Stress-Free Christmas Storage!

The holiday season is a magical time filled with joy, laughter, and festive decorations that transform our homes into winter wonderlands. However, as the holiday cheer begins to wind down, the daunting task of packing away Christmas decor can be a source of stress.  And if it doesn’t get packed properly, 2024 will also be daunting.  No worries!  Here are some brilliant tricks I use in my own home to make packing Christmas away a breeze:

Trick #1: Ornament Organization Ornaments will survive for years if properly packed.  Instead of wrapping them individually and tossing them into a box where they can easily unwrap or get tangled, invest in an ornament organizer. These handy containers often come with adjustable dividers, providing individual slots for each ornament. They’re inexpensive and easy insurance!  PRO TIP: When I wrap ornaments, I like to use napkins.  They last several years and come pre-cut in handy squares.

Trick #2: Wrap it Up Delicate items like lights and garlands tend to become a tangled mess during storage. Save yourself the frustration by wrapping them around sections of pool noodles before placing them in boxes. Just fix the ends to the noodle with a little masking tape.  This prevents knots and makes unwrapping a quick and painless process when it’s time to deck the halls again!  PRO TIP: If you don’t have pool noodles handy (they can be hard to find in January!) you can use foam pipe covers from the hardware store.  They’re available all year.

Trick #3: Ziploc Bags Keep small decorations like tree skirts, table runners, and smaller ornaments organized by storing them in labeled Ziploc bags. Not only does this make finding specific items easier, but it also protects them from dust and damage.  PRO TIP: I also save all the cookie tins I receive; they’re perfect to protect fragile ornaments from being squished.

BONUS TIP: It may seem like an extra step, but take the time to sort out everything before you start packing.  This allows you to see what you might like to cull from your collection (it’s MUCH easier to do after you’ve lived with your decor through the season than when you first unpack it and it feels fresh and new!).  Then, when you pack everything away you can put like items together, making decorating easier next year.  And remember – LABEL EVERYTHING! 

By implementing these clever tricks, you’ll not only streamline the process of packing away your Christmas decor but also set the stage for stress-free decorating when the holiday season rolls around again. Embrace the magic of the season and enjoy a hassle-free start to the next festive celebration!