Best Way to Store Christmas Ornaments: How to Protect Your Decor for Years

Storing Christmas ornaments properly is the difference between opening a box of beautiful, intact decorations next December and opening a box of crushed glass and tangled hooks. Ornaments are the most fragile and the most numerous Christmas decorations, and they need the most protection. The problem is that most people either throw everything in a box (and hope for the best) or overspend on storage solutions (a different container for every type of ornament). The right approach is in the middle. You use the right containers, you wrap the fragile pieces, and you organize so that next year is easy. This guide covers the best way to store Christmas ornaments, what to buy, and what to skip.

The best way to store Christmas ornaments covers the containers, packing methods, and organization systems used to protect ornaments 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 keeps your ornaments safe and organized. Here’s the best way to store them, what to buy, and what to skip.

The Best Containers for Storing Christmas Ornaments

Ornament Storage Boxes with Dividers

Ornament storage boxes with dividers are the best option for most ornaments. They have individual compartments that keep ornaments separate and protected.

What to look for:

• A box with adjustable or fixed dividers (so you can fit different sizes)
• A box that holds 30 to 80 ornaments (depending on your collection)
• A sturdy, acid-free material (to prevent damage to ornaments)
• A box with a lid that closes securely
• A box with handles (for easy carrying)
• A box that’s stackable (to save space)
• A clear or labeled box (so you can see what’s inside)

What to skip:

• Boxes with dividers that are too small (large ornaments don’t fit)
• Boxes that are too flimsy (they collapse when stacked)
• Boxes without a lid (dust gets in)

Price range: $15 to $50 per box.

Plastic Bins with Cardboard Dividers

Plastic bins with cardboard dividers are the budget-friendly alternative to ornament storage boxes. You buy a plastic bin and make your own dividers.

What to look for:

• A plastic bin with a tight-fitting lid (moisture-resistant)
• A bin that’s the right size for your ornaments (12 to 20 gallons)
• Cardboard dividers (you can buy them or make them from shipping boxes)
• A bin with handles (for easy carrying)
• A bin that’s stackable (to save space)

What to skip:

• Bins that are too large (they get heavy and items shift)
• Bins without a tight lid (moisture gets in)
• Dividers that are too thin (they collapse)

Price range: $10 to $25 per bin, plus $5 to $10 for dividers.

Original Ornament Boxes

If you saved the original boxes that your ornaments came in, they’re the best protection for fragile or expensive ornaments.

What to look for:

• The original box with the original padding
• The original box in good condition (not crushed or torn)
• The original box labeled with the ornament inside

What to skip:

• Original boxes that are damaged (they don’t protect)
• Original boxes without padding (they don’t protect)

Price range: Free (if you saved them).

Egg Cartons (for Small Ornaments)

Egg cartons are the free, DIY option for small, unbreakable ornaments. They’re perfect for small ball ornaments, mini ornaments, and small figurines.

What to look for:

• A clean, empty egg carton (cardboard or foam)
• A carton that’s the right size for your small ornaments
• A carton that closes securely

What to skip:

• Egg cartons that are dirty or stained
• Egg cartons for fragile or valuable ornaments (they don’t provide enough protection)

Price range: Free.

How to Pack Christmas Ornaments

Step 1: Sort and Declutter

Before you pack, sort your ornaments and declutter.

How to do it:

1. Take down all the ornaments from the tree
2. Sort them by size and fragility (large, medium, small, fragile, unbreakable)
3. Set aside broken ornaments (discard them)
4. Set aside ornaments you didn’t use this year (donate them)
5. Group ornaments that go together (a set of matching ornaments, a set of family ornaments)

Step 2: Wrap Fragile Ornaments

Wrap fragile ornaments in tissue paper or bubble wrap before placing them in the storage box.

How to do it:

1. Choose tissue paper or bubble wrap (bubble wrap for very fragile items)
2. Place the ornament in the center of the paper
3. Fold the paper around the ornament (completely covered)
4. Secure with a piece of tape (if needed)
5. Place the wrapped ornament in its compartment

Tip: Don’t use newspaper (the ink can transfer to the ornaments).

Step 3: Place Ornaments in the Storage Box

Place each ornament in its own compartment, with the most fragile ornaments on top.

How to do it:

1. Place the largest, heaviest ornaments on the bottom layer
2. Place the medium ornaments on the middle layer
3. Place the smallest, most fragile ornaments on the top layer
4. Don’t overcrowd (ornaments should not touch each other)
5. Fill empty spaces with tissue paper (to prevent shifting)

Step 4: Label the Box

Label the box so you know what’s inside without opening it.

