I know what you’re thinking – – – I’m just pulling my decorations OUT – – – I’m definitely not ready to think about storing them again. But that’s exactly the time you should think about your storage needs. After all, when are you most familiar with what was mushed, mashed, or broken than when you first begin unpacking it from last year? Now is definitely the time to think about storage ideas for your Christmas decorations so that you’ll be ready when the holidays are over and it’s time to to pack it up again.
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Christmas is a time of wonderful celebrations. But once it’s over, you’re left to deal with the chore of taking down the tree, packing away the ornaments and storing the decorations. Honestly, this is the part I dread most – I absolutely HATE taking it all down!
You want your decorations to be in tiptop shape for the next Christmas, so how you store your cherished items is important. There is a right and a wrong way to put away the stuff, but by adhering to the following rules, you can make sure your Christmas goodies will last a lifetime.
Be careful how you store linens
Rule #1: If you’re putting away cloth – such as tablecloths and napkins, towels, Christmas afghans, rugs, pillow covers, sheets, etc. don’t place them in a cardboard box. If you usually store your seasonal decorations in your attic and there’s a leak, these items will get damaged by the wetness.
You’ll end up with a box full of mildewed linens that have to be tossed into the garbage. And if any of those items are heirlooms, you’ll end up feeling disappointed and upset. No one wants an image of Grandma looking down with a frowny face because her items were ruined. Instead of cardboard boxes, store these materials in a suitcase or an airtight plastic container. Get one with a snap on lid, not one that pulls out like a drawer (drawer units will not keep out pests or the elements).
Pay attention to how you store your tree
Rule #2: When you’re taking down the Christmas tree, assuming it’s an artificial one, as you take down each row of branches, put a rubber band around the stems to hold them together.
Write on the rubber band what number the row is or attach a tag. Put these branches in bags specifically made for storing artificial Christmas trees. Again, you don’t want to use regular cardboard as moisture will also affect the tree.
You’ll end up with a tree that stinks (which will put a serious damper on the atmosphere you want to create). If you take the time now to label each row of branches as you put them away, you won’t have the problem of trying to figure out which branch belongs on which row.
Christmas Tree Storage Products:
Christmas Tree Bag with Wheels
Artificial Tree Storage Bag and Stand
Keep wreaths in pristine shape from year to year
Rule #3: If you’re saving your Christmas wreaths, buy the round containers that are specifically made for wreaths. Another option – provided you have the room – is to cover them with a heavy-duty trash bag that you’ve knotted at the bottom. You can then hang them on a hail in the garage or other large area. If you’ve got a collection of wreaths be sure to add a tag or label to clearly identify what’s in the bag. That way you won’t have to open the bag to find what you’re looking for.
Christmas Wreath Storage Products:
Plastic Christmas Storage Container
Don’t ruin the wrapping paper
Rule #4: For Christmas wrapping paper that’s left over, put these in the tube containers that were invented for this purpose. It’ll keep the paper from unraveling and the ends from splitting and tearing.
Keep lights from getting tangled
Rule #5: Before packing away the Christmas lights, always check each strand to make sure all the bulbs light up. Then, forget the boxes they came in. Don’t try to save them in the same boxes.
It’s like trying to stuff an elephant into a thimble. Instead, wrap the lights in strands, secure them in place with twist ties and store the lights in small plastic containers that you can place down inside larger containers.
Christmas Light Storage Products:
Use original boxes when possible
Rule #6: Wrap each Christmas village piece in bubble wrap and store back in it’s original box then place that box in the large plastic container. You should have room in the same container the lights are stored in.
Protect the breakables
Rule # 7: Wrap all Christmas ornaments in bubble wrap even if they’re not breakable. This keeps them from getting nicked. Also wrap all Christmas candles in bubble wrap before packing them away in storage containers specifically designed for this purpose.
Christmas Ornament Storage Products:
Christmas Ornament Storage Bag
Christmas Ornament Storage Container
Don’t forget those pretty candles whether pillar, tapers, or in jars. The bubble wrap prevents the candles from having chunks gouged out of them and protect any jar candles from breaking. If you can resist the urge to pop the bubble wrap (this is SO hard for me!) then you can reuse the bubble wrap year after year.
Whatever our Christmas decorating style is, we want to make sure that those decorations are kept in good shape for enjoyment year after year. Whether they will be or not depends on how we store them when they’re not in use. The right storage methods and containers will help guarantee that our treasures elicit the same “oohs” and “aahs” year after year.
More Christmas and Holiday Posts:
It’s Christmas, I’m Tired, and I Don’t Want to Decorate!
7 Holiday Expectations That Make You Miserable
9 Tips For a Stress Free Holiday
In addition to the products I’ve linked to above, you’ll find lots of storage options at Amazon.
Plan Early For A Stress Free Christmas