Getting our holiday decorations packed away properly saves time, money, and frustration. It also prevents damage, especially for items we use year after year. When we take a little extra care now, unpacking next season becomes easier. Storing lights, ornaments, wreaths, and themed decor in a tidy, labeled system keeps our home clutter-free. That is to say, using the right supplies and approach can make a big difference. Whether it’s for Christmas, Halloween, Diwali, or birthdays, every box we store should have a purpose. Let’s break down how to do this step by step, so everything stays clean, protected, and easy to find next year.
Declutter Before Packing
Start by sorting what we actually want to keep. Before anything goes into storage, we should get rid of decorations that are broken, worn, or no longer fit our style. For example, a tangled light string that hasn’t worked in years should go. It helps to go room by room or theme by theme. That way, we only store what’s truly useful.
Once we narrow things down, we can divide items by holiday or by type—such as indoor versus outdoor. This cuts down the time spent next year hunting through random boxes. Moreover, labeling categories now helps avoid mix-ups later. Keeping similar items together also reduces the chance of damage from odd shapes or pressure.
If the pile gets too big for a closet or garage, we always have the option to explore Self Storage Solutions in Calgary where seasonal items can be safely stored offsite in a climate-controlled unit.
Use Clear, Durable Storage Containers
Plastic containers with tight lids work much better than cardboard. Cardboard breaks down quickly in Calgary’s dry winters and humid summers. We also risk moisture damage, pests, and sagging boxes. With sturdy plastic, our items stay dry and secure. In addition, choosing clear bins makes it easier to see contents at a glance.
We can also use bins that are color-coded by holiday—red and green for Christmas, orange for Halloween, and so on. This helps us locate what we need quickly when it’s time to decorate again. Containers with built-in handles are helpful too, especially when we need to lift them off high shelves.
Avoid overpacking each container. If we squeeze too much inside, things like lights or ornaments may break or warp. In other words, it’s better to use more boxes that are lightly filled than to force everything into fewer bins. Neatly stacked containers also reduce shifting or tipping in storage.
Protect Fragile Decorations Properly
Delicate items need more than just a bin. Wrap glass ornaments, ceramic figurines, or anything breakable in soft cloth, bubble wrap, or even old T-shirts. We can also reuse packaging from electronics, egg cartons, or takeout trays for smaller items. This gives extra protection without buying specialty inserts.
Keep heavy decorations away from fragile ones. For instance, don’t store a ceramic Santa underneath a wreath with a metal base. To clarify, layering heavier items on top can cause breakage. It helps to pack these items in smaller, separate boxes inside the larger bin.
Add a label that says “fragile” and mark which side should face up. That keeps things organized if someone else moves the box. Similarly, never leave these boxes where temperature changes are extreme. A garage or shed may get too cold or hot. A climate-stable unit through self storage Calgary options can help protect fragile pieces year-round.
Keep Lights Tangle-Free and Easy to Test
Lights can be frustrating to untangle each year. To avoid that, we should wrap each string around something firm. Cardboard rectangles, old gift wrap tubes, or even coat hangers work well. Start by plugging in each set to make sure it works. After that, wrap the cord gently and tape the plug to one end.
Place wrapped light sets in a shallow bin or use plastic bags labeled by location, like “Tree Lights” or “Front Porch.” This saves time later when decorating. Avoid sharp bends, which can damage the wiring over time. Similarly, we should never stack lights beneath heavy items. That pressure may break bulbs or crush connectors.
Label the bin as “Lights – Tested” with the date for future reference. If space gets tight, one way to stay organized is to keep them in a secure offsite spot with seasonal decor storage solutions in Calgary tailored for long-term safety.
Store Artificial Trees and Wreaths Safely
Artificial trees and wreaths can lose shape if stuffed into small bags or boxes. We should always disassemble the tree sections carefully and fold the branches inward. After that, placing each section in a separate trash bag or tree storage bag protects it from dust and moisture.
For wreaths, use hangers, hooks, or dedicated wreath containers. Avoid pressing anything on top, as flattened branches won’t fluff up again. Label the bag or box with the wreath type and where it goes in the house.
Keeping these large decorations in an out-of-the-way closet or utility room might not be practical. Therefore, storing them offsite makes more sense if indoor space is limited. In that case, we can always explore climate-safe storage options for seasonal items and speak with someone who can guide us to the right space size.
Label Every Box Clearly and Consistently
Each box should tell us exactly what’s inside. Use large labels with the holiday name, item category, and even room location. For example, “Christmas – Outdoor Lights – Front Porch” makes things faster to unpack next year. Most importantly, always place labels on the side and top of each bin.
Handwritten notes on masking tape fade or peel. It’s better to use waterproof labels or print with a permanent marker. We can also number the boxes and keep a simple list in our phone with contents. For instance, “Bin 3 – Tree Decorations, Red Ribbons, Star Topper.” This prevents us from opening every box just to find one item.
Moreover, stacking labeled bins in size order helps with stability. Store the heaviest on the bottom and fragile or smaller containers on top. When space becomes limited, using a small secure unit nearby can offer a longer-term way to keep things neat and easy to access.
Prevent Moisture, Pests, and Temperature Damage
Basements and attics often expose stored items to humidity, pests, or extreme cold. To reduce damage, we should always check for signs of leaks or drafts in storage areas. Placing bins on shelves or pallets keeps them off the floor in case of moisture buildup. In addition, we can use silica gel packs to absorb humidity inside containers.
Check decorations for crumbs, candy wrappers, or scented items like candles. These attract mice or insects. Clean everything before storing and seal containers tightly. That reduces the chance of unpleasant surprises later. Also, we can sprinkle a bit of baking soda in fabric containers to absorb odors.
During very cold months, plastic becomes brittle and fragile items are more likely to crack. If we want to protect valuable decorations year-round, using a facility that’s insulated and regularly maintained keeps items safe. Climate-controlled storage is especially helpful for those without heated garage or spare room space.
Create a Reusable Holiday Storage Routine
Creating a checklist after the holidays helps for the next season. We can note what items were missing, damaged, or never used. That way, we avoid buying duplicates. Similarly, writing down how long it took to decorate or pack away can help us plan better next year.
Set a calendar reminder for next season with notes like “Buy extra outdoor clips” or “Replace broken candle holders.” Keep a copy of this checklist in your storage bin or saved in a phone note. This habit saves time and money over the years.
Eventually, we’ll build a reusable system that only needs small updates each year. Decorations stay protected and easy to find. If space becomes a challenge, reaching out for self storage help in Calgary gives us a way to expand without cluttering our home. A quick call is often all it takes to find the right solution.
FAQ
How can I stop ornaments from breaking in storage?
Wrap each ornament separately in bubble wrap or soft cloth. Use dividers in boxes and avoid overpacking.
What’s the best way to store string lights?
Wrap them around cardboard or a tube to avoid tangles. Test each set before storing and label by use.
Should I store decorations in the attic or basement?
Avoid those areas if they’re not insulated. Temperature swings and moisture can damage stored decorations.
Can I store candles with my other holiday items?
It’s best to store candles in a cool, stable place away from heat. Use a separate box to prevent melting or scent transfer.
When should I rent a storage unit for holiday decorations?
If your home storage is full or decorations are delicate, consider a storage unit to keep everything safe and organized year-round.
