A Stress Free Guide to Storing Your Christmas Decorations
Packing away Christmas decorations is a bittersweet task—saying goodbye to the magic of the season while tackling the yearly challenge of getting everything organised. But with a little planning, you can store your Christmas decorations securely and make next year’s setup a breeze. Here are some practical tips to keep your items safe and in great condition for years to come!
Common Storage Challenges & How to Fix Them
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to store your decorations, let's address some challenges most of us face when packing away Christmas items.
Corrosion from Idle Time
Whether it’s your metal ornaments or the wires on your lights, some items are prone to corrosion when sitting in storage all year long. The fix? Store decorations in a dry, cool location to prevent exposure to moisture and fluctuating temperatures. Using airtight containers can also help protect metal items from rust and deterioration.
Missing or Faulty Decorations
Ever dug out your lights the next season only to find half the strand doesn’t work? A common pitfall is not testing lights or electronic displays before storing them. Always inspect and test any new decorations you buy in the sales after the holidays. This will save you from frustration when it’s time to decorate next year.
Disorganised Chaos
If your decorations are a jumble of tangled lights, broken ornaments, and misplaced tree skirts, it’s time for new storage strategies. An organised system saves you time, frustration, and money (no more buying replacements for items you already own but can’t find!).
Step 1: Invest in the Right Storage
The first step to perfection is finding the right storage containers.
- Use Durable Bins
Invest in 84 Litre Really Useful Tubs or similar sturdy storage bins. Not only are these durable and stackable, they are also clear, making it easier to see what’s inside without having to open each one. Label them by category—lights, ornaments, garlands—for quick identification.
- Protect Fragile Ornaments
Ornaments are often the most delicate decorations. Wrap each one in tissue paper, bubble wrap, or place them in dividers inside the bin to avoid tangling or breaking.
- Separate String Lights
For your lights, avoid the dreaded tangle by wrapping each strand around a cord organiser or even a piece of cardboard. This trick will save you endless frustration next year.
Step 2: Location Matters
Where you store your decorations is just as important as how you store them.
Look for spaces that are cool, dry, and free from pests. Avoid storing in attics or basements prone to extreme temperature swings or dampness. A closet or garage shelf is often the safest choice for keeping your items in tip-top shape.
Step 3: Don’t Forget to Prep Items Before Storing
Before packing your items away, give everything a quick inspection.
- Check for Wear and Tear
Replace batteries in electronic decorations or remove them completely to avoid corrosion over long-term storage.
- Dust Off Decorations
A quick clean will prevent dust build-up and keep items looking fresh for next season.
Step 4: Take Advantage of Post-Christmas Sales
The time to stock up on discounted decorations is right after Christmas. However, don’t wait until next season to test these items - check lights, ornaments, and any mechanical decorations now. It’s much easier to handle returns or repairs immediately than to find out they’re faulty next year.
Step 5: Maintain Order
A simple inventory checklist can be a game-changer for storing your decorations. Note what you have and where it’s stored, so you’re not left digging through piles next December.
A Little Organisation Now, A Lot Less Stress Later
With these tips, storing your Christmas decorations doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Taking the time to organise properly will protect your decorations, save you time next year, and keep the festive spirit stress-free.
Need help setting up a better storage system? A set of 84 Litre Really Useful Tubs is a great place to start—durable, stackable, and perfect for keeping your holiday treasures safe.
Here’s to making next Christmas even brighter—happy storing!