We’ve all been there: It’s the most wonderful time of the year, usually early December, and you’re ready to deck the halls. You head to the garage or attic, brimming with festive cheer, only to be greeted by a chaotic mess. Tangled lights that refuse to unravel, crushed ornaments, and a missing tree stand can quickly turn holiday excitement into decoration dread.

Most of us simply throw our decorations into boxes on January 2nd, exhausted from the festivities and just wanting to reclaim our living rooms. We promise ourselves we’ll organize it “next year.” But next year comes, and the cycle of frustration continues.

This guide is your ticket to breaking that cycle. By taking the time to organize your holiday storage now—before or as you pack away—you are giving a gift to your future self. Imagine opening your bins next season to find everything labeled, protected, and ready to go. You’ll save time, money (no more replacing broken heirlooms!), and start your holiday season with peace instead of panic.

Why Organize Holiday Storage Now?

It might seem counterintuitive to think about packing up when the holidays are still approaching or in full swing, but this is actually the perfect time to strategize.

• No Rush: You aren’t frantically trying to get the house ready for guests. You can take your time to assess what you have.
• Damage Control: Proper storage prevents heat, moisture, and pests from ruining your cherished decor during the off-season.
• Smart Shopping: Knowing exactly what you have helps you identify what you need to donate or replace before you hit the post-holiday sales (or pay full price next year).
• The “Thank You” Factor: You will absolutely thank yourself in 11 months when decorating is a breeze.

Assess Your Current Holiday Decorations

Before you buy a single bin, you need to know what you’re working with.

1. Gather Everything: Bring all your holiday bins into one room or staging area. Yes, all of them.
2. Sort by Category: Group items logically: ornaments, string lights, outdoor inflatables, mantle decor, wreaths, tabletop villages, etc.
3. The Purge: Be ruthless. If you haven’t used it in two years, donate it. If it’s broken and you didn’t fix it last year, toss it.
4. Inventory: Note what’s missing or broken so you can add it to your shopping list for next year.

Essential Holiday Storage Supplies You’ll Need

Investing in the right supplies makes a world of difference. You don’t need to spend a fortune, but a few key items are worth the cost.

• Clear Plastic Bins: ($8-$15) – Essential for seeing what’s inside without opening every lid. Stick to one brand/size for easy stacking.
• Ornament Storage Boxes: ($15-$30) – These come with dividers to protect fragile glass bulbs.
• Wreath Storage Bags/Boxes: ($10-$20) – Prevents wreaths from getting crushed and gathering dust. Hard shell boxes are best for fragile wreaths.
• Light Reels or Winders: ($5-$10) – The only way to guarantee tangle-free lights.
• Garland Storage Bags: ($10-$15) – Keeps long garlands contained and free from tangling.
• Label Maker or Large Labels: ($20 for maker) – Clear identification is key.
• Tissue Paper/Bubble Wrap: ($5) – For wrapping individual breakables.
• Tree Storage Bag: ($20-$50) – Much better than wrestling the tree back into its original cardboard box which degrades over time.

How to Store Different Types of Holiday Decorations

Ornaments

Glass and keepsake ornaments are the most vulnerable.

• Wrap Individually: Use acid-free tissue paper for delicate heirlooms.
• Use Dividers: Cardboard or plastic dividers prevent them from knocking against each other.
• Heavy on Bottom: Place sturdy, non-breakable ornaments at the bottom of the bin and fragile ones on top.
• Tip: Remove hooks before storing to prevent scratching.

String Lights

• Test First: Never store lights that are burnt out or flickering.
• Wrap It Up: Use plastic reels, specialized light winders, or even a sturdy piece of cardboard.
• Connect: Plug the male end into the female end to keep the strand secure.
• Extra Bulbs: Tape the bag of spare bulbs and fuses to the reel itself so they don’t get lost.

Wreaths & Garlands

• Hang or Box: If you have wall space, hanging wreaths on nails or hooks is great. If not, use a rigid wreath box.
• Squish-Proof: Avoid stacking heavy bins on top of soft wreath bags.
• Garlands: Coil loosely into a bin or specialized bag. Don’t wrap them too tight or you’ll crush the needles.

Artificial Trees

• Disassemble: Take it apart section by section.
• Bag It: Use a durable tree storage bag with handles.
• Label Sections: Use masking tape to label “Top,” “Middle,” and “Bottom” on the trunk of each section for faster assembly next year.
• Instructions: Tape the assembly manual to the inside of the storage bag.

Outdoor Decorations

• Clean & Dry: Ensure all inflatables and plastic figures are completely dry to prevent mold.
• Batteries: Remove batteries to prevent corrosion.
• Separate: Keep outdoor cords and timers separate from indoor electronics.

