1. Start With A Quick Declutter

When you’re looking at storing holiday decorations, begin by editing what you own before you reach for any storage bins. Toss broken lights, cracked ornaments, and decor with frayed wires or damaged plugs so they are not packed by mistake. Then look at the items you did not use this year and decide whether to donate, sell, or repurpose them instead of keeping what you no longer love.​

2. Clean, Dry, Then Pack

Putting decorations away dirty or damp is one of the fastest ways to ruin them in storage. Wipe down ornaments, garlands, wreaths, wreath frames, and figurines, and let everything dry completely to prevent mold, mildew, rust, and stains. As you go, inspect and test all light strands and electronic decor, replacing broken bulbs and discarding cords with cracked insulation or rusted connectors to keep things safe for next season.​

3. Choose The Right Containers

The container you choose matters as much as the storage location. Sturdy, lidded plastic bins protect against moisture, pests, and crushing far better than cardboard, and clear options make it easy to see what is inside without opening every box. For fragile ornaments, use divided ornament boxes and wrap each piece in tissue paper or bubble wrap, keeping heavier ornaments on the bottom and lighter ones on top so delicate finishes do not get scratched or shattered.​

4. Protect Lights, Trees, And Greenery

A few simple habits keep bulky items from becoming a tangled or flattened mess when storing holiday decorations. Wrap each light strand around cardboard, reels, or spools, then tuck them into labeled bags or containers by location, such as tree, mantel, or porch, so you know exactly where they belong next year. Store artificial trees, wreaths, and garlands in tree bags or hard plastic containers with tight-fitting lids, and keep them in a cool, dry space so heat and humidity do not cause warping, yellowing, or mildew on branches and foliage.​

5. Pick The Best Storage Spot

Where you keep holiday decor can add or subtract years from its life. Aim for a cool, dry, relatively climate-stable area and avoid very hot attics or damp sheds that can damage candles, fabrics, and delicate glass pieces. If you must rely on a garage or attic, reserve indoor closets or under-bed storage for the most temperature-sensitive items, such as candles, heirloom ornaments, and fabric decor, and place sturdier plastic, metal, or resin pieces in the harsher spaces.​

6. Label For An Easier Next Season

A few minutes of labeling now can make next year’s decorating feel almost effortless. Clearly label each bin by room or zone, such as Tree, Mantel, Front Porch, or Dining Room, and include a brief list of contents so you can grab the right box immediately. Keep outdoor decor, indoor decor, and specialty items in their own containers so you are not digging through every box just to find a single wreath, and you will start the next holiday season already organized and ready to enjoy it.​