Keeping them in good shape means you can recreate that festive feeling each year without discovering broken favourites.
Reduces Waste and Replacement Costs
Damage from poor storage leads to buying new items. That costs money and adds to waste. Storing decorations correctly makes them last longer and helps you avoid yearly replacements. A tidy collection also makes it easier to find what you need, so you don’t buy duplicates. It saves money and is kinder to the environment.
What Can Go Wrong: Risks During Storage
It’s easy to rush when packing away. But shortcuts often cause problems that only show up next year. Knowing the risks helps you prevent them.
Damage from Impact or Improper Packing
Hasty packing is a major cause of breakage. Putting delicate ornaments in a box without padding, or stacking heavy items on fragile ones, leads to cracks, chips, and shattered glass. Without separate spaces or cushioning, items knock together when boxes move and get damaged.
Think about how often boxes are shifted, even just across a room. Every move is a chance for a bump. Proper wrapping and containers with dividers are not luxuries-they’re key to keeping decorations safe.
Dampness, Mould, and Pest Infestation
Cellars, lofts, and garages are handy, but they can have changing temperatures and humidity. That’s perfect for damp and mould, which stain fabrics and leave a musty smell. Stockings, tree skirts, and garlands are especially at risk.
These spaces also attract pests. Mice chew wires and fabric. Insects can nest in wreaths. This can ruin decorations and bring pests inside when you unpack. Choose dry, stable storage spots and use sealed boxes to keep out moisture and bugs.
How to Prepare Decorations for Storage
A little prep before boxing up goes a long way. This step keeps items clean, safe, and ready for months in storage, stopping problems from building up.
Removing Batteries and Unplugging Electricals
Always remove batteries from any decoration that uses them-from singing Santas to lit ornaments. Left-in batteries can corrode, break the item, and leak harmful chemicals. Unplug all electrical decorations, including lights and animated figures. For pre-lit trees that aren’t Easy Plug® models, detach the light connections between sections to avoid strain.
These simple steps keep electronics safe and reduce the chance of disappointment-or a fire risk-next year.
Cleaning, Drying, and Repairing Items
Don’t put away anything dirty. Dust artificial greenery with a feather duster or a cool hairdryer. Wipe larger leaves and baubles with a microfibre cloth. Make sure everything is fully dry, especially fabrics, to stop mould and mildew.
Fix small issues now: reattach loose hooks, secure dangling pieces, and mend minor breaks. Doing quick repairs today means fewer last-minute fixes when you’re decorating.
Keeping an Inventory and Organising by Date
An inventory helps a lot, especially for bigger collections spread across several boxes. Write down what you have and where it lives. It makes finding things much faster. Sort by type (tree ornaments, outdoor lights, mantel decor) or by colour if you use themes.
You can also group items by when you use them. Put early-December items (like outdoor lights) at the front, and Christmas Day items (like table settings) to the back. This simple setup makes decorating easier.
Which Storage Spots Are Best for Christmas Decorations?
Where you store decorations matters almost as much as how you pack them. Look for a stable, dry place with enough room so boxes aren’t jammed together.
Choosing Attic, Garage, or Under-bed Spaces
Common options include attics, garages, cupboards, closets, cabinets, and under-bed storage. Each has pros and cons. Attics can get very hot or very cold, which isn’t good for delicate or wax items. Garages often work for artificial trees, sturdy baubles in sealed boxes, large outdoor decor, and lights-just avoid fragile antiques and candles.
Under-bed bins (especially rolling ones) are great for delicate garlands and wreaths, keeping them in good shape and easy to reach. If space is tight, use unused corners, like under the stairs, and add dividers or screens to keep things tidy.
| Storage Spot | Good For | Avoid | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attic/Loft | Plastic bins, non-delicate items | Candles, fragile antiques | Large temp swings can damage items |
| Garage | Artificial trees, outdoor decor, lights | Perishables, fabrics without sealed bags | Use sealed bins; keep away from heat sources |
| Closet/Cupboard | Fabrics, delicate ornaments | Very large items | Stable temperatures suit fragile pieces |
| Under-bed | Wreaths, garlands, ribbons | Heavy items | Use low rolling bins for easy access |
Making a Stable Environment and Enough Space
Keep decorations out of direct sunlight to stop fading and material damage. Keep them away from heat, and avoid damp areas. If humidity is a problem, add moisture absorbers to your boxes.
Make sure you have enough room. Overcrowding leads to breakage and makes it hard to reach items. If you’re short on space, add shelving, stackable bins, or think about a storage unit.
Safety Tips for Storage Locations
Stack boxes safely to avoid crushed items and accidents:
- Use sturdy containers that can handle weight and bumps.
- Put heavy boxes at the bottom and lighter ones on top.
- On high shelves, test the weight before pulling a box down.
- In garages, keep boxes away from sunlight and heat sources like boilers or furnaces.
- Seal entry points to keep pests out.
Tips for Packing and Organising Ornaments and Baubles
Ornaments and baubles are often fragile and special. Their shapes and materials need a careful packing method to keep them safe until next year.
