How to Store and Organize Holiday Decorations Without the Headache
Alright, let’s set the scene: it’s January. The holidays are officially over, and the shiny ornaments and tangled lights that felt so magical in December are now mocking you from every corner. If you’re like me, there’s a certain point when you just want to shovel everything into a box and forget about it until the next twinkle season…but that always comes back to haunt you next year, right?
Honestly, giving a little extra thought to how you pack up your decorations saves so much time and hassle down the road. If you’re stashing stuff in a basement, closet, or even your room in an assisted living community, these tips can help keep your treasures safe, sorted, and super easy to find for seasons to come.
Pick Your Boxes Like a Pro
Start with sturdy, stackable bins. Cardboard works in a pinch, but if you’ve ever had a soggy box of precious ornaments, you’ll know why plastic bins (see-through ones are even better) are worth it. Clear bins let you see at a glance if you’re grabbing New Year’s sparkles or that plastic jack-o-lantern from October.
Try keeping similar items together, too—lights with lights, ornaments with ornaments, garland with garland. It—and trust me on this—makes next year’s decorating about ten times easier. If you’re into labels, now is your moment to shine. Slap a label on the outside so you don’t have to play guess-the-decor next year.
Untangle the Twinkles
Nothing ruins a decorating day faster than a snarled ball of lights. Here’s a trick that actually works: wrap your string lights around a piece of cardboard or even an old gift box lid. If you want to get fancy, there are reels you can buy (or make your own with empty wrapping paper tubes). Either way, you deserve tangle-free lights.
Don’t Forget Fragile Stuff
Those delicate glass ornaments and handmade treasures from a grandchild? Treat ’em like royalty. Use leftover tissue paper, bubble wrap, or even old socks to cushion the breakables. Egg cartons also make great mini compartments for small ornaments. I’ve done the “just toss it in” method and paid the price with shattered memories—learn from me.
Keep Wreaths and Odd Sizes Safe
Wreaths, oddly shaped decorations, or that stubborn tabletop reindeer? Hang them in a closet with a cheap garment bag or big plastic bag over the top. Keeps dust off and saves you from having to fluff and detangle every year.
Make It Easy to Put Stuff Away (and Take Out)
Store heavier bins on lower shelves or the floor so you’re not wrestling them down from above your head. Spread the load a little if you’re in a smaller space, like an apartment or assisted living community—sometimes something as simple as splitting bins by room or holiday helps.
Give Yourself Permission to Toss or Donate
Every year, let yourself part with things you never use or that don’t bring you joy anymore. Maybe someone else will treasure that faded ornament, or maybe it’s just time to let it go. It keeps next year’s unpacking lighter and your boxes manageable.
Remember, a little thought now means a lot less chaos later. Pour yourself a cup of something warm, pop on some music, and treat holiday clean-up as a final celebration. You’ll thank yourself (promise!) when next holiday season rolls around.
