When the festive season comes to an end, it’s time to take down the lights, pack away the ornaments, and reclaim your living room from tinsel and pine needles. But how you store your Christmas decorations now will make all the difference when you bring them out again next year.
From tangled fairy lights to broken baubles, poor storage can turn festive cheer into frustration. The good news is that with a few simple tricks and a bit of organisation, you can keep your decorations looking brand new for many years to come.
Here’s how to store your Christmas decorations safely and efficiently.
Step 1: Declutter Before You Pack
Before you start boxing everything up, take a few minutes to sort through your decorations. Not everything needs to be saved — especially those that are damaged or no longer your style.
Keep, donate, or recycle:
- Keep: sentimental or frequently used items
- Donate: duplicates or items still in good condition
- Recycle: broken lights, cracked baubles, or worn-out garlands
This quick declutter makes next year’s decorating much easier and saves you valuable storage space.
If you’ve collected more festive décor than your cupboards can handle, self storage is an easy and affordable option to keep everything safe until next Christmas.
Step 2: Use the Right Storage Containers
Cardboard boxes might seem convenient, but they can attract damp and pests. Instead, choose sturdy, sealable containers that will protect decorations year after year.
Best container options:
- Plastic bins with tight lids to keep dust out
- Divided boxes or ornament organisers for fragile items
- Clear containers so you can see what’s inside
- Zip-up storage bags for soft décor like stockings and tree skirts
You can pick up Free Packing Boxes from us to start organising your decorations properly.
Step 3: Wrap Fragile Items Carefully
Baubles, glass ornaments, and delicate décor need extra protection. Wrap each one individually in tissue paper, bubble wrap, or old wrapping paper.
Tips for wrapping:
- Avoid using newspaper, which can stain glass or fabric
- Use cardboard dividers to prevent items touching
- Fill any empty spaces in the box to stop movement
- Label boxes “FRAGILE” clearly
If you have heirloom ornaments or sentimental pieces, our Safe and Secure Storage units are a great choice for keeping them protected until next year.
Step 4: Keep Lights and Cables Organised
There’s nothing worse than opening a tangled knot of fairy lights. Take a few minutes now to wind them properly and store them tangle-free.
Simple light storage ideas:
- Wrap each set of lights around a piece of cardboard
- Use cable ties or twist ties to secure the ends
- Label each strand with where it goes (tree, mantel, window)
- Store lights in a separate box from heavy items
Keep them in a cool, dry place to avoid wire damage or corrosion.
Step 5: Protect Artificial Trees
Artificial Christmas trees are a big investment, so proper storage keeps them looking full and fresh for years.
When packing your tree:
- Remove all decorations and lights first
- Collapse each branch gently
- Store in the original box or a heavy-duty tree bag
- Keep the box upright to preserve shape
If your tree box takes up too much room at home, a small storage unit is an ideal place to keep it out of the way until next December.
Step 6: Label Everything Clearly
Labelling might not sound exciting, but it saves hours of hassle when Christmas comes around again.
Label your boxes with:
- Contents (e.g., “Tree ornaments” or “Outdoor lights”)
- Fragile warnings where needed
- Storage date and room it belongs to
Using clear labels means you can unpack in order and decorate faster next year.
Step 7: Avoid Storing in Damp Areas
Garages and lofts often seem like the obvious place for Christmas boxes, but they can be damp, cold, or attract pests.
Instead, choose a clean, dry space with consistent temperature. If that’s not possible, use indoor self storage to keep your decorations safe from moisture and damage.
Our storage units are humidity-controlled, making them perfect for delicate or valuable décor.
Step 8: Reuse and Recycle
Christmas storage doesn’t have to mean buying all new boxes. Reuse packaging materials from gifts or shipping deliveries.
You can also repurpose items like:
- Egg cartons for baubles
- Plastic bottles for tinsel and ribbons
- Coat hangers for wreaths
- Old shoeboxes for small ornaments
It’s a great way to stay organised while reducing waste.
Step 9: Keep Accessibility in Mind
Think about how often you’ll need to access your decorations. Store frequently used items near the front of cupboards or storage units and place less-used décor further back.
If you store with us, you’ll have access 7 days a week, so you can add or remove items whenever it suits you.
Final Thoughts
Storing your Christmas decorations properly not only saves space but also ensures they’re in perfect condition for many festive seasons to come. With careful packing and secure storage, you can enjoy a stress-free start to the holidays every year.
At Cheap Storage Manchester, we offer clean, secure, and affordable storage solutions for every season — including the most festive one.
Check our Prices page or Contact us today to find the ideal space for your decorations.