How to do it:

1. Use a label maker or a permanent marker
2. Label the box with “Ornaments” and the number of ornaments
3. Add a “Fragile” label
4. Number the box (e.g., “Ornament Box 1 of 3”)
5. Create a master list (a sheet of paper inside the first box, listing all boxes and their contents)

Step 5: Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Store the ornament boxes in a cool, dry place to prevent damage.

Good places:

• A closet (best for temperature-sensitive ornaments)
• A dry basement (if it’s not damp)
• An attic (if it’s not too hot)

Bad places:

• A damp basement (moisture causes mold and damage)
• A hot attic (heat can damage paint and glue)
• A garage (temperature changes and moisture)

How to Store Specific Types of Ornaments

Glass Ornaments

Glass ornaments are the most fragile. They need the most protection.

How to store:

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

Family Heirloom Ornaments

Family heirloom ornaments are irreplaceable. They need the best protection.

How to store:

1. Wrap each heirloom ornament in acid-free tissue paper (to prevent chemical damage)
2. Place each ornament in its own compartment
3. Store in the original box (if available) or a quality ornament storage box
4. Store in a climate-controlled space (a closet, not an attic or basement)
5. Label the box as “Family Heirlooms” and “Fragile”

DIY and Homemade Ornaments

DIY and homemade ornaments (from kids, from crafts) are often made of paper, dough, or other delicate materials. They need gentle storage.

How to store:

1. Wrap each homemade ornament in tissue paper
2. Place each ornament in its own compartment
3. Store in a cool, dry place (moisture can damage paper and dough)
4. Label the box as “Homemade Ornaments” and “Fragile”

Large Ornaments

Large ornaments don’t fit in standard ornament storage boxes. They need their own storage.

How to store:

1. Wrap each large ornament in tissue paper or bubble wrap
2. Place the ornaments in a plastic bin (with padding between them)
3. Don’t stack heavy items on top of large ornaments
4. Label the bin as “Large Ornaments” and “Fragile”

String Lights and Tree Decorations

String lights and tree decorations (tree skirt, tree topper, tree stand) need to be stored separately from ornaments.

How to store:

1. Wrap string lights around a light storage reel or a piece of cardboard
2. Fold the tree skirt and place it in a plastic bin
3. Wrap the tree topper in tissue paper and place it in a box
4. Clean the tree stand before storing it
5. Store all tree decorations in a separate, labeled bin

What to Skip Entirely

Throwing ornaments in a box without dividers. Ornaments that touch each other will scratch, chip, or break. Use dividers.

Using newspaper for wrapping. Newspaper ink can transfer to ornaments, staining them. Use tissue paper or bubble wrap.

Storing in a damp place. Moisture causes mold, rust (on metal hooks), and damage. Store in a cool, dry place.

Storing in a hot place. Heat can damage paint, glue, and delicate materials. Avoid hot attics.

Overcrowding the box. Ornaments that are packed too tightly will press against each other and break. Leave space.

Not labeling. Unlabeled boxes are a nightmare to unpack. Label every box.

FAQ

What is the best way to store Christmas ornaments? The best way is to 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. Label the box.

What containers should I use for storing Christmas ornaments? Use an ornament storage box with dividers ($15 to $50), a plastic bin with cardboard dividers ($10 to $25), the original ornament boxes (free), or egg cartons for small, unbreakable ornaments (free). Choose the container that fits your collection and budget.

How do I pack fragile Christmas ornaments? Wrap each fragile ornament in tissue paper or bubble wrap. Place each ornament in its own compartment in an ornament storage box. Don’t overcrowd. Place the most fragile ornaments on the top layer. Store in a cool, dry place.

Where should I store Christmas ornaments? Store in a cool, dry place. A closet is best for temperature-sensitive ornaments. A dry basement is good for most ornaments. An attic is okay if it’s not too hot. Avoid damp basements, hot attics, and garages.

How do I store family heirloom ornaments? Wrap each heirloom ornament in acid-free tissue paper. Place each ornament in its own compartment. Store in the original box or a quality ornament storage box. Store in a climate-controlled space (a closet). Label the box as “Family Heirlooms” and “Fragile.”

Should I declutter ornaments before storing? Yes. Before you pack, discard broken ornaments, donate ornaments you didn’t use this year, and get rid of duplicated items. This saves space and makes next year’s decorating easier.

Can I use egg cartons to store ornaments? Yes, for small, unbreakable ornaments. Egg cartons are free and they keep small ornaments separate. Don’t use egg cartons for fragile or valuable ornaments (they don’t provide enough protection).

References

• The Spruce. “How to Store Christmas Ornaments.” https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-store-christmas-ornaments-4142241
• Good Housekeeping. “Christmas Ornament Storage.” https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/organizing/g2891/christmas-ornament-storage/
• Amazon. “Ornament Storage Boxes.” Check on Amazon