As the winter season wraps up and the holidays eventually come to a close, it’s important to think about how to store your decorations for the upcoming year. Proper storage not only helps preserve your decorations but also makes the process of unpacking and decorating next season much easier. 

In this Rent. article, we’ve gathered expert tips on how to safely store winter holiday décor, from ornaments to wreaths, ensuring they stay in perfect condition and ready to shine again when the next season rolls around. So whether you’re organizing your apartment in New York, NY, or your home in Boston, MA, these tried-and-true storage strategies will help you keep everything organized and secure.

1. Organize by room

Organizing holiday decorations by room makes setup and takedown smoother, as each bin corresponds directly to a specific area of the house.

“Organizing and storing holiday decorations by room is a great way to keep everything in order for easy setup each year,” shares Anne Lunsford of Simply Easy Organizing. “Use clear plastic bins and label each one with the room name and contents. For example, great room – snowmen and Santa; or dining room – table runners, centerpieces, and themed dinnerware. By keeping each room’s decor separate, it makes it easy and efficient to decorate and to put away decorations each year.”

Naomi of Charming Spaces adds, “If you style each room the same way every year, pack up your decorations by room and label each tote accordingly – think ‘Dining Room,’ ‘Entryway,’ or ‘Living Room.’ This makes set up and take-down a breeze.”

2. Store things by timing

Storing decorations by timing — such as early winter — makes it easy to transition your decor throughout the season without unpacking everything at once. This approach keeps your space organized and helps you avoid clutter, allowing for seamless seasonal updates.

“When storing things after the holidays separate anything you reach for early in December such as advent calendars, Hanukkah decor, Christmas cards, stamps and lists, or wrapping paper. Don’t mix these in with your other traditional decor. I suggest putting these ‘early items’ with Thanksgiving decorations or labeling it ‘Early December.’” suggests C.Lee Cawley.

3. Store a faux tree upright

Storing a faux tree upright preserves its shape and prevents branches from becoming bent or misshapen. Plus, keeping it upright saves space and reduces the need for reshaping and potenitally redecorating.

Suzette Gebhardt states, “If you have a faux tree and room to store it upright you can simply wrap your decorated tree in plastic wrap (ornaments and all) and store it completely decorated until next year. The following year you can simply put it back in place, unwrap, and straighten things out a bit.”

4. Pack artificial trees away

Packing artificial trees away properly helps extend their lifespan, ensuring they stay in good condition for future use.

“Artificial Christmas trees never fit back into the box they came in so try using a tall moving box to create your own storage box by taping the flaps up on the base and placing another box over it. If you have the space in your storage room, store the tree assembled, but not decorated, and put a sheet over it,” recommends The Chicago Organizer.

5. Organize ornaments by shape, size, and color

Organizing ornaments by shape, size, and color makes decorating easier by allowing you to find exactly what you color schemes or sizes you need without digging through mixed bins.

Amy Bloomer of Let Your Space BLOOM recommends storing ornaments by size, shape and color, in a sturdy container with dividers that have compartments. 

“This ensures that the smaller, more fragile ones don’t get damaged by bigger, more robust items. It also makes decorating the tree a lot easier because you can see your ornament collection in aggregate.”

6. Use a light box organizer

Using a light box organizer keeps holiday lights tangle-free saving you time and frustration when it’s time to decorate.

“When storing holiday decorations, you want to look for something that protects the contents, allows stacking for the most functional use of space, and quick and easy access,” notes Clutter Whisperers. “Christmas lights are notoriously difficult to untangle – so use a light box organizer to wrap them up. Create a holiday storage section in your home and keep everything stored together.”

7. Or wrap lights in a figure 8

Wrapping lights in a figure-8 pattern prevents tangling, making it easier to unravel them smoothly next season. 