Using Proper Storage Boxes and Dividers
Store baubles in containers with individual compartments. Rolling bauble chests can hold many pieces (some up to 120) and stop items from knocking together. If your box has no dividers, buy cardboard inserts or make your own with cut and slotted card. Separate spaces prevent breakage.
Clear plastic bins are handy if you sort by colour, style, or size because you can see inside. If storing where there’s natural light, choose opaque bins with labels to stop colours fading.
Repurposing Egg Boxes and Soft Liners for Delicate Items
You don’t always need special gear. Egg boxes work well for tiny ornaments. The slots keep items snug and the soft lid adds protection. For larger items, rest them across the slots, but don’t stack breakables inside. For extra safety, place egg boxes in a sturdier bin.
For odd-shaped or delicate pieces, use soft padding: fabric scraps, tissue paper, holiday throws, or cushions. Line the box with shredded paper, add items, then top with more paper or bubble wrap to stop movement. Use bubble wrap or foam for snow globes and very fragile pieces.
Labelling Containers for Easy Retrieval
Once packed, label every box clearly. Avoid vague labels like “Christmas Decorations.” Be specific: “Red Baubles – Tree,” “Glass Ornaments – Mantel,” or “Kids’ Handmade Decorations.” If you use themes or colours, add that to the label. Good labels save lots of time next year.
How to Store Christmas Lights Without Tangling
Tangled lights are a yearly headache. A few simple methods keep them neat and protect the wires.
Wrapping Lights Around Cardboard Sheets or Reels
Wrap each light strand around something firm. Cut small slits at both ends of a piece of rigid cardboard. Wrap the strand around the sheet and slot the plugs into the slits to hold them in place. Label each sheet and stack them in a plastic bin.
Wire spools or reels also work well. Wind one strand per spool and label it. Don’t put multiple strands on one reel, as ends get buried and hard to unwind. These methods prevent tangles and help the wires last longer.
Using Tension Rods, Wire Spools, or Tubes
Tension rods are handy. Wind a strand into a loose circle around your hand, then slide it onto a tension rod. Place the rodded strands lengthwise in a bin with extension cords and remotes. Everything stays together and tidy.
An empty crisp tube (like a Pringles tube) makes a good DIY reel. Cut two slits at the top. Slot one end of the lights into the first slit, wrap the whole strand around the tube (layering is fine), then slot the other end into the second slit. Put the plug inside, close the lid, and you’ll have a neat, tangle-free roll with both ends easy to find.
Keeping Lights in Plastic Bags to Prevent Moisture
For extra protection, coil each strand into a loose circle and secure with twist ties. Place each coil in its own zipper bag. This stops tangles and helps protect from dust and moisture. Label the bags by colour or type, then put them all in a sturdy lidded bin for solid protection.
Best Ways to Store Artificial Christmas Trees
Artificial trees are a big purchase and can last for years with the right care. Good storage keeps their shape, foliage, and lights in good condition.
Taking Down and Storing Traditional Trees
Follow a few key steps. If your tree is pre-lit, deal with the lights first. For Easy Plug® trees, unplug from the power source. For classic pre-lit trees, detach the light connections between sections. If your tree isn’t pre-lit, remove light strings and store them using the methods above.
Next, compress the branches. Use both hands to press the foliage inward on each section before separating them. Take the tree apart from the top down. For the bottom section, loosen the eyebolt on the stand and pull the section out. Place the bolt and stand in a small bag so they don’t get lost. Cover the base end of each section with its cap if it has one.
Tie each section with a ribbon or cord to keep branches compressed. Put sections into the storage bag with the pole at the centre, like placing shoes in a box. For large trees, put odd-numbered sections in one bag and even-numbered sections in another. Seal the bag and move it to storage. If you can, bring the bag to the storage area before packing to reduce heavy lifting.
Avoid the original cardboard box. It breaks down over time and offers little protection from dust, mites, pests, and mould. Use strong storage bags made from rip-stop nylon to keep your tree in good shape.
Unplug and Detach Lights or Connectors
This step comes first for pre-lit trees. Unplug from the wall, and for non-Easy Plug® models, detach internal connectors so the wires aren’t under strain during packing. For Balsam Hill Flip Trees, unplug, then remove the top section.
Compress and Tie Branches
After handling the lights, gently compress the foliage. For traditional trees, press branches inward on each section. For Flip Trees, turn the top section over and compress the branches before putting it in its bag. For the bottom Flip Tree section, open branches to clear the track, press the foot pedal, and pull the centre pole toward you to flip it into storage position. Tie each section to hold the compressed shape.
Disassemble Sections Safely
Take the tree apart section by section. For Flip Trees, store the top half, then manage the bottom half: gather the light cord, tie it with a twist tie or rubber band, and tuck it into the tree. Enclose the bottom half in its bag, place the elastic collar, tuck branches in, and close the Velcro. Buckle and tighten straps so the tree stays compact. Store gloves, extra bulbs, and remotes in a small bag attached to the main bag. Unlock the Flip Tree wheels and roll it to storage along with the top section bag.
