As the holiday season winds down and the last carols fade, it’s time to pack up the sparkle for another year. Maybe your home feels like a blizzard of ribbon and glitter, or maybe you take pride in keeping every ornament in its place. Whatever your style, storage is about more than just keeping the house clean; it’s key to protecting the traditions and little memories that make the holidays special.
Those ornaments your kids made in school, the heirloom topper from your parents, the décor that fills your home with warmth each December — keeping them safe ensures they’ll keep telling their stories for years to come. Here are a few ornament storage tips that’ll help keep all your favorite Christmas decorations bright, beautiful, and ready for next season.
1. Use Labels & Lists
If you’ve ever torn through box after born hunting for the “good” ornament hooks, you know how quickly things can get chaotic. Make next year’s search a little easier by labelling each bin with removable stickers or painter’s tape. You can even separate them by room or theme (like “Living Room Décor,” “Tree Ornaments,” or “Outdoor Lights”) so when next December rolls around, you’ll know exactly where to begin.
Sturdy plastic containers are worth the investment. Unlike cardboard boxes that bend or absorb moisture, plastic bins keep your décor protected from leaks, dust, and pests. One unexpected damp basement can destroy irreplaceable keepsakes, so take the time to pack them right.
Pro Tip: Keep a simple inventory list inside each bin. It saves time next year and adds a touch of calm to what’s usually a frantic day of decorating.
2. Protect Ornaments and Other Breakables
Cleaning up can be a chore, and you might be tempted to just stuff everything into a bag and let your future-self handle it, but resist the urge. Ornaments are often fragile, and improper storage can lead to cracked glass and chipped paint when things shift around, so pack them well.
Start by placing delicate pieces in smaller boxes inside a larger plastic bin. Recycled wine boxes, egg cartons, or the original ornament packaging all work great. Wrap each item in tissue or bubble wrap for a little extra cushion, just in case.
Cardboard dividers are another smart choice if you have a big collection. They keep ornaments upright and prevent scratching. Stackable bins make storage efficient and easy to manage.
3. Practice Proper Christmas Tree Storage
A quality artificial tree can last for years, but only if stored with care. Avoid cramming it back into the original box; those tight folds can bend branches and crush lights.
Use a durable tree storage bag instead and keep it in a cool, dry place. Humidity and heat can fade color or damage flocking, especially on snowy styles.
Remember, different types of Christmas trees have different storage requirements, so be sure to check the manual. And if you’re in the market for a new Christmas tree, check out our 7.5-Ft. Buffalo Fir Slim Artificial Christmas Tree or 6.5-Ft. Carmel Pine Slim Christmas Tree with Dual-Color LED Lights.
4. Preserve Outdoor Décor and Inflatables
Outdoor decorations weather wind, cold, and even snow for weeks on end, so give them extra attention before storing. Wipe each inflatable and blow mold clean and make sure they’re fully dry before packing them away.
Plastic bins or heavy-duty bags work best to prevent mildew and protect motors or built-in lights. Our 6-Ft. Tall Prelit Santa and Snowman Snow Globe Inflatable even comes with its own storage bag, making cleanup quick and simple.
If you’re planning next year’s outdoor display, our inflatable décor collection includes bold, festive pieces that last season after season.
5. Keep Lights and Accessories Tangle-Free
Few things test holiday cheer like a knot of Christmas lights. Prevent the frustration by wrapping each strand around a piece of cardboard or an empty wrapping-paper tube. Secure the ends with masking tape and tuck them neatly into a bin.
Transparent storage boxes are great for accessories or color-coded décor. You’ll see everything at a glance, and setting up next year will feel effortless.
Make Next Year Merry Before It Begins
Packing up the holidays might feel bittersweet, but it’s also an act of care. Each ornament wrapped, each bin labeled, is a promise that next year’s celebration will be just as special.
And if you want more helpful Christmas hacks, check out our list of creative gift wrapping ideas and fun things to do on Christmas day.