“Pulling out the Christmas tree decorations is a real treat, especially when you find them neatly wrapped and sorted from last year,” says Deirdre Meyer, organizational maven and co-founder of meori. “I like to wind my lights in a figure-eight and secure them with a rubber band to dodge the dreaded tangle. Plus, I tuck my ornaments into a padded bottle divider in my storage bins to keep them cozy and safe.”

8. Try cardboard cutouts or empty gift wrap tubes

Using cardboard cutouts or empty gift wrap tubes to wrap lights is a budget-friendly hack that keeps them neatly in place and prevents tangling. 

“Keep your string lights twist-free by wrapping them around cardboard cutouts or empty gift wrap tubes to prevent tangling and make them easy to unroll next season. Store each wrapped set in a labeled bin by color or location (like “tree lights” or “outdoor lights”), so you know exactly where everything goes when it’s time to decorate again,” states Missy Feldman of No Mess With Missy.

“To store lights, wrap them around a piece of cardboard to prevent tangling – it saves you time and hassle when it’s time to decorate again,” adds Mabel Sciortino of MS Space Solutions based in Tampa, FL.

9. Store ornaments safely with bubble wrap or tissue paper

Storing ornaments with bubble wrap or tissue paper provides a protective cushion that reduces the risk of breakage. 

Shara Koplowitz of OPEN At Home suggests individually wrapping glass ornaments in bubble wrap or tissue paper to protect them. 

Additionally, “Using stockings or Christmas tree skirts to cushion the bottom of the bin and layering with cardboard cut to fit the size of the bin adds extra security, ensuring the ornaments are stored safely.”

10. Laminate your little crafters’ projects

Laminating your little crafters’ projects helps preserve their creations for years to come.

“Instead of stashing away piles of holiday crafts to never be seen again, pick one or two favorites from your little crafters’ projects each year to laminate. Pack them away with your holiday decor to then pull out the following year. These special pieces add a personal, festive touch to your decorations and celebrate their creativity over the years,” shares Creating Clarity.

11. Only keep ornaments that bring you joy

Keeping only ornaments that bring you joy ensures your holiday decorations reflect your personal style and create positive memories. It also helps reduce clutter.

Tidy Up Los Angeles says, “Start by decluttering, keeping only decorations that bring joy, and envisioning your ideal holiday setup — whether a minimal look with fresh flowers, framed holiday photos and twinkling lights or a grand display with multiple trees.”

12. Try vacuum-sealed bags

Vacuum-sealed bags are a great way to save space and protect your holiday decorations from dust, moisture, and pests. 

“One of the ultimate battles with holiday decorations each year is storing sets and collections that need to exist together, states Michael Quan of Fulfilling Your Future. “Instead of just tossing them inside of a general bin where they can get lost in the shuffle, try using vacuum-sealed bags to keep display sets together and to stop items from getting tangled or mixed up. Removing the items from storage for next year will be a breeze when everything is pulled out with the associated set with the added benefit of no tangles.”

13. Place items in bins with labels

Labeling bins helps ensure that your holiday decorations are easy to find and organized by category.

“When storing holiday decorations, place items in bins with labels. I suggest storing all similar items together, tree decorations, outside decor, tabletop decor. This way both putting up holiday decor is just as easy as putting away holiday decor at the end of the season,” says Home Perspective.

14. Commit to a pack-up routine

Committing to a pack-up routine helps streamline the process of storing your holiday decorations.

“It’s easy to run out of steam after the holidays and shove things into boxes and bins, but you’ll be much happier next year if you commit to a pack-up routine,” remarks Tidy LA. “Edit things you didn’t use, carefully wrap breakables, and store like items together. Your future self will start the next holiday season peacefully and prepared.”

15. Keep wrapping paper, bows, and ribbons in their own containers

Keeping wrapping paper, bows, and ribbons in their own containers helps prevent tangling, damage, and clutter and makes things easier to find.

