5 Easy Holiday Decoration Storage Ideas

• Use boxes with dividers that will hold multiple ornaments. Look for adjustable dividers to accommodate tall ornaments.
• If your ornaments go in an attic, basement or garage, use plastic containers that are airtight and moisture-resistant.
• Add mothballs or cedar blocks to your storage bins to prevent insect infestation.
• Protect breakable ornaments by wrapping them in tissue paper, newspaper or pieces of felt.
• If you decorate multiple trees, put ornaments in separate boxes and label them.

• As you take down each strand, replace any burned-out or broken bulbs. Throw away strings with broken or frayed cords.
• Label each strand with a sticker or electrical tape, noting where you used the lights.
• To prevent tangling, use a string light storage reel and bag or wrap each strand around a piece of cardboard or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipe and place each one into its own plastic bag.

When it's time to take the decorations down, follow these ideas for storing a Christmas tree.

• Put the disassembled pieces of the artificial tree in a heavy-duty zippered tree storage bag or large plastic storage tote.
• If you have room, make setup next year easier by simply slipping an upright tree storage bag over a fully assembled tree.
• Look for storage bags and totes with carrying handles and wheels for easy transport.

• Replace burned-out or broken bulbs. Wind cords into loops and secure them with cable ties.
• Place each item in a heavy-duty plastic, canvas or polyester bag. Look for wreath storage containers and bags made to hold other large items.
• Label the items for easy reference next year.
• Use stackable plastic storage totes to make it easy to store inflatables.

If you live in an apartment, condo or a small home, your available storage space may be limited. To ensure you make the most of your square footage without compromising a festive look, consider these tips:

• Rely on greenery. Buy a fresh-cut tree, use fresh garland for your stairs and mantel, and add a wreath to your door. Then, when the season is over, you can discard or recycle rather than store.
• Use underbed boxes to store your holiday treasures. If you have a garage, store holiday items in plastic totes on ceiling-mounted racks.
• Use holiday storage bins for ornaments and tuck them into the back of your closet.
• If you have an artificial wreath, cover it in a wreath bag and hang it on the wall in a closet or garage.

• Measure your available storage space before you go container shopping. Select smaller stackable containers over large ones so that they’re easier to move.
• Place items in airtight plastic containers with lids.
• Store holiday dishes and glassware in quilted containers.
• Don’t forget wrapping paper. You can find gift-wrap storage bags that let you keep rolls of wrapping paper tucked under a bed or in the corner of a closet.
• Add mothballs or cedar blocks to bins when storing cloth items or linens.