How To Pack And Store Holiday Decorations

As the festive season winds down, it’s time to face the dreaded task—putting away your holiday decorations. Whether it’s delicate glass baubles, tangled fairy lights, or artificial wreaths, improper storage can lead to broken items, wasted space, and a headache next year. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to pack and store holiday decorations safely and efficiently, with clever tips to save space, protect fragile items, and keep everything organized for the next season.

Why Proper Storage Matters?

Poorly packed decorations don’t just clutter your loft—they often end up broken, dusty, or unusable. Storing your holiday items properly means:

🎯 Less stress when decorating next year
💷 Saving money by avoiding damaged or lost items
📦 Keeping your storage space clean, tidy, and clutter-free
🕒 Saving time hunting for specific lights, ornaments or hooks

According to a 2024 consumer report, the average UK household spends £120–£200 annually on holiday decorations—much of which could be saved with better storage practices.

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🎄 Declutter Before You Pack

Start with a pre-packing sort-out. There’s no reason to store decorations you won’t use again.

✅ Check lights for broken bulbs or faulty wiring
✅ Toss damaged baubles and cracked ornaments
✅ Recycle paper or cardboard decorations past their prime
✅ Donate items you haven’t used in 2+ years

💡 Tip: Create a “keep,” “donate,” and “discard” zone to speed up the process.

Use the Right Packing Materials

Skip the bin bags! Invest in durable, reusable packing materials that protect your items year after year.

Ideal supplies include:

📦 Clear plastic bins with secure lids (stackable)
🧻 Bubble wrap and tissue paper (acid-free)
🗂 Dividers for ornaments and baubles
🧵 Cable ties, rubber bands, and zip-lock bags
🏷 Labels and permanent markers
🛍 Fabric bags or canvas totes for soft decorations

💡 Clear containers let you see what’s inside without opening every box.

Ornaments & Baubles: How to Store Them Safely

Fragile glass or handmade ornaments need extra care to avoid chips, cracks or shattering.

Best practices for ornaments:

📦 Use ornament storage boxes with individual compartments
🧻 Wrap each item in tissue paper or bubble wrap
❌ Avoid newspaper—it can stain or scratch surfaces
🛑 Never stack heavy items on top of ornament boxes

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Space-saving idea:
Use egg cartons or disposable coffee cups to hold small baubles in place.

Storing Lights Without Tangles

Holiday lights are one of the most commonly damaged items due to poor storage. Avoid the yearly detangling struggle!

Here’s how to pack them right:

📏 Wind lights around a flat piece of cardboard or plastic reel
🏷 Label each strand with room or tree location
🔌 Use zip-lock bags to separate different types of lights
📦 Store in shallow bins with silica gel packets to prevent moisture

💡 Tip: Wrap lights in the direction they were hung—it helps when unpacking next year.

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Candles, Snow Globes & Delicate Decor

Temperature and pressure can ruin holiday candles and snow globes.

Tips for sensitive seasonal items:

🕯 Store candles in cool, dry places (heat can warp or melt them)
❄ Keep snow globes upright and well-cushioned (they can leak!)
💨 Add desiccant packets to boxes to reduce moisture
📦 Use small, snug boxes and avoid stacking other items on top

Bonus Tip: Label boxes “FRAGILE – STORE UPRIGHT” for clear handling.

Wreaths, Garlands & Artificial Trees

These items are bulky and easily crushed if not stored properly.

For Wreaths:

👝 Use a hard-shell wreath container or hang it on a sturdy hook
🛍 If using a bag, stuff the inside with tissue to hold its shape

For Garlands:

🧵 Wrap loosely and tie with fabric ties or Velcro straps
📦 Store in long, shallow containers to prevent tangling

For Trees:

🗃 Disassemble and place branches in order of size
🛍 Use a tree storage bag or sturdy box with padding
📌 Label branches if not colour-coded to make reassembly easier

💡 Vertical storage (in closets or corners) saves floor space.

Pro Tips to Save Space

Need more room? Try these space-saving ideas:

• 🧺 Store smaller items inside larger ones (e.g., lights inside the tree stand)

• 🧊 Vacuum-seal soft items like stockings and plush figures

• 🧱 Use modular stacking containers that fit tight loft or garage spaces

• 🧷 Store wrapping paper rolls in garment bags or under-bed boxes

• 🏷 Label boxes clearly by category: “Lights – Indoor,” “Ornaments – Tree,” “Outdoor – Extension Cords,” etc.

Bonus: Cleaning Before You Store

Dirty decorations can become smelly or stained by next year.

Quick pre-storage cleaning tips:

🧼 Dust ornaments with a soft cloth
🌬 Use a handheld vacuum on artificial trees and garlands
🧽 Wipe plastic items with a damp cloth and mild cleaner
❄ Let everything dry fully before boxing to prevent mould