Organized by Ellis shares, “The holidays come with their own wrapping paper, bows, and ribbons that you don’t use any other time of year. We recommend storing these holiday-specific wrapping supplies in their containers, separate from your regular wrapping kit. For keeping paper rolls crush-free, use a stand-up container or a long plastic wrapping paper box. Organize other trimmings in containers by category: bows, ribbons, tissue paper, gift bags, and gift tags.”

“Separate holiday gift wrapping supplies from regular/all occasion wrapping and store them with your holiday decorations. This way, you only take them out once a year as needed, freeing up space in the main part of your home for things you need year-round,” adds Annmarie Brogan and Marie Limpert of Organize Me! of NY, LLC.

16. For delicate ornaments use egg cartons and tissue paper

Using egg cartons and tissue paper for delicate ornaments provides an affordable way to protect them from damage during storage.

“For delicate ornaments, use egg cartons or tissue paper to keep them safe, and wrap string lights around cardboard pieces to avoid tangled messes,” notes Nina Doiron of iSO Design & Interiors. “This keeps everything neat, saves time, and makes your storage space look organized and festive.”

“Repurpose tissue paper received with gifts to wrap and protect fragile ornaments and decor. Tissue paper is soft, protective, absorbs moisture while stored, and is compostable when no longer needed,” adds Bella Organizing.

“Save time on ornament storage by using an egg crate mattress pad: make a template, cut each base layer to fit your bins, and skip individually wrapping each ornament. Your ornaments will stay safe and make putting away your holiday decor a breeze,” suggests Systems By Susie.

17. Store cherished ornaments in a shoe box

Storing cherished ornaments in a shoe box is a great way to keep them safe and organized. The sturdy structure of the box offers protection, while the size is ideal for neatly stacking and storing smaller, sentimental items.

Katie McAllister, a Certified Professional Organizer of Susquehanna Organizing, in York, PA shares, “My kids have cherished (but specially shaped) ornaments, and each loves having their own shoebox full of special memories. Using bubble wrap bags to cushion each ornament not only keeps these treasures safe and well-protected but also saves space and can be easily reused year after year.”

18. Create tool kits

By grouping all the necessary tools — like scissors, tape, hooks, and batteries — into one designated kit, you can quickly tackle your decorating tasks without having to search for supplies each time.

“Create kits with all the tools and materials needed for specific tasks – a ‘wrapping kit’ might include scissors, tape, ribbon, and paper – and gather into its own bin. At holiday time, retrieve each kit when you’re ready to do that specific task, and you’ll have all you need at your fingertips. No more searching the house for that special red ribbon or double-stick tape,” remarks Gwen Weinberg of three by three seattle.

19. Use weathertight storage bins

Using weathertight storage bins is essential for protecting your holiday decorations from moisture, dust, and pests. 

Jenna Haefelin of Spiff Organizing says, “The most effective method for storing your items is by using weathertight storage bins, especially since they will likely be kept in an attic, garage, or holiday closet.”

20. Use garment bags for wreaths and store them upright

Using garment bags for wreaths and storing them upright helps protect the delicate foliage and decorations from dust, dirt, and damage. 

Rosemary Lopez of Organizing Boutique recommends keeping wreaths dust-free and in shape by hanging them in garment bags in a closet. “This way, they stay fresh and protected without being squashed in a box.”

If you want to purchase storage that is more specific, Adele Tusson-Gross, CDMM® of  Simple Solution Organizing adds, “When you purchase storage containers for holiday décor, buy items specifically designed to store those items. For example, wreaths. They store well in a zippered bag.”

“If you use a lot of wreaths inside and outside your home throughout the seasons, and if you have the room, bagging them and hanging them up on a clothes rack in the basement or garage will help preserve their shape and anything special on the wreaths themselves,” suggests  WOW! Organized! LLC.

21. Protect your linens

Protecting your linens, such as tablecloths, napkins, and runners, ensures they stay clean, wrinkle-free, and in good condition for future use.