Tabletop & Mantel Decor

• Group by Display: Store your “Mantel Village” items together in one bin rather than mixing them with tree ornaments.
• Cushioning: Use bubble wrap or packing peanuts for bulky ceramics.
• Candles: Store candles in a cool place, away from attics that can melt them in the summer. Wrap them in cellophane to prevent color transfer.

Gift Wrap & Supplies

• Vertical Storage: Use a tall garment bag or wrapping paper organizer to store rolls vertically. This prevents them from getting crushed.
• Ribbon Caddy: Thread ribbon spools onto a dowel or use a plastic dispenser box.
• Tool Kit: Keep a dedicated pair of “Christmas Scissors,” tape, and gift tags in the organizer so you aren’t hunting for them next year.

Creating a Holiday Storage System

Labeling Strategy

This is where the magic happens.

• Label 4 Sides: Put a label on every side of the bin so you can identify it no matter how it’s stacked.
• Be Specific: Instead of just “Xmas,” write “Living Room Tree Ornaments” or “Outdoor Lights & Extension Cords.”
• Color Code: Use Red bins for Christmas, Orange for Halloween, etc. Or use different colored duct tape to code by room.
• Fragile Warnings: Clearly mark bins containing glass.

Storage Location Strategy

• Accessibility: Store the items you need first (Advent calendars, wreaths) in the most accessible spot.
• Weight: Heavy bins on the bottom, light ones up top.
• Climate: Keep candles and delicate electronics in a climate-controlled closet rather than a freezing/baking attic or garage.

Creating an Inventory System

• Number Your Bins: Give every bin a number (e.g., Bin #1, Bin #2).
• Master List: Keep a spreadsheet or a note on your phone listing exactly what is in Bin #1.
• Photo Inventory: Snap a photo of the contents before closing the lid and save it in a “Holiday Storage” album on your phone.

Money-Saving Holiday Storage Tips

1. Egg Cartons: perfect for storing small, round ornaments.
2. Red Solo Cups: Glyph glue them to cardboard sheets to create custom dividers for larger ornaments.
3. Toilet Paper Rolls: Wrap string lights around empty rolls to keep them tangle-free.
4. Liquor Store Boxes: These often come with sturdy dividers perfect for tall nutcrackers or figurines.
5. Coffee Cans: Great for holding spare hooks, bulbs, and batteries.
6. Shop Late: Buy your storage bins after Christmas when they go on clearance (often 50-70% off).

Maintenance & Next Steps

Before You Store

• Clean: Wipe down dusty surfaces.
• Repair: Glue that broken reindeer antler now.
• Batteries: Taking them out saves your electronics.

Next Year Prep

• Calendar: Set a reminder for Nov 1st to check your inventory.
• Photos: Take a picture of your fully decorated house this year so you remember exactly where the garland went or how you set up the village.

Room-by-Room Holiday Storage Checklist

• Living Room:
  • Tree (Disassembled & Bagged)
  • Ornaments (Wrapped & Boxed)
  • Tree Skirt & Stockings (Laundered if needed)
  • Mantel Garlands
• Kitchen & Dining:
  • Holiday Mugs/Dishes (Packed with padding)
  • Table Linens (Washed & Ironed)
  • Centerpieces
• Outdoor:
  • Lights (Reeled)
  • Inflatables (Dry & Folded)
  • Wreaths
  • Extension Cords & Timers
• Miscellaneous:
  • Wrapping Paper & Ribbons
  • Cards & Gift Tags
  • Bakeware & Cookie Cutters

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best container for storing Christmas ornaments? A dedicated ornament storage box with adjustable dividers is best. However, clear plastic bins with DIY cardboard dividers or egg cartons work well for a budget-friendly option.

How do I keep string lights from tangling in storage? Avoid bunching them up. Wrap them around a spool, a piece of cardboard, or a plastic hanger. Secure the ends with tape or a twist tie.

Where should I store holiday decorations if I don’t have much space? Utilize vertical space with tall shelving. Under-bed storage bins are great for wrapping paper and flat items. Vacuum-seal bags can shrink down soft items like pillows and linens.

How long do artificial Christmas trees last in storage? High-quality trees can last 10+ years if stored correctly. A proper storage bag protects against dust, moisture, and pests, which extends the tree’s life significantly compared to the original cardboard box.

Should I store decorations in the attic or basement? It depends on your climate. Attics can get extremely hot, melting candles and warping plastic. Basements can be damp, risking mold. A climate-controlled closet is ideal, but if you must use the attic, avoid storing candles or sensitive electronics there.

How do I organize decorations for multiple holidays? Use color-coded bins (Orange/Black for Halloween, Red/Green for Christmas, Pastels for Easter). Keep each holiday’s items completely separate to avoid rummaging through Thanksgiving turkeys to find Santa.

Ready to tackle your holiday storage? Share your organized decoration setup with us on Instagram @NailItHomeCom using #NailItHomeOrganized. Your future self will thank you when decorating time rolls around!