Best ways to store and organize Christmas decorations
Do you struggle to organize Christmas decorations every year?
I know the feeling!
When it comes to storing Christmas ornaments and decor, I’ve learned that having a system is essential for holiday organization.
From Christmas ornament storage ideas to decoration storage solutions, getting everything sorted will make next year’s decorating a breeze.
Let’s dive into some tips for keeping things neat and ready after the Natal season, ensuring a beautifully organized Christmas every time.
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12 Ideas To Organize Christmas Decorations
Storing and organizing anything can seem dreadful from a glance, but fear not, this is a list of some of the best ways to store all those festive decorations.
1. Storing Christmas Tree Ornaments
Ornaments come in all shapes and sizes. Reusing the box or packaging, they came in is an excellent start to storing these knick-knacks. However, these things can be ripped or thrown out with no second thought.
Depending on the number of ornaments or kinds you have, you may want separate small boxes for them. You can get a big jar or reuse any container around your house to store the ornaments. A cheap way to do this is by storing your Christmas tree ornaments in egg cartons.
For ornaments that you don’t consider fragile any plastic or tin box will do.
Another way you can store Christmas tree ornaments is by using a box with dividers. You can make your own with a box and cardboard dividers similar to the image below.
I have used an unused shoebox and cardboard dividers I made with an Amazon delivery box.
But if you don’t have the time to make your own, consider buying one. Find a storage box with handles and adjustable compartments, like the one below.
2. Fragile Decorations
When storing fragile items you need to take precautions. Take each item you deem fragile and wrap it in bubble wrap, wrapping paper, or tissue paper, or even get a teatowel for more oversized items.
Make sure each item is wrapped separately, all placed into a secure plastic box or container.
Another way to keep your most fragile ornaments is by using a muffin tray inside a hard box.
✅ These Cushion Bubble Pouches are perfect for wrapping your most fragile decorations.
3. Storing Lights
It is easy to want to throw Christmas lights into a box or bag, not thinking about them till the next Christmas Season. However, the next season comes around, and you have to spend a great deal of time untangling those lights.
Easy fix? Grab a hanger, an empty wrapping paper cardboard roll, or any trash item that may be long or wide. Take the light string and start wrapping it around your chosen item.
Secure it by cutting a small opening into the item you picked and tucking the end wires into the slot on each side of the thing.
Or simply use tape to tape the ends down to secure them!
Now you can store them in a shoebox or any other strong container you have at home.
You can wrap smaller lights with battery compartments around hangers. Don’t forget to remove the batteries before wrapping them and store them safely.
If you want to have all your Christmas lights neatly organized, consider getting a Christmas lights storage box like the one below.
4. Christmas Tree
The Christmas tree is perhaps your largest item, aside from those yard decorations you might have. It is good to keep the Christmas tree box, but those, like any cardboard box, can break down over time and leave your tree exposed.
Below there are 3 DIY Christmas tree storage ideas you might want to try:
Flatten your artificial tree as much as you can and then use belts to tie the tree.
Another way to shrink the Christmas tree is by wrapping it with cling wrap.
Wrap the tree with a trash bag or place it on a dry cleaning laundry bag or big shopping bag (Ikea style).
Getting a plastic storage box or a bag that is designed for Christmas tree storage is a good solution. If you choose the Christmas tree bag, look for tear-resistant and make sure it is the size required for your Christmas tree.
5. The Wreath
Not everyone has one but for the ones who do, there is an easy way to store these. A small, quick investment is a crush-proof wreath case or a wreath storage bag that will save your wreath from damages that may come to it.
The crush-proof case will keep those fragile twigs and dried berries from experiencing damage throughout the time it is stored.
If you want to go the DIY route, an easy way to store wreaths is by wrapping them in plastic and hanging them in a closet.
Want to make your own wreath? Learn how to make an easy Christmas wreath.
6. Christmas Garland
Garland is a classic Christmas decoration. Banisters, porch railings, mantelpieces, and frames are just a few of the places you can decorate with garland. However, storing garland is another story! It can get tangled and this leaves it vulnerable to getting ripped.
To keep strands of garland looking their best, there are some nifty tips on storing this popular Christmas decor item! Below are some helpful hints for organizing garland!
a) Use old wrapping tubing
Repurposing some old wrapping paper tubing is a great way to store beaded Christmas garland. It can easily be wrapped around the tubing and secured using rubber bands. These tubes of garland can fit in closet corners or even a wrapping paper storage container.
b) Place the garland in a box
Layering garland in a plastic box or any other container should be done with care. A great way to do this without damaging the garland is to coil the garland carefully into a tight circle and fasten a clip around the meeting ends.
This keeps the coil shape and allows multiple stacks of garland to be placed in a bin on top of each other without becoming tangled. The bin size can vary depending on how much garland someone has.
c) Use hooks
Another easy way to store Christmas garlands is by hanging them from hooks. You can stick the hooks on a wall or door, inside a cupboard, preferably in the same place you keep all your festive ornaments.
d) Use a hanger covered with a plastic or garment bag
Garment bags have many purposes and one of them can include storing garland! After similarly coiling the garland as the plastic bin storage method, the garland can be placed in a garment bag.
The garment bags come in all sizes and shapes, some with zippers even. When using this method, zippers should be watched out for as they could get caught on the edge of the garland.
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7. Bows and Ribbons
Bows and ribbons dress up any Christmas gift, Christmas tree, or even front porches for the larger bows and ribbons, with a little holiday cheer.
Bows and ribbons can be the type that is hung on doors, on porches, or for gifts. Storing gift ribbons is quite easy as they typically come wrapped around the inner cardboard that they are pulled off of.
Storing other Christmas bows and ribbons is easy as well!