“Store holiday linens ( tablecloths, runners, and tree skirts) in vacuum-sealed bags. This saves space and keeps them protected from dust and moths,” notes Stephanie at Zensational Organizing.

22. Consider specialized ornament boxes

Specialized ornament boxes offer protection for fragile ornaments, keeping them secure and preventing damage during storage. These boxes often come with dividers, which help organize and separate each piece.

“We always suggest that our clients remove their ornaments from their original boxes for efficient holiday storage, and keep them in dedicated ornament boxes,” states Room Redefined. “These boxes can be purchased from many retailers, in different sizes, and at different price points, but are much more efficient at storing your ornaments than utilizing their original containers.”

“Instead of throwing your ornaments directly in a bin or wrapping them in bits of paper which is super time-consuming, an ornament box has built-in dividers that keep each ornament separate and protected. Storing them properly is great for preserving your holiday decorations, but it also makes setting up your tree and putting everything away a joy year after year,” adds Space Camp Organizing.

“For ornament storage – I like to use storage designed for it.  This gives ornaments protection, a space to themselves and it makes it so easy to decorate the tree. And also to store away.  You can buy inserts for storage bins, you can repurpose boxes that you create your own or you can buy special ornament storage,” states Mary Jo Contello, CPO® at Organized by MJ, based in Houston, TX.

23. Take cherished photos of holiday decore before releasing them

Taking cherished photos of holiday decor before releasing them allows you to capture the memories while freeing up space.

“If you need to rightsize your holiday decor, take photos and create a memory book of the items you’re releasing. This helps keep cherished memories alive and allows you to share them with others,” suggests Whitney of Big Rocks Organizing.

24. Organize by specific places in a room

Organizing holiday decorations by specific places in a room makes it easier to set up and take down each year and ensures that everything has a designated spot.

“When packing it all up, pack your décor by area of the home,” suggests Adonna of Clutter Roundup. “For example, the items you use to decorate the fireplace mantel should be packed in one bin and labeled as such. When it’s time to decorate again, it makes it easier knowing you have everything you need in one bin (or two).”

25. Set up a custom wrapping station in your home

Setting up a custom wrapping station in your home speeds up the gift-wrapping process and keeps everything you need in one convenient location. 

Graceful Spaces says, “Make holiday wrapping efficient and joyful by setting up a custom wrapping station anywhere in your home. Use a curtain rod with no drill brackets and storage clips to create a beautiful and space-efficient solution for wrapping paper – not only will it look beautiful, but it will ensure your paper will be wrinkle-free. Pair it with a wrapping paper tape clamp for the perfect and easy-to-use solution to wrap like a pro.”

26. Separate fragile decor first

Separating fragile decor first ensures that delicate items are protected from damage during storage and handling.

“Separate out all your fragile decor first, such as glass ornaments or porcelain tree toppers, and secure them in bubble wrap in their own container, but make sure you don’t skimp out on quality bubble wrap, otherwise you’ll end up with a headless porcelain angel like I did one year,” states Organized Life By Michelle.

27. Use projector lights

Using projector lights is an efficient way to create a festive atmosphere with minimal effort. They provide a quick, stunning effect for holiday decor, allowing you to easily project patterns, images, or scenes onto your home’s exterior or interior.

Foster Organizing states, “Use projector lights that can project images instead of having to untangle and string lights to the exterior of your home.”

28. Create ready-to-go envelopes for holiday cards

Creating ready-to-go envelopes for holiday cards makes it easier to stay organized during the busy season.

“We send holiday cards to the same people every year, so get their names and addresses printed,” says Megan Sears Organization. “Print each name and address multiple times so you have all your loved ones and addresses for every year already ready to go for envelopes. Store these with your Christmas totes so when you open them, your greeting cards are ready to be sent out.”

Originally posted at: https://www.rent.com/blog/winter-holiday-decoration-storage-tips-straight-from-the-experts/ but featuring tips from www.SusquehannaOrganizing.com