So it’s the day after Christmas. Gifts are opened. Carols have been sung. Cookie crumbs dot the counter.
As the holidays come to a close each year, a sense of melancholy tends to break through the cold air. Tucking away the glitter and bows can feel like tabling joy for another season—the makings of winter blues, indeed. This calls for a post-holiday re-evaluation. Readying for a new season doesn’t need to be overwhelming or dispiriting. In fact, it can be equal parts exciting as we anticipate another year ahead. We can end well in order to begin fresh.
Properly storing your holiday decor is part of that process. This ensures that precious memories are preserved and cherished so they can keep adding to your story for years to come. Starting small (i.e. being mindful of purchasing and storing pieces you hope to carry forward) can save money in the future, plus help eliminate unnecessary waste. So, below we’re sharing a few tips on planning ahead, organizing, and storing festive decor by category. Only 364 days (or less!) to go ’til next year…
Decor Storing 101
Get organized: This is the first step in packing up holiday supplies. It can be helpful to begin by clearing out and arranging where you plan to store decor. If you don’t have a designated room or area (like an attic, basement, or garage), consider investing in storage furniture for extra space to tuck things away.
Loved the way you decorated your spaces this yuletide season? Take pictures so you can recreate—or adjust—scenes for next year.
Linens: As you begin taking down decor, think about separating items by use and material. Pay special attention to softer items or ones with similar textures, like linens and stockings, that may require specialized storage. For example, delicate linens could be accidentally snagged if placed near rougher materials, like wood or prickly evergreen.
Textiles can also be great buffers when packing delicate ceramics. Try stacking linens between breakable decor or seasonal tableware to streamline storage while adding an extra layer for safekeeping.
Decorative objects: Going room by room with your storage boxes and totes in tow helps ensure decor stays together when unboxing for next Christmas. It can be helpful to opt for sealed storage methods to mitigate dust collected on treasured pieces throughout the year. To be extra cautious, place lighter, more delicate items at the top of your bins so they don’t get crushed by heavier decor.
If you have memorabilia, like photos, Christmas cards, or letters, you’d like to hold on to, consider a keepsake box you can add to each year.
Ornaments: Saving the packaging your tree trimmings come in, like ornaments or toppers, helps ensure they get packed away safely. Some may look for boxes with included compartments or dividers when storing ornaments, while others opt for leftover bubble wrap or tissue paper to wrap them with care.
Try leaving yourself notes or dating ornaments as you pack them away. This makes for a fun surprise when you unbox them to trim next year’s tree!
Garland: Garland may seem complicated to preserve year after year, but it’s actually quite straightforward. We’d recommend packing it separately from other items. Designate durable bags (bonus points if it zips) or any sturdy storage tote you have on hand to tuck away greenery. Wreaths can also be hung on hangers and covered with a plastic bag to maintain longevity and free up tote space.
Wrap garland and/or string lights around a piece of cardboard or other sturdy material to prevent tangling and protect shape.
Gift wrap: Keep your wrapping supplies—like paper, bows and yarns, gift labels, and any other unique elements you like—together throughout the season for simplicity’s sake. Once wrapped up, you can close up your bins (or baskets!) and tuck away any extras you wind up with. Think dresser drawers, under a bed, or even over-the-door hanging systems. Streamlining next year’s wrapping process with this year’s leftovers can free up time to celebrate in other ways and reduce future purchases.
Label for next year: Finally, solidify your hard work by labeling each box prior to storing. This should make unpacking and redecorating feel simple next season. Take note of what’s missing in each space throughout this process—and start piecing together your decor shopping list for next Christmas.
Here’s to making room for a new season to unfold!