Use Tree Bags or Old Sheets for Protection
Dedicated tree bags are the best choice to protect against dust, dirt, and knocks. They’re usually made of tough materials and often have reinforced handles. If you don’t have a tree bag, old bed sheets work well too. Wrap each section to stop squashing and make carrying easier next December. While not as strong as a purpose-made bag, sheets still guard against dust and scuffs. Store your tree in a cool, dry place to avoid musty smells. You can add baking soda or unused coffee grounds in a small container to absorb odours.
How to Store Wreaths, Garlands, and Other Greenery
Wreaths and garlands add natural charm, but they can flatten or grow mould if stored badly. Use the right methods to keep them looking fresh.
Wreath Storage Solutions for Shape and Freshness
Artificial wreaths can look good for years with the right care. Before storing, remove dust with a feather duster or a cool hairdryer. Wipe larger leaves and attached baubles with a microfibre cloth. Remove loose baubles, picks, and ribbons and store them with your other tree decorations.
To stop wreaths from flattening, use wreath storage bags or a sturdy original box. Some bags are made to hang, which helps keep the circular shape without crushing.
Rolling and Hanging Garlands
Straighten each strand after removing baubles or ribbons. Wrap each garland around a piece of rigid cardboard to stop tangles. For long, full garlands, roll them into rounds like a wreath and tie with twine. This makes them easy to stack in bins.
Avoid stuffing several garlands into one container. If space is tight, wrap each one separately. For delicate strands, hang them in garment bags if you have wardrobe space to keep them from being crushed.
Avoiding Mould and Flattening
- Store only when items are completely dry.
- Choose a cool, dry space with steady conditions.
- Add moisture absorbers if damp is a risk.
- Use wreath bags and loosely coiled garlands to keep their shape.
- For faux greenery, press tips gently in their natural direction to fit bags without kinks.
These steps help wreaths and garlands come out looking fresh and ready to hang.
Protecting Paper, Fabric, and Other Delicate Decorations
Paper and fabric items can crease, tear, or attract dust and pests. Because many of these are sentimental, careful storage matters.
Stashing Paper Decor in Envelopes or Folders
Paper chains, handmade ornaments, and special cards crease easily. Use envelopes as sleeves to protect thin paper items. Large A4 or smaller envelopes both work well and keep pieces flat and neat.
For collections, place items in folders or document wallets so you can sort and protect them together. Handle them gently when inserting, and label envelopes or folders so you can find them quickly next year.
Using Hanging Bags for Fabric Ribbons and Wrapping Bits
Stockings, tree skirts, and ribbons gather dust and can attract insects. Vacuum-sealed bags are great for these. They save space and protect from bugs, dust, and moisture, so fabrics come out clean and ready to use.
For wrapping paper, ribbon, and tags, use a long hanging closet bag with side pockets. Hang it in a spare wardrobe to keep everything tidy and easy to grab. This keeps supplies organised and reduces clutter in main storage areas.
Benefits of Using a Dedicated Storage Unit
Sometimes your home storage isn’t enough, especially with large collections or valuable pieces. A storage unit can offer space and conditions you might not have at home.
Extra Space for Peace of Mind
Decorations can take up lots of room, especially big outdoor displays. Crammed spaces lead to clutter and damage. A storage unit eases the pressure so you can sort decorations properly and free up your attic, garage, or spare rooms.
With more space, items aren’t crushed together and are easier to find. This turns decorating into a smooth, enjoyable job rather than a stressful search. Knowing your festive items have their own spot helps you relax.
Security and Consistent Conditions
Many storage facilities offer climate-controlled units. Stable temperature and humidity help protect delicate, antique, or light-sensitive pieces from mould, fading, and warping. Units also add security against theft, pests, and accidental damage that can happen at home.
Strong security and steady conditions keep your collection safe so it’s ready to shine next season.
Final Advice for Keeping Decorations Perfect Year After Year
The end of this season sets up the next. A bit of planning and care will keep your decorations bringing joy for many years.
Regular Checks and Updates to Storage Methods
Storage needs a quick review from time to time. Each year or two, check your boxes when you take them out or put them away. Look for damp, pests, or worn containers. Make sure labels are clear and items still have enough padding.
Your collection may change over time. You might add more delicate glass baubles that need individual slots or a new artificial tree that needs a stronger bag. Stay flexible and update your setup as needed. New storage products can also help protect your festive pieces better.
Adopting an Organised Approach for Future Festivities
The aim of good storage is a smooth, happy decorating day next year. Imagine opening each box to find everything neat, clean, and ready to go-no frantic fixes.
Build a simple system that works for you: colour-code baubles, list your lights, and keep different decor types in their own containers. When you know where everything is and that it’s in good condition, decorating becomes a calm, enjoyable tradition rather than a hard task. Your home will turn into a festive wonderland with ease, leaving more time for new memories and the true spirit of the season.