Storing Christmas Decorations: A Complete Guide to Packing and Organizing

Storing Christmas decorations is the task that determines whether next December is smooth or stressful. If you pack well, you open a box of organized, protected decorations and you’re ready to go. If you pack poorly, you open a box of crushed ornaments, tangled lights, and a wreath that’s been flattened under a bag of Halloween costumes. The problem is that most people rush through the takedown, throw everything in a box, and deal with the consequences next year. The right approach is to take a little time in January to pack properly, so that next December is easy.

Storing Christmas decorations covers the packing, organizing, and protection of Christmas-specific decor during the off-season. The best storage is organized, protective, and space-efficient. The worst is haphazard, unprotected, and so disorganized that items get damaged or lost.

The right storage system saves you money and keeps your decor looking new. Here’s how to pack, organize, and protect your Christmas decorations.

The Storage System

A good storage system has three parts: containers, organization, and labels. Here’s how to set up each one.

Containers

The right containers protect your decorations from moisture, dust, and damage.

What to use:

• Plastic bins with tight-fitting lids (moisture-resistant, stackable, durable)
• Ornament storage boxes with dividers (for fragile ornaments)
• Light storage reels (for string lights)
• Wreath storage bags (for wreaths and garland)
• Fabric storage bags (for linens)

What to skip:

• Cardboard boxes (not moisture-resistant, not protective, don’t stack well)
• Trash bags (not protective, not organized)
• Original product boxes (often too flimsy for long-term storage)

How many to buy:

• 2 to 4 plastic bins (for most households)
• 1 ornament storage box (if you have 30+ ornaments)
• 1 to 2 light storage reels (if you have 5+ strings of lights)
• 1 wreath storage bag (if you have 1 to 3 wreaths)

Price range: $10 to $30 per plastic bin, $15 to $40 for an ornament storage box, $5 to $15 for a light storage reel, $10 to $25 for a wreath storage bag.

Organization

The right organization makes it easy to find what you need and to know what you have.

How to organize:

1. Sort decorations by category (ornaments, lights, garland, linens, outdoor decor)
2. Sort by room (living room, dining room, entryway, outdoor)
3. Group items that go together (ornaments and hooks, lights and clips)
4. Pack similar items together (all ornaments in one bin, all lights in another)
5. Keep a small “first to open” bin with the essentials (tree stand, tree skirt, stocking hooks)

What to skip:

• Mixing categories in one bin (it’s hard to find things)
• Packing items from different rooms together (it’s confusing)
• Overpacking bins (they get heavy and items get crushed)

Labels

Labels are the key to organized storage. When you can see what’s in each box without opening it, you save time and frustration.

How to label:

1. Use a label maker or a permanent marker
2. Label each bin with the category (e.g., “Ornaments,” “Lights”)
3. Include the room (e.g., “Living Room Ornaments”)
4. Number the bins (e.g., “Bin 1 of 4”)
5. Add a “Fragile” label for fragile items
6. Create a master list (a sheet of paper inside the first bin, listing all bins and their contents)

How to Pack Each Type of Decoration

Ornaments

Ornaments are the most fragile and the most numerous. They need the most protection.

How to pack:

1. Use an ornament storage box with dividers
2. Wrap fragile ornaments in tissue paper or bubble wrap
3. Place each ornament in its own compartment
4. Don’t overcrowd (ornaments should not touch each other)
5. Store in a cool, dry place

Alternative: If you don’t have an ornament box, use a plastic bin with cardboard dividers. Wrap each ornament in tissue paper and place it in a compartment.

What to skip:

• Stacking ornaments without dividers (they’ll break)
• Using a cardboard box without padding (not protective)
• Storing in a damp place (mold and damage)

Lights

Lights are the most frustrating to untangle. Proper packing prevents the tangle.

How to pack:

1. Test each string of lights before storing
2. Wrap each string around a light storage reel or a piece of cardboard
3. Secure the ends with a rubber band or a twist tie
4. Place the wrapped lights in a plastic bin
5. Label each string with the type, length, and color

What to skip:

• Throwing lights in a box without wrapping (guaranteed tangle)
• Storing lights without testing (you’ll be frustrated next year)
• Mixing indoor and outdoor lights in the same bin without labeling

Garland and Wreaths

Garland and wreaths are bulky and can lose their shape if not stored properly.

How to pack:

1. Use a wreath storage bag or a wreath storage container
2. Place the wreath or garland in the bag or container
3. Don’t compress it (it will lose its shape)
4. Store in a cool, dry place

For garland: Coil the garland loosely and place it in a plastic bin. Don’t compress it.

What to skip:

• Stacking wreaths on top of each other (they’ll get crushed)
• Storing in a damp place (mold and damage)
• Compressing garland in a tight box (it will lose its shape)

The Tree

If you have an artificial tree, it needs to be stored properly to last for years.

