The holiday season is magical—decorations sparkle, homes feel warmer, and family traditions come to life. But once the celebrations wind down, it’s time to pack away the holiday cheer and reclaim your space. Knowing what to store and how to store it properly can help you stay organized and preserve your holiday items for years to come.
Here’s a guide to what belongs in storage after the holiday season and how to keep it organized.
1. Seasonal Decorations
Your holiday decorations are the heart of the festive season, but storing them improperly can lead to broken ornaments and tangled lights. Here’s how to safely store them:
- Ornaments: Use storage bins with individual compartments to prevent breakage. Alternatively, repurpose household items like egg cartons or plastic cups to protect your ornaments.
- String Lights: Wrap lights around a piece of cardboard or a cord reel to avoid tangling. Label the reel to know where each set of lights belongs (tree, outdoor, etc.).
- Wreaths and Garlands: Store these items in clear, labeled plastic bags or wreath storage boxes to keep them intact and dust-free.
- Inflatables and Outdoor Decor: Deflate and fold outdoor inflatables carefully. Use storage bins to protect them from pests and moisture during the off-season.
2. Holiday Linens
Holiday-themed tablecloths, napkins, and throw blankets should also go into storage to free up space for your everyday essentials. Make sure they’re properly cleaned before packing them away in airtight containers to avoid stains and mildew.
- Tip: Add a few cedar blocks or sachets to your storage bins to keep linens fresh and protect them from moths.
3. Artificial Trees
If you have an artificial tree, extend its lifespan with proper storage:
- Tree Bags or Boxes: Many artificial trees come with a storage box, but investing in a tree storage bag can provide extra protection from moisture and dust.
- Disassembly: Break the tree down into sections (if applicable), and label each piece for easy assembly next year.
4. Gift Wrapping Supplies
Don’t stuff leftover wrapping paper and ribbon into a corner! Organizing your wrapping station now saves headaches for birthdays and next year’s holiday season.
- Roll wrapping paper onto a dowel or store them upright in a wrapping paper storage bin.
- Use smaller boxes or containers for ribbons, bows, scissors, and tape.
- Separate gift bags and tissue paper by size to keep everything easy to find when you need it.
5. Winter Clothing and Accessories
If you won’t use your heavy winter sweaters, scarves, or gloves in the coming months, it might be worth storing these items too.
- Clean First: Launder or dry clean your winter clothes before packing them. This prevents dirt from setting in and discourages pests.
- Ideal Storage Options: Vacuum-sealed bags work well for bulky items, while clear bins help you quickly find winter accessories like hats and gloves if needed.
6. Holiday Dishes and Serveware
If you brought out special holiday dishes and glassware, these deserve a safe spot in storage until the next celebration.
- Protect Delicate Items: Use bubble wrap, dish protectors, or even leftover fabric to wrap fragile items.
- Stack Carefully: If stacking plates, place a soft liner (like felt or foam) between each dish to avoid scratching or cracking.
7. Unwanted Gifts and Clutter
Decluttering doesn’t just mean taking down your decorations. The post-holiday season is also a great time to reassess items you no longer need:
- Regift or Donate: Consider donating unused or unwanted gifts to local charities or shelters. One person’s “meh” gift could be someone else’s treasure!
- Recycle: Dispose of old or broken items responsibly. Check local recycling programs for e-waste, batteries, or old holiday lights.
Pro Tips for Better Holiday Storage
- Label Everything: Clearly label every box or bin with its contents. Add specific details like “Tree Ornaments,” “Outdoor Lights,” or “Dining Room Linens” to streamline setup next year.
- Use Clear Bins: Opt for transparent storage bins. It makes finding items easier without needing to open every single box.
- Climate Control: Store sensitive items (like ornaments or candles) in a climate-controlled space to prevent melting, cracking, or warping.
Final Thoughts
Packing away the holidays doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With the right organization strategies and storage solutions, you’ll keep your items safe, tidy, and easy to find for next year’s festivities. Take a little extra time now, and your future self will thank you when the next holiday season rolls around!