Heres how to pack, stack, and rack your holiday decor using inexpensive, versatile storage basics.
The gifts are opened, the cookies are eaten, and theeggnog is long gone.
We wouldnt blame you if you crammed everything into the nearest plastic bin and called it a day.
Credit:John Granen
But dont do that!
Why store it one more year?
Donate itsomebody might be thrilled with the find.
Credit:Kelsey Hansen
When you pull out your decor next year, youll feel likea kid on Christmas morning.
John Granen
1.
Carefully Choose a Destination
Having a dedicated area forholiday decorationsis the first step to making this process less stressful.
Credit:John Granen
If you have the space for it, a garment rack on wheels becomes a portable Christmas closet.
Hang pants and belt/tie hangers to store items like string lights and garland and then cover with garment bags.
Stack bins and boxes on the bottom of the rack.
Credit:John Granen
Once you’ve designated an area, its time to sort and store Christmas decorations.
Hanging keeps faux garlands fluffier and tree skirts unwrinkled.
Kelsey Hansen
2.
Invest in a zippered cover.
Once you’ve removed all the decor, fold the branches and place thetree in the bag.
Then keep it upright in a storage closet to maintain its condition.
While it’s possible for you to also lay it horizontally, it can get crushed over time.
Additionally, avoid using the original box, which can deteriorate, especially in humid conditions.
The original boxes that they come in will protect them, however, theyre not great at saving space.
Credit:John Granen
Consider using an ornament box with dividers or build your ownusing cardboard boxes.
(Check with a grocery store for empty cases.)
A craft box with compartments can hold tiny ornaments.
Credit:John Granen
Wrangle Wreaths
Safely tuck awreathinto a canvas bag or a plastic case with latches.
This is a particularly good idea if it has fragile embellishments.
Gather Garlands
Regardless of its material,garlandcan get tangled easily if not properly stored.
This is a good idea for bulky, heavy garland, such as artificial pine.
Thinner garland strands, like those made of beads or fabric, are a bit easier to tackle.
Consider a plastic wind-up wheel or holder, especially for extra-long or jumbo sets of lights.
For shorter or smaller sets, try these two inexpensive DIY methods.
One requires a rectangular piece of cardboard and the other a thick hanger.
To prevent tangles, wind light strands into long ovals, then cinch with cable ties and hang.
Another option is a back-of-the-door rack with customizable compartments, which can maximize space in a small storage closet.
Use quilted boxes to store holiday plates alongside salad and soup bowls.
Use boxes with dividers for wine glasses and mugs.
Stock yourtool kitwith batteries, suction hooks, florists wire, and clippers.
Youll also want a light tester and replacement bulbs.
With this handy organizing hack, you’ll be ready for any task throughout the holiday season.
