How to Store Holiday Decorations: 4 Easy Storage Ideas

The best way to store holiday decorations is to clean and sort everything before packing, use containers suited to each type of décor, wrap string lights to prevent tangles and label every box clearly. A little organization at the end of the season can make decorating easier when the holidays return.

These four holiday storage ideas can help you pack ornaments, lights, artificial trees and other seasonal decorations without turning cleanup into an all-day project.

Key Takeaways

• Sort decorations before packing and donate or discard items you no longer use.
• Wrap ornaments individually and use divided containers when possible.
• Wind string lights around a spool, flat board or cardboard tube.
• Clean and disassemble artificial trees according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Use sturdy, clearly labeled containers for holiday décor.
• Group decorations by holiday, room or display area.
• Keep a simple inventory if you have numerous containers.
• Consider self-storage when seasonal décor takes up too much room at home.

Holiday Decoration Storage at a Glance

1. How Should You Store Holiday Ornaments?

Start by sorting ornaments before packing them.

Create categories for:

• Ornaments you plan to use again
• Decorations that need cleaning or minor repairs
• Items you want to donate
• Decorations that are ready to discard

Wrap ornaments individually using tissue paper, bubble wrap or another packing material suited to the item. Clean wrapping paper may also be reused as padding, but avoid paper with glitter, raised decorations or materials that could rub against painted surfaces.

A divided ornament container can prevent pieces from shifting into one another. If you are using a standard box or bin, add cushioning between layers and avoid placing heavier decorations above lightweight ornaments.

Label the container with the holiday and a brief description of what is inside. For example:

Christmas — Gold and White Tree Ornaments

That is more useful than a general label such as Holiday Decorations.

Find additional Christmas ornament storage tips on the Public Storage blog.

2. How Do You Store String Lights Without Tangling?

Before packing string lights, unplug them and check for damaged cords, loose bulbs or other signs of wear. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when deciding whether a strand can be reused.

Wind each strand around:

• A light-storage spool
• A flat piece of cardboard
• A cardboard giftwrap tube
• A cord organizer

Start at one end and wrap the strand loosely enough to avoid pulling on the cord. Secure the plug and end of the strand so the lights do not unwind inside the container.

Store each strand separately instead of placing multiple loose sets into one box.

Add a label that identifies:

• Light color
• Strand length
• Indoor or outdoor use
• Display location

For example:

Warm White Lights — Front Porch

If the lights use removable batteries, check the manufacturer’s storage guidance before packing them away.

Explore more ideas in How to Store Christmas Lights: 5 Simple Ways for Tangle-Free Decorations.

3. What Is the Best Way to Store an Artificial Christmas Tree?

Remove ornaments, ribbon, hooks and other decorations before packing your artificial tree.

If the tree is pre-lit, check the lights and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for disconnecting, folding or disassembling each section.

Before packing:

1. Remove loose decorations.
2. Dust or clean the tree as recommended by the manufacturer.
3. Allow the tree to dry completely.
4. Disassemble each section according to its instructions.
5. Gently position branches for packing.
6. Place all tree sections in a tree bag or appropriately sized container.
7. Label the container.

Avoid forcing the tree into a container that is too small, which can bend branches or add unnecessary pressure to attached lights.

Keep the stand, assembly instructions and other tree components together. Place smaller pieces in a labeled bag inside the main tree container when practical.

Read more about artificial Christmas tree storage.

4. How Should You Label Holiday Decorations?

Good labels can make decorating and packing easier from one season to the next.

Label each container with:

• Holiday
• General contents
• Color or decorating theme
• Room or display area
• Container number, if applicable

Examples include:

• Christmas — Living Room Mantel
• Halloween — Outdoor Decorations
• Thanksgiving — Dining Table
• Christmas — Container 2 of 5

Place labels on more than one side so they remain visible when containers are stacked.

If you have numerous decorations, create a simple inventory on your phone. Record the container number, contents and storage location.

You can also use color-coded labels or containers:

• Red or green for Christmas
• Orange for Halloween
• Blue for winter decorations
• Neutral colors for year-round entertaining supplies

Choose a system that makes sense for your household and can be maintained each year.

How Can You Organize a Holiday Storage Area?

Group decorations into zones based on how you use them.

Possible storage zones include:

• Indoor decorations
• Outdoor decorations
• Tree ornaments
• String lights and extension cords
• Gift-wrapping supplies
• Wreaths and garlands
• Tabletop decorations
• Artificial trees

Keep frequently used decorating supplies easy to reach. Place heavier containers below lighter ones and avoid unstable stacks.

If the space allows, use freestanding shelving to keep containers organized. Check the area periodically for moisture, pests or damaged containers.

Where Should You Store Holiday Decorations?

Choose a clean, dry storage area with enough room to keep containers organized and accessible.

Possible areas include:

• Closets
• Cabinets
• Garages
• Basements
• Attics
• Self-storage units

Consider how changing conditions could affect the decorations you plan to store. Delicate ornaments, electronics, fabrics and other eligible belongings may need additional consideration when choosing a storage location.

Clean and dry decorations before packing, and follow manufacturer instructions for lights, artificial trees and animated décor.

Can Self-Storage Help With Holiday Decorations?

Self-storage can provide additional room when artificial trees, outdoor displays, containers and other seasonal decorations take up too much closet, garage or living space.

Public Storage has more than 4,600 facilities across 42 states and serves more than 2 million customers. Customers can compare multiple unit sizes and available features based on how much holiday décor they plan to store.

Public Storage Options for Holiday Décor

Climate-controlled units are designed to help maintain more consistent temperature or humidity levels than standard storage. They may be worth considering for eligible holiday decorations, electronics, clothing, textiles and other belongings that can react to changing conditions.

Drive-Up Access allows you to pull your vehicle directly up to a ground-level storage unit for easier loading and unloading. That may be useful when moving artificial trees, outdoor decorations or multiple storage containers.

Features, unit sizes and availability vary by facility.

FAQs About Holiday Decoration Storage

What is the best way to store holiday decorations?

Clean and sort decorations before packing, use sturdy containers suited to each category, label everything clearly and group similar items together.

Can you use wrapping paper to pack ornaments?

Clean wrapping paper can be reused as padding for some ornaments. Avoid paper with glitter, raised decorations or materials that could rub against painted surfaces. Tissue paper, bubble wrap or divided ornament containers may work better for delicate pieces.

How do you keep string lights from tangling?

Wrap each strand around a spool, flat piece of cardboard or cardboard tube. Secure both ends and store strands separately.

How should you store an artificial Christmas tree?

Clean and disassemble the tree according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then place the sections in a tree bag or appropriately sized container. Keep the stand and other components together.

What information belongs on a holiday-storage label?

Include the holiday, general contents, decorating theme and room or display area. Add a container number if you have multiple boxes.

Is climate-controlled storage available at Public Storage?

Yes. More than 4,300 Public Storage facilities offer climate-controlled units. Unit sizes and availability vary by location.

Can self-storage help with seasonal decorations?

Yes. Self-storage can provide additional room for eligible holiday decorations, artificial trees and labeled containers when space at home is limited.

Find a Public Storage location near you to compare available unit sizes and features.