How to pack:

1. Disassemble the tree (if it’s a sectional tree)
2. Compress the branches (if possible)
3. Store the tree in its original box or a tree storage bag
4. Store the tree stand separately (clean it first)
5. Store the tree skirt separately (wash it first)
6. Store the tree topper separately (wrap it in tissue paper)

What to skip:

• Storing the tree without cleaning the stand (sap and dirt will harden)
• Storing the tree skirt without washing it (stains will set)
• Storing the tree in a damp place (mold and rust)

Table Linens

Table linens should be washed, folded, and stored in a dry place.

How to pack:

1. Wash and dry the linens before storing
2. Fold them neatly
3. Place them in a plastic bin or a fabric storage bag
4. Add a dryer sheet to keep them fresh
5. Store in a cool, dry place

What to skip:

• Storing linens without washing (stains will set)
• Storing in a damp place (mold)
• Storing in a cardboard box (not moisture-resistant)

Candles

Candles need to be stored in a cool place to prevent melting and warping.

How to pack:

1. Wrap each candle in tissue paper (to prevent scratching)
2. Place candles in a plastic bin
3. Store in a cool, dry place (not the attic or the garage)

What to skip:

• Storing candles in a hot place (they’ll melt or warp)
• Storing candles without wrapping (they’ll get scratched)
• Storing candles near heat sources

Outdoor Decor

Outdoor decor (wreaths, lights, stakes, inflatables) should be cleaned and dried before storing.

How to pack:

1. Clean and dry all outdoor decor
2. Coil lights and wrap them around a reel or cardboard
3. Place stakes and hardware in a labeled zip-top bag
4. Deflate inflatables and fold them neatly
5. Store everything in a plastic bin

What to skip:

• Storing outdoor decor without cleaning (dirt and moisture will damage it)
• Storing inflatables without deflating (they’ll take up too much space)
• Storing in a cardboard box (not moisture-resistant)

Where to Store Christmas Decorations

The Attic

Good for: Artificial trees, outdoor decor, gift wrap, and non-fragile items. Not good for: Candles (they’ll melt), fragile ornaments (temperature changes can cause cracking).

The Basement

Good for: Ornaments, lights, and table linens (if the basement is dry). Not good for: Items in damp basements (moisture causes mold and rust).

The Garage

Good for: Artificial trees, outdoor decor, and non-fragile items. Not good for: Candles, fragile items, and items sensitive to temperature changes.

A Closet

Good for: Candles, fragile ornaments, and items you want to access easily. Not good for: Large items (trees, inflatables) that won’t fit.

What to Skip Entirely

Cardboard boxes. Not moisture-resistant, not protective, don’t stack well. Use plastic bins.

Storing without labeling. Unlabeled boxes are a nightmare to unpack. Label every box.

Storing without decluttering. Storing items you don’t use is a waste of space. Declutter before you pack.

Storing fragile items without protection. Ornaments need dividers and tissue paper.

Storing lights without wrapping. Throwing lights in a box guarantees a tangle.

Storing in a damp place. Moisture causes mold, rust, and damage.

Storing candles in a hot place. Candles will melt or warp. Store in a cool, climate-controlled space.

FAQ

How do I store Christmas decorations? Sort by category and room. Declutter before you pack. Use plastic bins with tight-fitting lids. Use ornament storage boxes with dividers for ornaments. Wrap lights around a reel or cardboard. Use wreath storage bags for wreaths. Label every bin. Store in a cool, dry place.

What containers do I need for storing Christmas decorations? You need 2 to 4 plastic bins with tight-fitting lids, 1 ornament storage box with dividers (if you have 30+ ornaments), 1 to 2 light storage reels (if you have 5+ strings of lights), and 1 wreath storage bag (if you have 1 to 3 wreaths). Total cost: $50 to $150.

Where should I store Christmas decorations? Store in a cool, dry place. The attic is good for trees and non-fragile items. The basement is good for ornaments and lights (if it’s dry). The garage is good for trees and outdoor decor. A closet is good for candles and fragile items.

How do I store Christmas lights without tangling? Test each string first. Wrap each string around a light storage reel or a piece of cardboard. Secure the ends with a rubber band or twist tie. Place in a plastic bin. Label with the type, length, and color.

How do I store fragile Christmas ornaments? Use an ornament storage box with dividers. Wrap fragile ornaments in tissue paper or bubble wrap. Place each ornament in its own compartment. Don’t overcrowd. Store in a cool, dry place.

Should I declutter before storing Christmas decorations? Yes. Discard broken items, donate items you didn’t use this year, and get rid of duplicates. This saves space and makes next year’s decorating easier.

How do I label Christmas decoration storage? Use a label maker or permanent marker. Label each bin with the category, the room, and a box number (e.g., “Bin 1 of 4”). Add a “Fragile” label for fragile items. Create a master list inside the first bin.

References

• The Spruce. “How to Store Christmas Decorations.” https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-store-christmas-decorations-4142240
• Good Housekeeping. “Christmas Decoration Storage.” https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/organizing/g2891/christmas-decoration-storage/
• Real Simple. “Christmas Decoration Storage Ideas.” https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/christmas-decoration-storage