How to Store Christmas Decorations After the Holidays

Putting away Christmas decorations is never as joyful as decorating, but it doesn't have to be chaotic, stressful, or damaging to your favorite pieces.

With a little planning and the right storage system, you can protect your decorations, free up space, and make next year's decorating season faster and more enjoyable. Whether you store decor in an attic, shed, patio area, or utility space, these practical tips will help you stay organized long after the holidays are over.

Before You Start: Plan for Next Christmas

Take Photos of This Year's Decorations

Before packing away a single ornament, take photos of how you decorated this year.

Capture tree setups, mantel arrangements, outdoor displays, and entryways

Save photos in a folder labeled "Christmas Decorations 2024"

Use them as a reference when decorating next year

These photos help you remember what worked, what you loved, and what you may want to change.

Declutter First: Keep Only What You Love

Post-holiday cleanup is the perfect time to purge.

As you pack, keep three containers nearby:

Discard: Broken, damaged, or worn-out items

Donate: Decorations in good condition that no longer fit your style

Relocate: Non-holiday items found during cleanup

If you didn't use certain decorations this year, make a note to review them later. Reducing clutter now saves storage space and makes decorating next year easier.

Clean and Repair Before Storing

Never store decorations dirty or damaged.

Wash or dry-clean fabric items like stockings, tree skirts, and runners

Wipe down ornaments, figurines, and metal décor

Tighten loose hooks, repair small breaks, and replace missing parts

Clean items last longer and are much easier to use next season.

Sort Decorations by Type Before Storing

Before putting anything away, take a few minutes to sort decorations by category. This will make it convenient for you to quickly identify similar items for decoration next year.

Christmas lights: indoor vs. outdoor lights

Ornaments: glass, plastic, handmade

Outdoor decorations: metal frames, plastic figures, inflatables

Seasonal accessories: wreaths, garlands, tree skirts

Grouping items by type helps you choose the right storage method for each.

Wrap and Protect Fragile Decorations

Ornaments are often the most delicate Christmas items.

Use dividers or small compartments to separate each ornament

Wrap fragile pieces in soft cloth, paper, or bubble wrap

Store heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top

A sturdy, enclosed storage container helps prevent crushing and moisture damage.

4. Best Way to Store Outdoor Christmas Decorations

Outdoor decorations are usually large and prone to accumulating dust and moisture, making proper storage especially important.

Clean the decorations before storing them to prevent rust or stains.

If possible, disassemble large components according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Store them in weatherproof, durable storage containers to protect against moisture, pests, and temperature changes.

For larger outdoor decorations, sturdy metal or hard-sided storage boxes can help keep your items clean, organized, and protected year after year.

Clearly label all items

Labels are your best organizing tool. We believe printing photos of the items and attaching them to the storage bags is the best approach. You can clearly see what the item looks like when in use, and clear labeling avoids unnecessary searching and unpacking.

You can also record "which items are stored in which container" on your notebook or phone's notes, for example, "Christmas snowman set - cabinet."

Storing Wreaths and Garlands

Wreaths and garlands require special handling to maintain shape.

Hanging Options

Hooks or nails in a garage, shed, or storage area

Cover with fabric or garment bags for dust protection

Boxed Storage

Use wreath-specific boxes or rigid containers

Cushion embellished areas with tissue paper

Garlands can be coiled loosely, hung, or stored in long containers to avoid bending.

Storing Artificial Christmas Trees

If your tree came with a storage bag, use it. It's designed for protection.

If not:

Invest in a quality tree storage bag

Or cover with sheets in a dry storage space

Proper storage preserves branch shape and saves setup time next year.

5. Smart Storage Ideas for Small Spaces

If you're limited on storage space, think vertically and efficiently.

Use shelving or storage units that maximize vertical space

Choose stackable containers to save floor area

Store seasonal items separately from everyday household items

Compact, space-saving storage solutions are ideal for balconies, patios, garages, or sheds.

You can also buy an inexpensive cabinet; the Veikous cabinet is flat-packed and space-saving. It has three doors, with space on the right for two small decorative items and space on the left for slightly larger decorations. When you don't need to store decorative items, it can also be used as a kitchen storage cabinet.

6. Where to Store Christmas Decorations

Common storage locations include:

Garage: convenient, but requires moisture-resistant containers

Shed: ideal for large outdoor decorations if properly protected

Attic: Easy to keep dry and suitable for storing metal products and fragile items

Closet or utility room: best for smaller décor

Choosing the right storage location is just as important as choosing the right container.

7. Mistakes to Avoid When Storing Christmas Decorations

Avoid these common storage mistakes:

Tossing lights into boxes without wrapping

Using weak cardboard boxes that collapse over time

Storing decorations in damp or unprotected areas

Mixing fragile and heavy items together

Proper storage saves time, money, and frustration in the long run.

8. Get Ready for an Easier Holiday Season Next Year

Taking a little extra time to store Christmas decorations correctly can make next year’s decorating stress-free. With organized storage and durable containers, everything stays protected, easy to find, and ready to use.

Whether you’re storing lights, ornaments, or large outdoor decorations, choosing the right storage solution can make all the difference.

Conclusion: Store with the Future in Mind

Organizing Christmas decorations isn't about perfection—it's about creating a system that works for your space and lifestyle.

When decorations are clean, protected, and easy to find, decorating next year becomes enjoyable instead of overwhelming.

A little effort now leads to a smoother, happier holiday season later.