When I was younger, we wouldn’t decorate the house for the winter holidays until the day after Thanksgiving. That Friday, my dad would drag in all of the bins filled with Christmas ornaments, decorations for inside and outside, Hanukkah decor, and of course – the Christmas tree!
Decorations would be on display until shortly after New Year’s Day, when my dad would get the empty bins ready for filling and storage.
My mom is the quintessential decorator and packer-upper. My dad, being the master labeler and huge proponent of “Everything has a place”, pairs perfectly with my mom (this is just one example).
I’ve curated some tips for organizing holiday decorations that I hope will make your packing and storing a bit easier!
Sort Through the Decorations
First and foremost, get rid of any ornaments or decorations that are broken or no longer wanted. Decorations that may no longer gel with your interior decor can go in a separate keepsake box.
Storage Bins
Consider storing decorations in clear plastic bins with lids. This will keep dust and pests out, and it will be easy to see what is inside.
I keep an eye out for when the plastic bins go on sale, and grab a bunch at a time. I have different sizes for different decorations.
Label the Bins
Labeling is key when it comes to storage. Even if you opt for the clear plastic bins, I highly recommend labeling what is inside.
You can do so with a permanent marker or with adhesive labels.
Create the labels on your computer and print them effortlessly from your printer, or step it up a notch and get a labeler.
Bins in Bins
Consider using smaller bins or containers within the larger bins to keep similar items together. For example, you could have a bin for tree ornaments, a bin for wrapping paper and ribbons, and a bin for holiday lights.
I pack all decorations that go in the Living Room in one large bin. That bin then contains smaller bins filled with shelf decor, then one with pillows, etc.
Bin Storage
Store the bins in a dry, cool place, such as a basement or attic. Avoid storing them in damp areas or in direct sunlight.
Make sure that the lids are secure. The last thing you want is to bring it down in the bin at the beginning of holiday season and have everything tumble out on you. (I may be speaking from experience.)
Fragile Items
Consider storing fragile items, such as glass ornaments, in sturdy cardboard boxes lined with bubble wrap or packing peanuts.
But I Have A Lot of Decorations!
If you have a lot of decorations, you may want to consider investing in a storage rack or shelving unit to keep everything organized and easy to access.
I know people that have storage units filled with holiday decorations. It’s just a matter of what size space will best hold your bins and also allow for you to see what you have.
I hope these tips help you organize your holiday decorations! I’d love to hear about some of your tips as well.
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