From sparkly ornaments to whimsical lawn inflatables, the magic of the holiday season often comes packed in cumbersome boxes that take up significant storage space.
Begin The Holiday with the End in Mind
As we welcome a new year, it’s time to reclaim your closets, attics, or basements from the chaos of holiday decorations. Here’s how to create a more functional holiday storage area that will make your holiday setup and take-down much easier.
Step 1: Take Stock of What You Have
Before you can organize, you need to know what you’re organizing. As you’re packing away decorations, make a list of everything you have. Group similar items together, like tree ornaments, outdoor lights, and tabletop décor.
Step 2: Declutter and Donate
If there are items you didn’t use this year (and didn’t miss), consider donating them to a local charity. The post-holiday season is a great time to declutter your decoration collection and make room for new treasures.
Step 3: Choose the Right Storage Solutions
Not all storage containers are created equal. Select containers that are sturdy, sealable, stackable, and – ideally – clear, so you can easily see what’s inside. Consider these options:
- Ornament Storage Boxes: These come with individual compartments to protect each ornament from scratches and breakage.
- Reel Storage Bags: Ideal for storing holiday lights without tangling.
- Wreath Storage Boxes or Bags: These are shaped to preserve the shape of your wreaths.
- Tree Storage Bags: Some Christmas tree storage bags even come with wheels for easy transportation.
Step 4: Label Everything
Make your future self happy by taking the time to label your boxes now. This can be as simple as a piece of masking tape and a marker, or you can get fancy with a label maker. Indicate what’s in the box and where it goes (e.g., “Outdoor Lights – Front Porch”).
Step 5: Pack Properly
Resist the urge to stuff as much as possible into each container. Overfilling boxes can lead to damaged items. Make sure fragile items are well-protected with bubble wrap or tissue paper.
Step 6: Consider the Storage Environment
Where you store your holiday decorations is nearly as important as how you store them. Choose a space that is dry, cool, and out of direct sunlight to prevent your beloved items from damage due to moisture, temperature fluctuations, or fading.
Step 7: Organize Your Storage Area
Once you’ve packed everything away, it’s time to organize your storage area. Place items you use frequently (or first, when decorating) in easy-to-reach places. Stack boxes strategically – heavier ones at the bottom – and make sure labels are visible.
Step 8: Maintain Your Organization
When the next holiday season rolls around, take care to maintain the organization systems you’ve set up. Pack things away in the same manner you did before to ensure your storage area remains functional and easy to navigate.
By creating a functional holiday storage area, you’ll simplify your life during the holiday season and start your new year off right. With these tips, next year’s holiday setup will be a breeze, and you’ll have more time to spend enjoying the festive season with your loved ones.
Interested in working with us?
