The holiday season can be lively, fun and chaotic. The Christmas magic lies in the reunions with friends and family, the scrumptious food, as well as the stunning and twinkling decorations. However, the comedown after all of that can be overwhelming. The right methods can help you ease into a slower pace of life after the holidays.
As homeowners, it’s essential to view your holiday decor as investments that will bring joyful memories rather than one-off purchases you discard after the season. Storing them properly gives them the best chance of increasing their lifespans. These professional-level methods for storing your holiday decor can help make the cleanup process a bit less stressful so you can focus on the bright new year ahead.
1. Declutter Before You Store
People spend around $387 buying holiday decorations, food items and wrapping papers each year. Taking stock of what you already have can greatly reduce your spending in the years to come. Make a list of what you own and divide the items by utility.
Inspect broken or irreparable ones both for your home’s safety and for clearing up space, and note the decor you didn’t use this year. Do you see yourself using them for the years to come? If you haven’t touched the decor in two consecutive Christmases, chances are you won’t use it next year either.
Donating these items sends them to homes that need them and helps clear up space for decor you actually love and use. The best storage methods always start with decluttering and letting go of things that no longer serve you.
2. Optimize Your Organization
Garages are more than just parking places for cars. They basically function as the command center for people’s storage, housing seasonal items. It’s important to organize this space to maximize its use.
You have plenty of options to improve your garage, like shelving units, overhead racks and wall-mounted cabinets. Just make sure they are above floor level to prevent moisture damage.
Since the garage is often one of the most accessible areas of your house and you’ll be storing valuables there, ensure your security system is set up effectively. Modern smart garage door openers make it easy to store boxes of decorations or a huge Christmas tree in your garage, thanks to real-time security alerts and automatic locking systems. Peace of mind that your precious items are safe is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.
3. Use Uniform, Transparent and Airtight Containers
It can be overwhelming to rummage through your storage, especially if your containers are of different sizes and colors. Having transparent ones helps you easily see the things you’re looking for without the added hassle of opening each and every one of them.
Check for containers that are stackable and of high quality. Doing so ensures they actually do their job of protecting your holiday decor from moisture, pests and crush damage. Labeling can give you an additional helping hand in making everything more accessible.
Be specific with your labels so you know exactly which container has the items you’re looking for. To go even further, color-code labels to distinguish among the containers. Instead of just “Christmas decor”, you can use green tape for “upper floor Xmas tree decor”, while red can be “holiday tablecloths”.
4. Conquer Unstackables with Form-Fitting Solutions
Some holiday decorations are harder to store due to their delicate and unique forms. It’s especially frustrating when they can’t be placed neatly inside your bins. Instead of working against their forms, these storage solutions prioritize keeping their forms and shapes intact.
Christmas Lights
Christmas lights easily get tangled up, and most people don’t enjoy untangling them. Additionally, damaged cords can cause sparks and pose a fire hazard. In fact, electrical problems represent one-third of Christmas tree fire origins.
For a foolproof storage method, roll them up in sturdy cardboard squares or empty paper towel tubes. Then secure the end with masking tape.
Wreaths and Garlands
Wreaths and garlands are other popular decorative items. Since they are prone to deformation when crushed, you can hang them up and cover them with a dry-clean bag. If you prefer to store them horizontally, ensure that their case is a hard-shell to prevent stacking from affecting the shape. Both ways help in retaining the wreath’s form so it avoids collecting dust.
Christmas Ornaments and Other Small Trinkets
Since Christmas ornaments are fragile, consider using their original packaging and keeping them in larger containers for added protection. You can also use egg cartons to protect each ball individually. Any container that has divisions should be your best friend, from boxes with compartments to hanging shoe organizers for storing ribbons, festive sprigs, bells and other small trinkets.
5. Choose the Right Storage Zone
Aside from garages, attics and basements also provide ample storage space. They’re best for large, bulky items you won’t need access to for a long time. Pack away items such as artificial trees and seasonal lawn decorations here. Take note that these zones are prone to temperature changes, humidity and pests, so still use extra precautionary measures when storing here.
Consider climate-controlled closets or spare rooms for more delicate items such as candles, stockings, fabrics and sentimental ornaments. These rooms help preserve and protect these materials so you can continue using them for future Christmases.
Continue Holiday Traditions With Ease
Holidays are both festive and stressful times, especially for those managing households. Maintain the joyful and loving feel of the season by reducing stress through an efficient holiday decor organization system. Make sure to take your time auditing the decorative items you already have so you can use and reuse them throughout each holiday season. Declutter broken or unused things, and ensure your storage spaces are secure and well-equipped for storage. Be specific with your labels and color-code to help make finding things much easier.
Remember that these systems should work for you, not the other way around. You don’t need to do all of them to feel like you’re on top of things. Starting with small tasks like rolling up lights or labeling containers will already set future you up for a hassle-free and enjoyable decorating experience next year.
