Now that the holidays are wrapped up, it’s time to tackle the first big task of the new year: packing away all that festive decor. If the thought of wrangling tangled lights or finding a safe spot for your cherished ornaments makes you groan, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. As your go-to experts in storage and organization, we’ve rounded up 14 tips to make storing all your holiday decorations a breeze. Not only will these tricks save you some stress now, but they’ll also keep your decorations in mint condition for next year — no shattered ornaments, bent menorahs or scratched Mishumaa Sabas to worry about.
- Use Clear Bins for Easy Identification
- Hang (and Bag) Your Wreaths
- Preserve Scented Decor in Airtight Bags
- Store Garlands in a Cambro
- Keep Candles Away From Heat
- Wrap String Lights Around Cardboard
- Know How to Store Your Wine
- Keep Beads in a Water Bottle
- Protect Your Seasonal Linens
- Insert Coffee Filters Between Fragile Dishes
- Wrap (and Separate) Your Ornaments
- Use Magazine Files for Gift Bags and Cards
- Shrink-Wrap Your Artificial Tree
- Turn Winter Blankets and Pillows Into Decor
- Organize Your Wrapping Supplies
- Keep Your Holiday Decorations in a Storage Unit
1. Use Clear Bins for Easy Identification
Make your holiday storage stress-free by packing decorations into clear plastic bins. This way, you can see exactly what’s inside without rummaging through each container. For even more organization, group similar items together — like tree ornaments, lights and wreath accessories — and label each bin. Stackable clear bins also save space and keep your decor safe from dust and moisture.
2. Hang (and Bag) Your Wreaths
Wreaths can lose their charm fast if they get squished in storage. Instead of cramming them into a box, hang them in your closet using a sturdy hanger. To keep dust, insects and moisture from ruining your masterpiece, slip a trash bag or dry-cleaning bag over it. It’s an easy way to keep your wreath looking fresh and ready to shine next year.
3. Preserve Scented Decor in Airtight Bags
Items like cinnamon-scented pinecones, potpourri and holiday sachets can lose their fragrance over time if they’re not stored correctly. To keep their festive scent intact, seal them in airtight zip-top bags or vacuum-sealed pouches. Not only will this preserve their aroma, but it will also prevent any odors from transferring to other items in storage. When next year rolls around, your home will smell just as festive as it looks!
4. Store Garlands in a Cambro
Faux garlands are built to last, but only if you store them properly. Start by gently draping the garland over your arm as you take it down — this prevents tangling and damage. Then, coil it neatly and place it inside an inexpensive, airtight plastic cambro. If your garland has ornaments, wrap them in tissue paper and tuck them into the empty spaces within the coils for added protection.
5. Keep Candles Away From Heat
Want your Hanukkah and Kwanzaa candles to last for years? Proper storage is key. Protect tapered candles by sliding them into toilet paper or paper towel rolls filled with tissue paper — a clever trick straight out of Martha Stewart’s playbook. And don’t forget: candles and heat don’t mix. Keep them in a cool, climate-controlled space to prevent any unwanted melting.
6. Wrap String Lights Around Cardboard
Holiday lights are magical — until you’re battling a mess of cords and busted bulbs. Save yourself the frustration next year by wrapping your string lights around a sturdy cardboard rectangle (cut notches along the edges to hold the wires in place) or even an old coat hanger. Once wrapped, stack them upright in a box or hang them neatly in a closet.
7. Know How to Store Your Wine
Got a stash of wine leftover from the holidays? Many wines (particularly whites) improve with age, but only if they’re stored under the right conditions. Check out our guide to wine storage for tips on temperature, humidity, lighting and positioning to help those flavors deepen beautifully over time.
8. Keep Beads in a Water Bottle
Bead garlands are festive but can quickly become a knotted mess in storage. Here’s a clever solution: slide them into empty plastic water bottles to keep them neatly separated. No bottles on hand? A Mason jar works just as well — perfect if you’re aiming to reduce waste while staying organized.
9. Protect Your Seasonal Linens
Before you pack away those winter linens, give them a good wash or dry cleaning. Stains from oil or food not only get tougher to remove over time but can also attract pests like moths or beetles. Once clean, fold them neatly and store them in plastic bins or vacuum-sealed bags to keep them dust-free and fresh for next season.
10. Insert Coffee Filters Between Fragile Dishes
Holiday dishes can be surprisingly fragile, even when they’re tucked away. Protect them by layering each piece with coffee filters, felt, white packing paper, bubble pack and/or cloth napkins. For extra safety, store them in a SmartStop box and arrange them vertically, like you’re loading a dishwasher. Fill any gaps in the box with crumpled paper to prevent shifting, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about next year.
11. Wrap (and Separate) Your Ornaments
Avoid the heartbreak of broken ornaments with a little DIY ingenuity. An egg carton works wonders for small Christmas tree ornaments, or you can craft custom storage caddies by gluing plastic party cups onto cardboard sheets that fit snugly inside a storage bin. These layers can even be stacked! For more delicate items, like menorahs or kinaras, wrap them in bubble wrap and tuck them into shoeboxes or other sturdy containers for added protection.
12. Use Magazine Files for Gift Bags and Cards
Keep gift bags and holiday cards organized with a simple trick: magazine files. Label one “HOLIDAYS” and stand your reusable bags and card bundles upright for easy access. If you’re storing them in a garage, attic or storage unit, slip the magazine file into a larger box to keep out dust, dirt and pests.
13. Shrink-Wrap Your Artificial Tree
Skip the hassle of disassembling your artificial tree every year. Instead, grab a roll of cling wrap and bundle it up tightly. This not only saves storage space but also keeps it dust-free. When the holidays roll around, just cut off the plastic and fluff the branches — it’s that easy. Need a step-by-step guide? Check out Epbot for foolproof instructions.
14. Turn Winter Blankets and Pillows Into Decor
Don’t let your cozy winter throws and pillows take up prime closet space. Instead, let them double as decor. Neutral or patterned blankets can be draped over a chic ladder in your living room, while pillows can stay handy in decorative baskets or under nesting end tables, making it easy to grab them for chilly nights year-round.
15. Organize Your Wrapping Supplies
Stop letting your wrapping paper tubes topple over in the corner. Store them upright in a laundry hamper, garment bag or even a folding chair bag. Smaller accessories like ribbons, tape, tissue paper and tags can be stored in small boxes that fit neatly into the shelves of a hanging wardrobe organizer. This way, everything stays tidy and within reach for next year.
16. Keep Your Holiday Decorations in a Storage Unit
Holiday decorations can quickly crowd your living space, especially in smaller homes or apartments. If you’re feeling cramped, consider moving your winter decor to a secure, climate-controlled storage unit. Not only will it free up space, but it’ll also keep your items safe and ready for the next season. At SmartStop, we offer the perfect solutions for seasonal storage — check out our blog for more tips and ideas!