Smart Storage Solutions for Christmas Decor

Now that you’ve decked the halls in holiday style it’s time to think about efficient ways to store all those decorations once the festivities are over. Make it easy on yourself now and next year by organizing and storing your ornaments, lights and accessories in containers specially designed for holiday decor. These simple storage solutions look great, take up less space, protect your precious holiday keepsakes to enjoy them for many holidays to come.

Fragile holiday ornaments and decorative accessories require extra care. Preserve and protect handmade paper ornaments by storing them in archival cardboard boxes. Reuse original ornament packaging or purchase divided storage containers. Wrap delicate glass items with acid-free paper or bubble wrap to provide a layer of cushioning.

Categorize, label and store your Christmas accessories like stockings, centerpieces and holiday accents by each room. This will help keep up decorating time so you can enjoy more time with your friends and family. Look for storage containers on sale and buy one or two bins per room. Label each container with the appropriate room designation and next year’s decorating will be a snap.

Artificial trees are the way to go with the exception of assembly and the tedious task of adjusting and positioning each branch to achieve the look of fresh-cut tree perfection. You can forego this mind-numbing chore next year by storing your artificial tree upright and intact.

A number of manufacturers offer Christmas tree storage bags that literally slip right over your perfectly shaped evergreen. Some bags feature wheels to aid in transport and others simply fit over the existing tree stand and double as a tree skirt once you pull the bag down around the base of the tree. When it’s time to retire your faux fir for the season simply remove your ornaments, pull the bag up over the tree and stow it away until next December.

This storage tip is just for you. If you love after Christmas sales, you probably stock up on loads of wrapping paper, ribbon, bows and gift tags. Gift wrap storage systems will keep unruly wrapping paper rolls, tags, ribbons, tape and scissors neatly organized in one place. Choose from a variety of space savers like divided under bed storage boxes, wall mounted units or over the door wire shelving.

Better yet save money by repurposing a regular zippered hanging garment bag to house all your gift wrapping materials. Measure your wrapping paper rolls and find a garment bag to accommodate that length. Corral loose wrapping supplies in small, labeled plastic bins and arrange them in the bottom of the bag. Hang the garment bag in the back of the closet until it’s gift giving time again.

Nothing puts a damper on holiday decorating than a tangled mess of Christmas lights. Stay organized by storing your light strings on specially designed reels or reusing cardboard tubing from Christmas wrapping paper. Remove the light strings from your tree and lay them out flat. This is a good time to replace burned out bulbs. Carefully wrap the lights onto purchased plastic reels or your cardboard tubes. Store the lights with your tree trimming accessories and outdoor decor.

If you store your beautiful Christmas wreath in a garbage bag it could easily smash or damage the branches, bow and ornaments. Keep your favorite wreath in perfect condition each year by storing it in a plastic storage box or heavy duty canvas tote bag. Find one that is specifically designed to preserve its shape, protecting it from dust and keeping it away from moisture during the off season.

Launder your holiday table cloths, placemats and napkins before you put them away or you could end up with stubborn set-in stains. Place the textiles in a linen closet or a suitcase and store them in a dry environment to avoid mildew. If you also have a collection of Christmas towels, blankets, pillow covers and rugs put them in a storage bin in the closet or under the bed. Slip in a couple of scented dryer sheets to keep them smelling fresh and to repel spiders and moths.

Wrap candles in white tissue paper or cellophane and place them inside an airtight plastic bin. Store them in a climate-controlled area to avoid exposure to heat and moisture. Or wrap the candles in old, white knee-high socks to prevent scratches and dents. Don't use plastic wrap or wax paper or it will easily stick to the candle especially if they're stored in a warm area. Keep them away from extreme heat. If you don't want to go to the trouble of storing decorative wax candles, simply purchase plastic LED versions.