What can we help you find?

Help, how can I better store Holiday décor?

December 30, 2024

I’m in desperate need of a better organization system for my family’s holiday décor. Every December, we pull everything out of the storage closet, and as the wreath tumbles down from the top shelf and knocks me on the head, I’m reminded once again that our current system isn’t cutting it. To make matters more challenging, my girls and I love decorating for the season, which means we end up with more knickknacks than we really need—and none of them ever stack neatly (have you ever noticed how many holiday decorations are round?). To save myself, and hopefully help you too, I’ve compiled a list of solutions for safely storing holiday décor.

Cheers to Holiday décor efficiency!

1. Clear Plastic Bins

  • Pros: See-through for easy identification, stackable, protects decorations from dust and moisture.
  • Cons: Space can be tricky as bins can take up more room.
  • How to organize: Use different bins for different types of decorations (e.g., one for ornaments, another for lights, etc.). Label each bin for easy identification. These bins are available at many retailers including hardware stores and building supply retailers.

2. Ornament Storage Boxes

  • Pros: Specifically designed for storing delicate ornaments.
  • Cons: Like bins, boxes can add a bit of bulk to your storage space.
  • How to organize: Use a box with individual compartments (usually made of foam or cardboard) to protect ornaments from breaking. Similar to the clear plastic bins, these storage boxes can be found at hardware stores and bigger box retailers.

3. Hanging Garment Bags

  • Pros: Great for storing wreaths, garlands, and other larger items.
  • Cons: A garment bag, depending on material and how you store it, can let in moisture.
  • How to organize: Use garment bags to hang wreaths or large fabric decorations, preventing crushing or bending. I’ve recently seen different types of hanging storage bags at different home and garden retailers. These stores sell the décor and now provide options for storage.

4. Egg Cartons

  • Pros: Reusable and cost effective.
  • Cons: Will store small ornaments only.
  • How to organize: Store smaller, fragile ornaments in egg cartons to keep them separate and cushioned. Your best bet for egg cartons is probably a grocery store aisle!

5. Ziploc Bags

  • Pros: Inexpensive and versatile.
  • Cons: Plastic bags can rip and could limit the amount you can store.
  • How to organize: Store small ornaments, tree toppers, and other fragile items in Ziploc bags. Label each bag with the contents.

6. Cardboard Boxes

  • Pros: Cheap and stackable, especially for bulkier items like lights.
  • Cons: Bigger boxes mean more weight.
  • How to organize: Use dividers inside cardboard boxes to separate fragile decorations or wrap items in tissue paper or bubble wrap for added protection. I’ve picked up good sturdy boxes from the liquor store for moving and storage. If you can find one with the compartments still intact from wine bottle delivery this is a great way to separate different items.

7. Christmas Tree Storage Bags

  • Pros: Designed to store artificial trees, keeping them dust-free and protected.
  • Cons: These bags can be costly. Look for secondhand options in your area.
  • How to organize: Simply store your tree (disassembled) in a large tree storage bag for easy access next season.

8. PVC Pipe Rollers

  • Pros: Keeps Christmas lights from tangling.
  • Cons: Ensure you purchase the correct length of pipe for your storage area.
  • How to organize: Roll lights around a piece of PVC pipe to keep them organized and tangle-free. You can store several rolls in a large box or tote. I picked up a 4 foot section of PVC pipe roller from my local hardware store and it worked great to organize the tree lights.

9. Gift Wrap Organizer

  • Pros: Great for storing wreaths and garlands.
  • Cons: Certain organizers can be expensive. Look for secondhand options.
  • How to organize: Use a gift wrap organizer or large tube to store wreaths or garlands, preventing them from getting squished. Finally, a solution for the wreath!

10. Roll of Tissue Paper and Bubble Wrap

  • Pros: Provides cushioning for fragile items.
  • Cons: Might need to be replaced every couple of years.
  • How to organize: Wrap delicate ornaments or figurines in tissue paper or bubble wrap, and store them in sturdy boxes. These items are great to supplement the other kinds of storage listed above. Check out your local Dollar Store for cost-effective options. Newspapers and store flyers work great too!

11. Over-the-Door Hooks or Hooks on Walls

  • Pros: Saves space and makes items easy to find.
  • Cons: Over-the-door hooks are not one size fits all.
  • How to organize: Hang lightweight items like stockings, smaller wreaths, or fabric garlands over doors or on hooks.

Bonus Tip: Use a Holiday décor inventory list

  • Create an inventory list of all your decorations, including the quantity, condition, and location of items. This helps you keep track of everything and makes finding specific items easier next year.

By using a combination of these methods, you can ensure that your decorations remain safe, organized, and ready for display next holiday season! My family is already reaping the benefits of a better storage system for our holiday décor!

Happy New Year!

-Sarah Elchuk is a member of the Revenue Growth Team at Directwest