Where to Store Holiday Decorations
If you are looking for ideas for your ornaments and lights, this list of tips on where to store holiday decorations will help. Get our best ideas from small to large, and keep your decor safe until next season.
How to organize seasonal decorations in a way that is efficient and easy to get to.
It seems that decorations are more popular today than they were when I was younger. Back when I was a kid, plastic Santas with candles in the window were all you would see.
Today, many homes are giving you a full display. With lights covering the home, decorations in the front yard, and even music playing with lights flashing to the rhythm.
I love the decorations, but I often wonder where they keep those 8-foot-tall nutcrackers in the off-season.
Whether you have a small or large collection, having a system to keep things from damage will help your investment last.
Where to store holiday decorations
When looking for storage solutions, there is one thing to consider: the weather where you live. You will want to choose a somewhat climate-controlled area if you have severe heat or cold.
An Attic
An attic is an excellent option for storage, and if you are lucky enough to have one, this will probably be the best solution.
Remember that if you live in a hot area, the attic is not your best option. Heat can damage things in storage, so you may want to find another solution.
- Designate an area in your attic to hold seasonal items that is easy to get to.
- Use shelving to hold totes with labels facing outside.
- Add hooks to the ceiling to hold bags, which will help you make the most of your space.
Storage Tip: Use holiday-colored totes to quickly see what containers are for each holiday.
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A Basement
The basement is another good option, but you do have to be careful of moisture. If your basement is slightly damp, a dehumidifier can help. If it is worse, you will want to find another storage area.
- Use sturdy plastic containers with lids to protect items from moisture and bugs.
- Label each container on the side for easy identification when stacked.
- Consider using a storage rack or shelves to keep containers off the floor and organized.
Storage Tip: Use clear containers so you can easily see what is inside without having to open them all up.
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A Garage
A garage is another popular choice for holiday decoration storage, but it does come with some drawbacks. Garages are often not insulated, which makes them susceptible to temperature changes and moisture.
If your garage stays relatively dry and has good airflow, it can be a good option for storage.
- Use sturdy plastic containers with lids to protect items from dust and pests.
- Consider installing shelves or using storage racks to keep containers organized and off the floor.
- Keep holiday lights untangled by wrapping them around a piece of cardboard before storing them in a container.
Storage Tip: Take advantage of the height and create storage in that area. You can purchase ceiling shelves that work great to hold totes. This can open up an entire storage area you might not be using.
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Outside Shed
If you do not have enough space in your home, look outside for options. If you have a shed, this can also be a good place to store decorations.
Be sure to pest-proof your shed. Use plastic containers only and install traps to help keep your decorations safe from damage.
- Use weatherproof containers to protect against moisture and pests.
- Install shelves or use storage racks to keep containers organized and off the ground.
- Consider adding insulation for more protection.
- Store larger, bulky items such as artificial trees or inflatables in their original packaging if possible.
Storage Tip: Hang wreaths on hooks to keep them from getting crushed or damaged during storage.
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How to store holiday decorations in an apartment
Living in an apartment may present some challenges when it comes to storing holiday decorations. The trick is to think outside the box when looking for storage options.
- Storage containers under-bed work great to hold hanging decorations or ornaments.
- Install hooks in a back closet wall to store wreaths or garlands.
- Store plastic totes on a high shelf for misc decorations.
- Use vacuum-sealed bags for bulky items like pillows or blankets that take up a lot of space.
- Small containers are easier to store in small spaces. Plastic shoe totes, for example, are great for storing ornaments.
Storage Tip: If you are storing decorations in multiple areas, keep an inventory sheet of what is where. This will make it much easier to find all your things each year.
Storage Ideas for Holiday Decorations
What you use to hold the decorations is often just as important as where you store them. Be sure to choose containers that will protect the items.
Clear Plastic Bins
One of the most popular ways to store holiday decorations is by using clear plastic bins. These bins allow you to see what’s inside without opening them, making it easy to know which bin contains specific items.
Labeling the bins also helps with organization and finding things quickly.
Storage Tip: Take a photo of your display and keep all the decor for that area in one container. Tape the picture to the lid so you remember how you have things set up.
Wreath Storage Containers
Instead of risking damaging your wreaths by storing them in a box, you can use a wreath storage container. These containers are specifically designed to protect your wreaths’ shape and any delicate decorations you have on them.
Storage Tip: Use shelf risers to store wreaths. This will allow you to stack your wreaths, making the most of your storage space without crushing them.
Ornament Storage Boxes
To keep fragile ornaments safe, use ornament storage boxes or totes. These boxes have individual compartments to hold each ornament securely and prevent them from breaking or getting scratched.
Storage Tip: Date any newly purchased ornaments with the year so you remember when each new piece came into your home. Dates are a fun way to reminisce and bring a memory each time you decorate your tree.
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Moving Bags
Moving bags are durable zipper bags that come in a variety of sizes. They are great for storing larger decorations such as tabletop trees, pictures, or large figurines.
You can use small bags for wreaths and large bags for your main home tree. The best part of these bags is the handles on each side, which makes them easy to carry.
Seasonal Decluttering
Finally, do a sort each time you bring out your decorations. This will ensure your collection stays reasonable without getting out of hand.
DM Pro Tip: If you have tons of decorations because you always buy new ones each year, make a clutter-free rule. For each item you bring in, remove or donate something. This one tip will ensure your collection never grows to an unreasonable size again.
Organizing your holiday decorations is an important part of a streamlined home. Choosing the best area for storage will help your decorations to last for years to come.
But don’t stop there; be sure you choose the best containers, such as labeled bins, wreath storage containers, ornament boxes, or durable moving bags.
