Every January, I stare at the Christmas chaos scattered across my lounge.
Tinsel everywhere. Baubles rolling under furniture. Lights tangled worse than last year’s headphones.
Sound familiar?
I used to shove everything into random boxes and hope for the best. Big mistake. Come December, I’d spend hours untangling fairy lights and wondering why half my decorations looked like they’d been through a blender.
Here’s what I’ve learnt about proper Christmas decoration storage that actually works.
Why proper Christmas storage matters
You’re not just tidying up. You’re saving yourself future headaches.
The real cost of poor storage:
- Broken ornaments you can’t replace
- Hours spent detangling lights
- Forgetting what decorations you actually own
- Buying duplicates because you can’t find last year’s stuff
- Decorations that look tatty because they’ve been crushed
One year, I lost my favourite glass bauble – a family heirloom from my nan. Found it in pieces at the bottom of a carrier bag. Never again.
Essential storage supplies you actually need
Forget fancy Christmas storage solutions that cost a fortune. Here’s what actually works:
Clear plastic boxes with tight-fitting lids
- See what’s inside without opening
- Keeps moisture and dust out
- Stack easily in your loft or garage
Tissue paper or bubble wrap
- For wrapping fragile baubles
- Newspaper works too, but can leave ink stains
Cardboard dividers or egg cartons
- Perfect for separating delicate ornaments
- Free if you save them throughout the year
Cable ties or velcro straps
- Keep lights organised
- Much better than elastic bands that perish
Labels and permanent markers
- Trust me, you’ll forget what’s in each box
- Write clearly on the outside
How to pack Christmas ornaments safely
This is where most people go wrong. They chuck everything together and wonder why it breaks.
For baubles and delicate decorations:
Wrap each one individually in tissue paper. Place heavier items at the bottom. Fill gaps with scrunched newspaper so nothing shifts about. Never pack glass baubles with heavy items on top.
Pro tip: Save those plastic containers from shop-bought mince pies. They’re perfect for storing a few special baubles.
I learnt this after finding my favourite silver star completely flattened. Now I treat each decoration like it’s made of eggshells.
The right way to store Christmas lights
Christmas lights are the devil when it comes to storage. Leave them loose and you’ll spend Boxing Day afternoon swearing at a massive knot.
Here’s my foolproof method:
Start from the plug end. Wind the lights around a piece of cardboard (cereal boxes work brilliantly). Keep the winding loose – tight coils damage the wires. Secure the end with a cable tie. Store each string in its own bag or box section.
For LED lights: Remove batteries if they have them. Check for any damaged bulbs before storing. Keep spare bulbs with the lights in a small bag.
Last year, I stored six strings of lights using this method. This Christmas, all six worked perfectly and took less than ten minutes to put up.
Storing artificial Christmas trees properly
Artificial trees are brilliant, but only if you store them right.
If your tree comes apart in sections:
Clean each section with a hoover first. Store branches in the original box if possible. If not, wrap sections in old bed sheets. Label which section goes where. Store the heaviest base section at the bottom.
For hinged branch trees:
Fold branches up towards the trunk. Work from bottom to top. Use the original storage bag. If you’ve lost it, bin bags work but double them up.
I used to just shove my 6ft tree in the garage uncovered. Come December, it looked like it had spent eleven months in a hedge. Now I wrap it properly and it looks fresh every year.
Creating a Christmas decoration inventory system
This sounds boring but it’s a game-changer.
Keep a simple list of what decorations you have and where you’ve stored them. I use my phone’s notes app.
My inventory includes:
- Box 1: Living room baubles and garland
- Box 2: Kitchen decorations and tea towels
- Box 3: Outdoor lights and garden ornaments
- Box 4: Tree decorations and tinsel
Takes five minutes to create. Saves hours next December.
Plus, you won’t accidentally buy the same decorations twice.
Storage mistakes that cost you money
Storing decorations in damp areas Your garage might seem convenient, but if it’s damp, you’ll end up with mouldy decorations.
Using flimsy boxes that collapse I learnt this the hard way when a cardboard box gave way and dropped my entire bauble collection.
Not checking decorations before storing Clean and dry everything first. Replace blown bulbs. Repair any damage whilst it’s fresh in your mind.
Mixing indoor and outdoor decorations Store them separately. Outdoor decorations need different care and cleaning.
