The holidays are over, the tree is down, and now you’re staring at a living room full of tinsel, ornaments, and tangled lights wondering — where does all of this even go? Storing Christmas decorations the right way isn’t just about cramming everything into boxes and hoping for the best. It’s about protecting your favorite pieces so they come back out next December looking just as beautiful as the year before.
With a little planning and the right supplies, you can make packing up feel almost as satisfying as decorating in the first place. Here’s everything you need to know.
Start With a Sort — Keep, Donate, or Toss
Before you reach for a single storage bin, take a few minutes to edit your collection.
- Keep anything you used and loved this season
- Donate pieces that are in good condition but didn’t make it out this year
- Toss broken ornaments, dead string lights, or anything beyond repair
This step alone will save you from packing — and unpacking — things you’ll never actually use. A smaller, curated collection is so much easier to store and enjoy.
Pack Ornaments Like They Deserve It
Your ornaments are probably the most fragile things in your holiday stash, and they deserve proper protection.
- Wrap each ornament individually in tissue paper or bubble wrap
- Use a dedicated ornament storage box with dividers (these are widely available and absolutely worth it)
- Place heavier ornaments at the bottom, lighter and more delicate ones on top
- Keep hooks attached so you’re not hunting for them next year
Avoid using newspaper — the ink can transfer and stain your pieces over time. Tissue paper or unprinted packing paper is always the safer choice.
Tame the Light Situation Once and For All
Tangled Christmas lights are the bane of every holiday season. This year, put an end to the chaos.
- Wrap each strand around a piece of cardboard cut into a rectangle
- Secure the end with a twist tie or small rubber band
- Store each wrapped strand in a zip-lock bag or its own small bin
- Label each bag with the light color and length if you have multiple strands
Test your lights before storing them. There’s nothing worse than pulling out a strand in December only to discover half the bulbs are dead.
Give Your Tree the Right Home
If you have an artificial tree, how you store it makes a huge difference in how it looks year after year.
- Sectional trees should be stored with each section bagged in plastic or wrapped in an old sheet
- A dedicated tree storage bag (with wheels if possible) is one of the best investments you can make
- Store the tree upright or flat — never crushed under heavy boxes
- Keep the original box if you still have it; it’s usually the perfect fit
Fluff and reshape the branches before storing so they hold their form better when you pull the tree out next year.
Choose the Right Storage Space
Where you store everything matters just as much as how you pack it.
- Avoid attics and garages if they experience extreme heat or humidity — these conditions warp, crack, and fade decorations over time
- Choose a climate-controlled space like a basement closet, under a bed, or a dedicated shelf in a spare room
- Use clear, labeled bins so you can see exactly what’s inside without opening everything
- Stack lighter bins on top of heavier ones to prevent crushing
Bonus tip: add a small cedar block or lavender sachet to each bin to keep musty smells away during storage.
Label Everything Before You Close It Up
Future-you will be incredibly grateful for this one simple step.
- Label each bin by category: Ornaments, Lights, Wreath, Tree Skirt, etc.
- Add a quick note inside the bin lid listing the contents
- Color-code your bins if you really want to feel organized
You’ve Got This — See You Next December
A little effort now means a stress-free, joyful setup when the holidays roll around again. No broken ornaments, no tangled lights, no mystery boxes. Just a clean, organized collection ready to bring the magic back.
Save this guide for next year — and share it with anyone who could use a little post-holiday organization inspiration!