The holiday season is a time for joy, family gatherings, and creating beautiful memories. However, once the season ends, it’s time to put away your decorations for another year. Storing holiday decorations properly ensures that they stay in good condition and are easy to access when it’s time to decorate again. You don’t need a lot of space or a close storage unit like McDowell Mountain Community Storage to keep your items safe, organized, and ready for next year’s parties. Here are some things you can do.
1. Sort and Categorize Your Decorations
Group similar items together, such as:
- Ornaments: Glass, plastic, or fabric ornaments can be packed in their original units or a dedicated ornament storage unit.
- Lights: String lights should be untangled and coiled to prevent knots. Consider using a spool or a simple hanger to keep them neat.
- Garlands and Wreaths: These can be laid flat or hung on a sturdy hanger to prevent squishing.
- Seasonal Decor: If you use special items for different holidays (e.g., Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year’s), separate them so you can quickly find what you need when it’s time to decorate.
By sorting your decorations, you’ll know exactly where everything is and avoid wasting time searching through units next year.
2. Use Clear, Labeled Containers
One of the most effective ways to store holiday decorations is by using clear plastic bins. Clear bins allow you to see what’s inside without having to open them, making it easier to find what you need. Make sure to choose sturdy bins with secure lids to prevent damage to your decorations.
When packing, it’s important to label each container with its contents, such as “Christmas Ornaments” or “Holiday Lights.” This makes it even easier to grab the right unit when the time comes.
For added organization, use smaller containers for fragile items like glass ornaments or delicate candles. You can also add cushioning, such as packing paper or bubble wrap, to ensure that delicate decorations don’t break during storage.
3. Protect Fragile Items
Extra care must be taken with decorations that are easily broken, like glass ornaments, china figurines, or old things. To keep them from breaking, wrap each one in its own piece of tissue paper, bubble wrap, or a soft cloth. To keep fragile things safe and separate, you can also use egg cartons or plastic ornament dividers.
If you want to be extra safe, you might want to buy ornament storage unites with separate sections. These are specially made to keep your trinkets from breaking while still making them easy to get to.
4. Store Lights Properly
String lights can get twisted if you don’t store them right. Don’t have to deal with the hassle of untangling them again next year; instead, neatly coil them before putting them away. Some people use spools, but you can also just wrap the lights around a hanger or a piece of cardboard. If you rent a storage space from McDowell Mountain Community Storage, you might want to write “Lights – Handle with Care” on the unit to make it easier to find next holiday season.
It’s best to keep LED lights in a cool, dry place because high or low temperatures or humidity can damage the wires and make them last less long.
5. Store Seasonal Decor and Wreaths
Wreaths and garlands can be bulky and difficult to store. The best way to keep them in good condition is to hang them on a hanger or store them in a dedicated wreath storage bag. These bags often have a sturdy structure that helps maintain the shape of the wreaths, preventing them from becoming flattened or misshapen.
If space is tight, you can also store wreaths in a large, clear plastic bin, but make sure to place them in such a way that they don’t get crushed. You can even use a few extra clothes hangers to hang garlands and prevent them from becoming tangled.
6. Maximize Storage Space
If you don’t have space in your home for seasonal decor, consider renting a storage unit. Many people find that using a local storage facility like McDowell Mountain Community Storage provides a convenient, affordable way to store holiday decorations. With the right storage unit, you can keep your decorations safe and free up valuable space in your home for the rest of the year. Be sure to store your bins and units in a way that makes them easily accessible, especially if you plan to retrieve them regularly.
Conclusion
Storing your holiday decorations properly doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little organization, the right containers, and some careful packing, you can keep your decorations in great condition. Whether you use a storage unit like McDowell Mountain Community Storage or simply tidy up your garage, following these tips will ensure that your holiday decor is ready to shine when the next season rolls around.