Labelling and categorising your Christmas storage
Good labels save you digging through every box next Christmas.
Label by room:
- “Living Room Christmas”
- “Kitchen Festive”
- “Front Garden Lights”
Or by type:
- “Tree Decorations”
- “Window Displays”
- “Table Centrepieces”
Use whatever system makes sense for your home. The key is being consistent.
Write clearly with a permanent marker. Stick labels where you can see them when boxes are stacked.
Where to store Christmas decorations safely
Best storage locations:
Spare bedroom wardrobes
- Dry and temperature-controlled
- Easy access
- Protected from pets and children
Under-stair cupboards
- Often forgotten space
- Usually dry
- Perfect for smaller boxes
Loft storage (if properly insulated)
- Plenty of space
- Out of the way
- Make sure it’s weatherproof
Avoid these places:
Damp garages or sheds. Areas with big temperature swings. Anywhere mice might get in. Places where boxes might get crushed.
I stored decorations in my damp garage for years. Half my collection grew mould and had to be binned. Expensive lesson.
Protecting decorations from common storage problems
Moisture damage: Add silica gel packets to boxes. You can buy them online or save them from shoe boxes.
Pest problems: Cedar balls work brilliantly. Much better than mothballs and smell nicer too.
Crushing: Don’t stack heavy items on fragile decoration boxes. Store delicate items on top of heavier ones.
Fading: Keep decorations away from direct sunlight, even in storage.
Quick December setup tips
Good storage makes December setup a breeze.
Unpack in reverse order: Start with lights and background decorations. Add tree decorations last.
Check everything as you unpack: Replace any blown bulbs immediately. Note what needs replacing for next year.
Keep your storage supplies handy: You’ll need them again in January.
Last Christmas, I had everything up in two hours instead of the usual full day. Proper storage made all the difference.
When to replace vs repair decorations
Repair if:
- It’s a family heirloom or special memory
- The fix is simple and cheap
- The decoration still looks good after repair
Replace if:
- Safety is compromised (especially with electrical items)
- The cost of repair exceeds replacement
- It looks tatty even after fixing
That broken fairy light string that’s held together with tape? Bin it and buy a new one. It’s not worth the fire risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do stored Christmas decorations last?
With proper storage, quality decorations can last decades.
I still use baubles from the 1980s that belonged to my mum.
LED lights typically last 10-15 years.
Artificial trees can last 20+ years if stored correctly.
Should I wash decorations before storing them?
Absolutely.
Dust and grime attract pests and can cause permanent staining.
Wipe down hard decorations with a damp cloth.
Hoover fabric items gently.
Let everything dry completely before packing.
What’s the best way to store Christmas garland?
Wrap it loosely around a large piece of cardboard or a coat hanger.
Don’t coil it tightly – this damages the shape.
Store in a long, flat box if possible.
For artificial garland, fluff it up before storing.
Can I store Christmas decorations in bin bags?
Only as a last resort.
Bin bags tear easily and offer no protection from crushing.
If you must use them, double them up and store in a protective box.
Clear plastic boxes are much better value long-term.
How do I prevent Christmas lights from tangling?
Wind them around cardboard or specially designed light reels.
Start from the plug end and wind loosely.
Secure the end with a cable tie.
Store each string separately.
Never just throw them in a box loose.
Should I keep original packaging for decorations?
If you have the space, yes.
Original packaging is designed specifically for that item.
But don’t stress if you’ve binned it – proper wrapping and boxing works just as well.
What temperature is safe for storing Christmas decorations?
Room temperature is ideal, but slight variations are fine.
Avoid areas with extreme temperature swings (like uninsulated garages).
Consistent, cool, and dry conditions preserve decorations longest.
How often should I check stored decorations?
Once a year when you get them out is usually enough.
If you store in potentially damp areas, check mid-year for any problems.
Replace silica gel packets annually if you use them.
The truth about Christmas decoration storage is simple. Do it properly once and you’ll thank yourself every December for years to come.
Your decorations will look better, last longer, and you’ll actually enjoy putting them up instead of dreading the annual untangling session.
Start with good storage boxes and proper labelling. Everything else is just detail.
Trust me, future you will be grateful when you’re sipping mulled wine whilst everyone else is still fighting with their fairy lights.
How to organize Christmas decorations for easy storage doesn’t have to be complicated – just done right from the start.
