Smart Storage for Holiday Décor
The holiday season brings warmth and cheer, but decorating can easily become stressful without the right organization strategies. Taking a few steps to organize on the front end can make decorating smoother, and planning smart storage now will make takedown and next year’s setup a breeze. Here’s how to organize holiday décor both before and after the season to keep everything looking its best.
1. Plan Ahead: Sort and Declutter Before Decorating
Before pulling out the decorations, go through what you already own. Decluttering on the front end saves space and makes decorating more enjoyable.
Set Aside a Sorting Area: Lay out all your decorations in a specific area and categorize items (like ornaments, lights, garlands, and wreaths). This helps you see what you have and decide what to keep, donate, or discard.
Declutter Damaged or Outdated Items: Check each item’s condition, and let go of anything broken or that no longer suits your style. This way, you’re only working with items you genuinely love and want to display.
2. Organize Decorations for Easy Access
As you decorate, organize your decor to make things accessible during the season and simplify takedown.
Use Bins and Baskets: If you have decor for different rooms or specific themes, use labeled bins or baskets to store items while you decorate. For example, keep all kitchen decor separate from living room decor so everything goes exactly where it’s needed.
Make a Decor Setup Plan: Jot down where each item will go before you start decorating. This will make the process smoother and faster and help you avoid moving things around repeatedly.
Take Notes and Photos: This will be a helpful reference for take down in January and next year’s holiday season. No more guessing required!
3. Ornament Storage: Safe and Organized
Ornaments are delicate, so storing them carefully will help them last longer and make them easier to find next year.
Clear Storage Bins with Dividers: Use clear bins with dividers for easy visibility and organization. This way, you’ll be able to see what’s inside each container without needing to open it.
Sort by Theme or Color: If you decorate with multiple themes or color schemes, store ornaments by category. For example, have one bin for “rustic” ornaments and another for “classic” ones. This makes it easy to change up your decorating style each year.
Little Ones: If you have toddler and babies in the house include the categories “fragile” and “shatterproof.” I suggest only decorating the top half of the tree if you’re in this season of parenthood. Or I’ve had friends include a baby gate surrounding their tree. Another idea is allowing them to decorate an age appropriate tree of their own.
Consider setting up a wrapping paper station with extra ribbons, bows, tissue and paper for them to play with. This encourages your children to enjoy their own space while preserving your more special decorations. What are your holiday décor hacks with little ones in the house?
4. Light Storage: Tangle-Free Solutions
Tangled lights are frustrating, but proper storage can make setup a lot easier.
Wrap Lights as You Go: When taking lights out of storage, unwrap each strand carefully. Wind them back around a piece of cardboard or a reel as you take them down to prevent tangling for next year.
Label Lights by Length and Location: Label each light strand with its length and typical location (e.g., “10 ft, mantel” or “12 ft, outdoor bushes”) to make setup more efficient the following year.
Pro tip: Test the lights first by plugging them in before decorating. No worse feeling than having to un-do all your hard work if they no longer turn on!
5. Wreath and Garland Storage: Protect Shapes and Details
Both wreaths and garlands can lose their shape if not stored correctly.
Hang Wreaths for Easy Access: Hang wreaths on hooks in a storage closet or use special wreath storage bags to keep them dust-free and preserve their shape.
Organize Garlands by Length and Style: If you have different garlands for various areas (e.g., mantle vs. staircase), keep each one stored individually and labeled by location.
Pro tip: use garland tie cable ties for an easier install. Other items to have on hand for hanging are command strip hooks. I use these for stockings and smaller décor throughout the house. I used to have cute stocking hangers but then my toddler pulled one down on her forehead. After a trip to urgent care we opted out of the traditional stocking holders. Live and learn!
6. Use Color-Coded or Clear Storage Bins
Designate a color, such as red or green, for holiday bins to make them stand out. Clear bins are also helpful so you can quickly see what’s inside.
7. Label Everything Clearly for Future Setup
Labeling bins by category or room is a huge time-saver. Label each bin by content (e.g., “Tree Ornaments,” “Outdoor Lights,” “Dining Room Décor”), so next year’s setup will be easy to follow.
8. Keep a Holiday Décor Inventory
Consider keeping an inventory of your holiday décor items, especially if you have a large collection. A quick list can prevent buying duplicates and remind you of décor you may have forgotten.
I always have to remind myself when the stores (I’m talking to you Target!) roll out their new holidays items, I have this in the attic. Repeat, I have something very similar in the attic. I do not need. This would require additional bins to store when it’s not December. Put it down. Walk away. I’m a sucker for making the holidays cozy! Is it just me?
Wrapping Up
By organizing on the front end, you’ll not only make decorating more enjoyable but also ensure that takedown and storage go smoothly. A little preparation now will keep your decorations beautiful and organized, making next year’s holiday season as seamless and stress-free as possible!
Still feeling overwhelmed with holiday decorating? Let me bring your vision to life! I offer stress-free decorating services, tailored to your style and space. Contact me today for a complimentary consultation, and let’s make this season your most magical yet!
Jessica is the founder of Signature Organizing, a Professional Home Organizing Business in Washington (servicing the greater Eastside and Seattle area). She loves transforming chaos into functional spaces and is known for bringing creative solutions to improve the quality of life for her clients. She shares her tips and tricks on Instagram @signatureorganizing
