HOLIDAY DECORATION STORAGE
Tips to Save You Time, Space and Money
by CC Isole
Each year, the holidays are a bustle of activity! As much as we look forward to and adore the season, we despise the part that requires us to pack up all the trim and decorations when the season comes to an end.
While it may be tempting to just throw everything into boxes and worry about sorting it out next year, you’ll find regret when one or more of those precious decorations or heirloom ornaments is lost or broken. Everyone who saves their Christmas ornaments from year to year knows that these pretty ornaments are more than just holiday decorations. Most of them are special keepsakes with treasured memories. Some will be kept in the family and passed down from family member to family member for years to come.
As the New Year rolls in and the time to take down holiday ornaments and other Christmas trimmings arrives, shoppers should take advantage of the after-Christmas sales to stock up on the items for their Christmas ornaments and decoration storage needs. It’s also the perfect time to re-stock ribbons and wrapping papers, or replace worn strings of lights or garland.
Following the tips below will help you save time by getting your decorations organized, so they are easy to find next year. They will also help you save space by using the right kind of boxes that can be easily organized and stacked. And lastly, these tips will help you save money by managing your decorations in a fashion that will preserve their quality and extend their life span.
Use Clear Plastic Storage Containers
These are excellent because you can see the contents without the tedious task of labeling each box. You’ll also find that the plastic does a better job than cardboard in protecting the contents from moisture. And remember, when stacking these clear boxes, begin with the heaviest on the bottom and work your way up to the lightest on top.
Separate Strand Beads and Small Garlands
If you decorate with strands of beads or small garland, you can pack them easily in small plastic shoeboxes. Again, use clear plastic for easy visibility of the contents. To keep the beads from becoming tangled, place individual strands in zip lock baggies, or old socks. You’ll also find that empty paper towel rolls are perfect to wrap strands of beads and garland around. Simply secure at both ends with a rubber band.
Don’t Stack Too Many Lights in the Same Box
The box will become too heavy and the lights on the bottom could be damaged. Lights can easily become tangled, so individual strands of lights should be bagged separately or wrapped around paper towel rolls or something similar, and placed in plastic grocery bags or large freezer bags. Make sure to dispose of any lights that have been damaged or are not working properly.
Save Space with Re-Shapeable Decorations
Bows made of wired ribbon can be flattened and reshaped next year. Wired ribbon garlands and streamers can be tightly rolled. They don’t need to be flattened unless you need to conserve space.
Don’t Crush Your Wreaths
Wreaths can be stacked in larger boxes but each wreath should be wrapped with bubble wrap. If they aren’t wrapped then they shouldn’t be stacked. Bubble wrap can be purchased where office supplies are sold or from your local self-storage provider. Wreath boxes can also be purchased.
Wrap Christmas Ornaments Properly
Ornaments should be wrapped individually in white tissue paper, or in bubble wrap, if greater protection is needed. Since most ornaments are lightweight they can be stored in large boxes. If you still have the original boxes the ornaments came in, then store them in these and then place them in the storage container. Old egg cartons make great storage for smaller ornaments.
Protect Christmas Decorations from Moisture
If your climate is humid, using plastic containers may not be enough to protect from moisture. Place packets of silica gel in each container to avoid damage from humidity. Silica gel can be purchased at any arts and craft store. If you cannot find individual packets, you can make your own by wrapping several tablespoons of silica gel in white tissue paper and securing with tape. Several packets should be placed throughout the box. A simpler solution? Store your décor in a climate-controlled storage unit.
Guard Against Temperature Extremes
Delicate decorations such as ornaments made with photos or wax can be temperature sensitive. Store them in a climate-controlled area or they could deteriorate, melt or stick together. Same goes for your holiday candles, or those left over candy canes you are saving to hang on the tree next year. Try wrapping the candles in old socks or knee-high stockings to prevent scratching.
Avoid Misplacing Decorations Boxes
Attach a red ribbon or tag to each Christmas storage box. This will make them easy to identify next Christmas if they have been stored with other boxes unrelated to Christmas decorations. Another idea is to color key the lids or bases of the storage containers you use for your holiday decorations. This will allow you to easily ID them next year.
Toss the Trash!
Some people have a tendency to hang onto things in hopes that they’ll find a use for it later. Don’t waste space by holding onto old ornaments or decorations that you are sure you’ll never use again, unless there is some sentimental significance to do so.
Your Holiday Linens, Towels, and Rugs
Most of us have a collection of holiday linens, tablecloths, dish towels, bath towels, or small rugs. An easy storage solution is an old suitcase. Before packing away, be sure to launder. If you are so inclined, a couple scented dryer sheets will keep things smelling fresh until next season.
A Few Final Pointers…
Before you take down your holiday decorations to begin packing them away for storage, take pictures to remember the way you have your decorations set up. Then, take everything down in reverse order of the way it was put up.
Save yourself time next year by thoroughly labeling your Christmas decorations. Number the boxes so that you'll know how many you have (i.e. Box 1 of 12). Labeling the boxes this way, also lets you order them according to how they should be unpacked.
Be sure to prominently label the first box to be opened at Christmas. As an example, Box #1 might contain your advent calendar, tree stand, Christmas cards, or whatever you need to begin your holiday decorating.
By creatively organizing your holiday decorations today, you can provide a stress-free and enjoyable start to next year’s decorating season!
©2011 CC Isole
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