If you’re like me, you love decorating your home for the holidays. But what do you do when it’s time to pack everything away? How do you store your ornaments, lights, wreaths, and other festive items without creating a mess? Here are five tips to help you organize your holiday decorations and make your life easier next year.
1. Label everything. Use a permanent marker or a label maker to write the name of the item and the room where it belongs on each box or bin. This way, you’ll know exactly what’s inside and where to put it when you’re ready to decorate again.
2. Use clear plastic containers. Clear containers let you see what’s inside without opening them, which saves you time and hassle. They also protect your decorations from dust, moisture, and pests. You can find them in different sizes and shapes to fit your needs.
3. Wrap fragile items carefully. To prevent breakage, wrap your delicate ornaments, figurines, and candles in tissue paper, bubble wrap, or newspaper. You can also use egg cartons, cardboard dividers, or plastic cups to separate and cushion them. Store them in sturdy boxes or bins and place them on top of heavier items.
4. Store lights properly. Nothing is more frustrating than untangling a tangled mess of lights. To avoid this, wrap each strand of lights around a piece of cardboard, a plastic hanger, or a cord reel. Secure the ends with tape or twist ties and store them in ziplock bags or boxes.
5. Donate or toss what you don’t need. If you have holiday decorations that you no longer use or like, don’t keep them. Donate them to a charity, a thrift store, or a friend who might enjoy them. Or simply throw them away if they’re damaged or worn out. This will free up space and make your storage more efficient.
