Christmas is over and so are all the New Year’s celebrations. It is now time to put away all the holiday decorations and store them safely so you can reuse them next year. While some take down the decorations right after Christmas to jazz up their place for the 31st evening, many like to leave them up till after the New Year’s party. There’s also a small number who like to stay in denial that the holiday season is over and keep the festive cheer alive all the way till February. And why not, adding a little sparkle to our life does not harm and it saves many moms from decorating their place twice, for Christmas and New Year. However, sooner or later, the Christmas decorations have to come down and be organized and stored away properly. If you aren’t a pro yet at stowing away decor items, here are some tips and tricks to ensure you preserve their beauty well for future use.
Sort out your Christmas decorations before storing them away
Before storing your Christmas decorations, always organize them into different groups. Snow globes can be one category, Christmas village can be another, the snow angels deserve a group of their own, and lighting, especially string lights, should have a space of their own. Once all the Christmas decorations are organized into different categories, it will be easier for you to see how much you have to put away. It will also give you an idea of what kind of storage containers they need, and how many boxes will be just right for all your holiday decor.
Pick suitable storage containers for your Christmas decorations
Talking about storage containers, while you can toss all your ornaments into one, there is a high chance that your Christmas decorations will either get damaged or end up in a tangled mess. Hence, picking the right storage container for your ornaments, lights, showpieces, etc., is crucial. It will ensure your decor items stay intact and are in good condition till further use.
Avoid using cardboard boxes, as they can attract pests. Instead, opt for a dedicated ornament storage box. They have sections explicitly designed to prevent ornaments from crashing against each other and breaking. You should also use a water-proof wreath box and storage bins for wrapping papers. Wrapping delicate ornaments in tissue or bubble wrap to keep them safe is also a good idea. Try to wrap string lights in twist ties or plastic bags to keep them untangled.
Similarly, pack artificial Christmas trees either in their original box or use a storage cover specifically designed for them. However, do not store them in plastic bags or crumpled up in a box. This will deform their shape, taking away from the stability as well as the beauty of the Christmas tree. You will have a really hard time getting the tree back to its original shape once its form is distorted.
Check your Christmas decorations before storing them away
Before storing your Christmas decorations it’s always better to check all your ornaments and decor items. So, once you have segregated them into different piles, take a moment to inspect them for any damages. Check if any broken or missing pieces can be fixed. Otherwise, discard them. This will ensure your Christmas decorations are in their best condition when you pull them out next holiday season.
Clean your Christmas decorations to maintain their shine
It’s always a good idea to clean your Christmas decorations with a wet or dry cloth before storing them in their packages. This will ensure that your decor pieces are smudge-free and shiny the next time you bring them out to use them. You can also use a soft brush to remove any dust from them. However, ensure they are completely dry before storing them in a box. This will help prevent any moisture-related issues like mold.
Always store Christmas decorations category-wise in boxes
Organize and categorize your decorations to make them easier to locate next holiday season. Try to group similar items in one box. For instance, your lights can have a box of their own since they tend to get tangled. You can also label the boxes for easy identification of the items for when the holiday season comes around again.
Store Christmas decorations in a proper place to keep them in good condition
To ensure that your decorations stay in good condition for longer and are not affected by mold, store them in a cool and dry place. Avoid storing the containers in direct sunlight or hot and humid areas. A cool basement or storage unit will be ideal for stowing away the containers. Inspect your storage containers occasionally for signs of mildew, mold, or other damage. If you notice any such signs, immediately clean and dry your decorations.
Organizing and storing your Christmas decorations properly will help you to preserve your decor items for a long time, making it easier for you to use them again and save your holiday budget for other things. So don’t rush the storing process. Take your time and store your holiday decorations properly with these tips and tricks in mind.
