Our Top Tips for Storing Holiday Decorations

Done with the holidays? Try Maeve's Method tips to help you pack it all away.

It’s easy to forget about holiday items – you only see them once a year, and the rest of the time, they’re tucked in a dark corner. And since our holiday decorations aren’t staring us in the face everyday, we tend to store too much and store without care. This year, put just a tiny bit more time into storing holiday decorations with these top tips. With a little advance planning and the right tools, picking up after the holidays can be both quick and easy, and your items will last longer!

Cull as You Unpack and Pack

We often view our holiday decorations as a fixed set of items. We don’t think to cull through the boxes to let go of items we no longer love. This year, as you take out your holiday decorations, look for items you’re not using: broken ornaments, lights that don’t work, burned down candles, old tree toppers that have been replaced, etc. Set aside any items to repair, and get these fixed while your holiday stuff is unpacked. As you repack your decorations, look to see what you didn’t use this year. Have you not used these items in ages? Do they no longer suit your style or home? Can you let go of anything no longer in use?

Repack Backwards

As you unpack, take note of what you use and setup first and then repack in the opposite order that you unpacked. Did you set up your tree first? Pack these items last! Next year you’ll thank yourself when your tree stand and string lights are right on top, and you don’t have to dig to find them.

Invest in the Right Containers

Holiday storage bins from Amazon.

Invest in quality, compatible storage containers for your holiday decorations. Look for containers that are stackable and clear, and have durable lids. The number and size of containers will depend on what you have to store and where you’re storing it. Store items that are used together in the same bins – all the tabletop and kitchen items in one box, outdoor decorations in another box. And, store smaller items in their own containers – like a tackle box or a bead storage system – within #bins.

Pack with Care

Maeve’s menorah cleaning ritual before storing decorations for the year.

As you pack your holiday decorations, make sure to carefully and gently return items to their containers. Your decorations will be living in these containers all year long, so wrap your delicate items in bubble wrap or tissue paper and store oddly shaped items carefully. Don’t overstuff your boxes, clean items before packing them, and make sure container lids are secure. If you pack your holiday decorations with care, they’ll last for many years to come!

Designate a Holiday Zone

Designate a specific area to store all of your decorations. Since you’ll only be accessing these items once a year, choose a location in an a less active area of your home. Some perfect storage spots are in the back of a closet, in a section of your garage, basement or attic, or, for small spaces, under a bed.

Photo Credits: Amazon

Have a fun storage idea for your holiday decorations? Share in the comments below!