What are some creative ways to store these beautiful Christmas accessories?
Below are some of the best ways to organize bows and ribbons!
a) Use a drawer
Christmas ribbons are neatly arranged in drawers, making it easy to see and grab the one you need.
These particular ribbons are separated by size and color, with wider ones in the top drawer and smaller, thinner ones in the bottom.
Using drawers helps keep them in place and prevents tangling.
You can replicate this setup by grouping your ribbons by color and style and stacking them upright in the drawers for quick access during your holiday wrapping!
b) Use vertical or horizontal rods
Organizing Christmas ribbons on rods makes it easy to see each design.
Storing the ribbons this way keeps them from tangling and makes it easy to pull out what you need for gift wrapping or decorating!
It’s a simple and pretty way to keep your ribbons in order during the holiday season.
c) Use a flat storage bin
Bigger bows like the ones found on front doors or porch banisters fit perfectly in flat storage bins. These aren’t as deep as other plastic storage bins, however, they tend to be wider.
Bows can be layered nicely in a row in these types of bins without getting tangled among other decorations.
8. Christmas Cards
Storing all the gorgeous Christmas cards sent throughout the season can also be easy.
I love how these Christmas cards are organized in upright file holders.
It keeps them neat and makes it easy to browse through different designs.
The festive holders add a bit of holiday cheer and help categorize the cards to quickly find the one you need.
Perfect for a tidy and joyful Christmas setup!
This portable box seems perfect for storing your Christmas cards.
9. Village Houses
Christmas village houses are a classic way to decorate for the holiday. They come in so many different choices like churches, houses, shop fronts, etc that they can turn a whole area into a small village itself!
Most of these are made of porcelain and can be easily cracked or chipped. Storing these houses properly is
critical to preserving their overall beauty! Below are some ideas for storing village houses.
a) Sturdy plastic storage bin
Plastic storage boxes are a perfect choice to keep your Christmas village houses and typically come in heavy-duty varieties so they are durable.
There are special custom retail boxes that are made for village houses that come with sectioned-off areas in the storage box that protect the houses.
One slot fits one house and protects it from other houses in the box.
While this is a great idea, using a regular heavy-duty storage box is possible.
Placing newspapers or old clothing between the rows of houses is helpful. A piece of sturdy cardboard can be placed on top to protect the tops of the houses too!
b) Under-the-bed storage
Ornament boxes are similar to plastic storage bins, however, they tend to be flatter and wider.
It is an ideal way to store village houses, so they don’t take up too much space!
This under-bed organizer with removable compartments is great for storing village houses.
c) Shoe boxes
Another idea is to use shoe storage boxes. These are great for keeping your Christmas village houses because they are sturdy, stackable, and clear, so you can see what’s inside.
10. Christmas Stockings
Christmas stockings are not only home decor items, but they’re also a big part of Christmas morning! They usually get hung by the fireplace for Santa to fill in with treats.
But what happens to them after Christmas?
Storing stockings isn’t difficult, however, keeping them in good condition is important! They should ideally be kept in airtight containers and be kept wrinkle-free!
Below are some ways to store these iconic Christmas items.
a) Flat storage bins
Considering they are not too large in size, using a flat storage bin with a lockable lid is the best way to store stockings.
They stack neatly and lay flat meaning multiple stockings can be stored together to maximize space.
When storing them in flat bins, the use of newspaper or tissue paper from gift bags can be repurposed to layer between the stockings as an additional measure of storage.
b) Ziploc bag
A ziploc bag is a good option to keep your Christmas stockings stored until the next festive season as it protects the stockings from dust, moisture, and pests.
Make sure to lay the stocking flat and squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag to minimize creasing.
c) Iron the stockings
If possible, ironing out the stockings before putting them in a bin or even a garment bag, is a good idea. This can keep them wrinkle-free while being stored away for a long period.
d) Fold them neatly
Folding stockings might seem unnecessary, but this keeps them organized better in the long run. Especially if someone uses them for Christmas decor and not just for Santa to fill!
Folding them in half after ironing them (if possible!) and layering them between the newspaper or tissue paper will keep them in great condition!
11. Carolers|Figurines Storage Box
What is the best way to store carolers or fragile figurines?
I love how this wooden storage box is neatly organized with a collection of Christmas figurines.
The dividers in the box create individual compartments, making it easy to store and protect each festive figure.
12. Holiday Wrapping Supplies
A recommendation in storing your wrapping supplies, keep them separate from the rest of your decorations. The wrapping paper, scissors, tape, bows, bags, and whatever else you might have.
a) Over-the-door organizer
Before storing away your wrapping supplies, secure your wrapping paper! Tape the ends, and make sure it is placed in a way that it won’t rip while stored.
If you are not putting the wrapping paper in a secured box, make sure it is in an area away from potential water damage or pets finding it.
An easy way to organize all your gift supplies is by using an over-the-door organizer. To store cardboard tubes of wrapping paper, cut through the inside pockets, leaving the bottom one intact.
Use the smaller pockets to keep the rest of your gift-wrapping supplies. Place it over a door or hang it from hooks.
b) Clear plastic box
Through the upcoming year, birthdays will pop up, and other holidays will come up.
You may find yourself looking for some of these items.
Instead of looking through all your Christmas decorations that you don’t need, you can keep a separate box with your gift-wrapping supplies.
Organizing Christmas Decorations
I hope these tips give you some new ideas on how to store holiday decor.
Finding the best ways to organize holiday decorations can make setting up for next season so much easier.
I’ve found that holiday decoration storage ideas, like using labeled boxes and protective containers, keep everything in great shape.
Whether it’s holiday decor storage or simply creating an organized system, the key is finding what works for you.
Happy tidying, and may your holiday preparations be stress-free!
