Sleigh the Season!
By: Stefani Langone of Sterilite Corporation
The holidays can be a whirlwind—decorating, gift shopping, hosting, cleaning—all while trying to enjoy the magic of the season. That often leaves us juggling boxes, lights, and mismatched ornaments in the midst of the chaos, which makes managing your Christmas storage at the season’s end is a feat of its own. The good news? A little planning and intentional packing now can turn this holiday wrap‑up into next year’s time-saver.
Declutter and Inspect Before You Store
Before you tuck away your holiday treasures, take a few minutes to declutter. Sort through every ornament, string of lights, wreath, and box of ribbon. Discard anything that’s broken, faded, or hasn’t been used in years. For the pieces you’ll keep, wipe them clean to remove dust, sticky residue, or grime—especially on pre-lit string lights, wreaths, or outdoor picks. Don’t forget to inspect electrical cords, bulbs, and plugs to make sure they’re still safe to use. This small effort now can prevent surprises next season.
How to Store Delicate Ornaments and Fragile Décor
Fragile items deserve extra care. Wrap glass or ceramic ornaments in tissue paper, soft cloths, or bubble wrap. If possible, nest them in boxes with compartments or dividers; cardboard inserts work well if you’re repurposing an old bin. Store heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top to avoid pressure that could crack or chip.
Organizing Lights, Wreaths, and Garland to Keep Them Tangle‑Free
String lights, tinsel, and garlands are easy to damage if stored haphazardly. Coil lights carefully around a spool, a cardboard rectangle, or a light reel—this keeps them from tangling and makes decorating much faster next year. Place them in a dedicated container, separate from ornaments or fabrics. Wreaths, garlands, and other bulkier items should be stored either hanging (covered with a cloth or bag) or nestled in large rigid containers, so they don’t lose shape or get crushed.
Sorting & Labeling: Make Next Year’s Setup Effortless
Organize decorations by type (lights, ornaments, wreaths, gift wrap, tree parts) or by holiday. Clearly label every box or bin with its contents—either by writing directly on the box or using printed or adhesive labels. If you’re using transparent bins, you get the added benefit of seeing what’s inside at a glance. Keep all your holiday décor stored together in a single, dedicated area—such as a closet, storage room, or interior garage shelf—so you never lose track of what belongs where.
Smart Use of Bins and Containers
For safeguarding delicate decorations, our storage solutions are invaluable. TheStack & Carry—2 Layer Ornament Box ensures your cherished tchotchkes stay safe. For often-tangled items, our specialized boxes help with organization: the Light Box handles string lights, and the Bow Box organizes bows and other wrapping essentials. Finally, the 40” Vertical Wrap Box is a true holiday essential, with the capacity to store up to 25 rolls of 40” wrapping paper.
For bulkier or oddly shaped holiday items—such as wrapping paper rolls, ribbons, bows, gift bags, seasonal linens, and larger props—opt for tote bins that snap or seal tightly. Stacking containers are ideal for maximizing vertical storage space and keeping all items together. Using clear or color-coded bins simplifies the process of identifying contents, saving you time when you go unpacking them next season.
Choosing the Right Storage Location: Where to Keep Holiday Decorations
Where you store your holiday items matters. Choose a place that’s cool, dry, and protected from extreme temperature swings or moisture. Avoid spots like damp basements, or uncovered outdoor sheds that can expose your décor to excessive humidity or pests. If possible, keep decorations in interior closets, spare rooms, or a dry garage shelf. Store heavier, sturdier containers on lower shelves and lighter, delicate bins on top for easier and safer access.
Putting It All Together: A Simple Christmas Storage Plan
- Set aside a few hours after the holidays for clean-up, decluttering, and sorting.
- Clean and inspect every decoration before packing.
- Wrap fragile items carefully and group décor by type.
- Coil lights, bundle wreaths, and store everything in sturdy bins.
- Label containers clearly and store them together in a cool, dry spot.
With these steps, taking on your holiday décor storage tasks becomes a manageable, even satisfying part of your post-holiday routine. You’ll save time, protect your treasured decorations, and travel into next year’s holiday season with ease.
Happy Holidays and Happy Organizing!
