How to Store Holiday Decorations
If you are like me, then you usually take down one holiday’s decorations and put up another.
What I have decided is that we will have 1-2 bins per large holiday (Large as in a large amount of decorations: Easter and Halloween). Then the rest all fit into one large bin together (Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, 4th of July, and Thanksgiving).
Of course, Christmas is totally another category than any other holiday so we will deal with that separately.
Christmas Decorations
People tend to have 4 main categories of Christmas decorations.
- The tree itself can be stored in either the original box or a bag with handles. A box is great if it needs to fit compactly in a certain place or you need to move it into the attic or above-head storage in a shed. A box is also more protective if you have a pre-lit tree. A bag is great if you have storage space on the floor in a garage or shed and a tree that isn’t very fragile.
- Ornaments can be stored in specific ornament containers that have compartments for each ornament so they are easy to take out and put away. They can be put in there loosely, in their boxes, or just wrapped in tissue paper.
- Outdoor decorations and lights for the house are usually stored separately from indoor items because they are their own project to put away with timers and extension cords.
- Indoor decorations include all soft items such as towels, tablecloths, placemats, stockings, pillows, and Christmas clothes (t-shirts/socks). I try to wrap all fragile items inside of these soft items. Then I also pack up all CDs, Christmas children’s books, plates, and mugs. Another box has all the Christmas wrap (bags, rolls of wrap, bows, ribbons, gift tags, and boxes).
Some people like to get matching bins for Christmas, but I think if they are just all in the same area of the shed, garage, or attic, that you’ll find what you need. Some large decorations are stored best in their own original container inside the foam it came in.
Large Holidays
For Easter we have children’s books, baskets, leftover plastic eggs to refill, and decorations so we have 2 large bins that are labeled that are stored in the shed.
For Halloween we have 2 large bins that we have labeled also that are stored in the shed. One is full of costumes and accessories for adults. The kids outgrow theirs so fast that they just have a costume bin in their rooms and use for play. The other has decorations, a large candy bowl, and carving utensils, and children’s books.
For these holidays we usually try to wait until a month before to decorate and then remove the decorations the day after the holiday.
Other Holidays
Just like the holidays with a lot of decorations and things, these smaller holidays with less items are usually decorated for a month in advance. All the holidays are listed on the label on the outside of the bin they are contained in.
Holiday children’s books are stored in the bins and when inside the house, they have a certain place on the bookshelf for these special books. As my kids get older we are decreasing our collection by rereading the baby-books one more time and then donating them to pre-K teachers.
Any crafts and stuffed animals that go with certain holidays are packed inside of the bins. Valentine’s cards for classmates are packed up with Valentine’s Day decorations so we can use them from year-to-year.
Wreaths
For my family, we only have a couple wreaths so we store them inside for now. Our Christmas wreath is with Christmas things though. I have seen some families get wreath holders and store them in their garages or sheds. Some put them in giant clear plastic bags to protect them too.
What if I have a ton of outside decorations?
I do have a few clients with a lot of large holiday decorations. If they have a shed, that is the best place to store them. If not, their garage will be the cheapest place.
As a last resort, a storage unit can be used for seasonal decorations. I usually do not advocate for a storage unit, but if it’s holiday decor, you’ll know where it all is and use it annually.
I would rather people be able to use their house, garage, or shed so it is less expensive, but I know some families really love decorating for the holidays.
Having inflatable decorations might be the best way to have your yard decorated, yet be able to store them within the space you already have.
Storage design
I tell my clients to do whatever works for them to store their things. Some prefer all clear containers, some matching per holiday, others just put things in bags.
As long as you can find what you need, when you need it, it is organized.
If time and money isn’t a factor, then design a space that will contain all you’ll ever want or need and get it out of your way. I suggest a large shed if your neighborhood allows.
I hope you find what works for you. I’m happy to help you at any point in your organizing and storage journey.
Are you ready to get your space or schedule organized? Let me know how I can help you get to a more Peaceful Place.
