16 Essential Tips to Safely Store Holiday Decor When Winter Is Over

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.

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.

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!

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!