Take some extra care when packing up your seasonal decor this year, and your next year’s self will thank you. Try these strategies for storing it all the smart way.
The gifts are opened, the cookies are eaten, and the eggnog is long gone. All those tchotchkes that filled you with glee last fall are now just a reminder of how much work it will be to put them all away. We wouldn’t blame you if you crammed everything into the nearest plastic bin and called it a day.
But don’t do that! Instead, take a beat and use this chance to get rid of anything you don’t love or didn’t use this season. Why store it one more year? Donate it— somebody might be thrilled with the find.
Once you’ve edited down to the keepers, you can use versatile basics like bankers boxes and garment bags (rather than buying a bunch of holiday-specific organizers) to store your treasures. When you pull out your decor next year, you’ll feel like a kid on Christmas morning.
by AMY PANOS photos JOHN GRANEN produced by JANNA LUFKIN
Here’s how to pack, stack, and rack your holiday decor using inexpensive, versatile storage basics like cardboard boxes, hangers, and under-the-bed bins.
CLOTHES RACK
A garment rack on wheels becomes a portable Christmas closet. Double Hanging Garment Rack, $78; walmart.com/BHG
UNDERBED BIN
A 36-inch bin fits on the top shelf and is perfect for long rolls of wrapping paper. Skubb Storage Case, $10; ikea.com/us
PANTS HANGER
Drape holiday textiles (tree skirts, tablecloths, and stockings) on a hanger with multiple bars. 4-Tier Swing-Arm Pant Hanger, $11; containerstore.com
GARMENT BAGS
Dust-free, worry-free storage for garlands and fabrics. Stuk Clothes Cover, $14 for 3; ikea.com/us
BELT/ TIE HANGER
Tangled lights are a giant headache. To avoid, hang each strand on one of the hooks. Whitmor 10-Hook Accessory Hanger, $10; amazon.com
BANKERS BOXES
Roomy, sturdy, lidded storage for ornaments and collectibles, with zero plastic. Standard-Duty Corrugated Storage Boxes, $33 for 10; officedepot.com
TOOL BAG
Put all the tools you’ll need for hanging wreaths and fixing lights into a handy tote. This Canvas Riggers Bag has 23 pockets. $35; duluthtrading.com
TREE BAG
The one holiday specific container that’s worth it: a tree bag on wheels. Primode Rolling Tree Storage Bag, $30; amazon.com
ORNAMENTS Cut cardboard grid inserts from wine cases to the right height for a bankers box. (Check with a grocery store for empty cases.) To cushion the ornaments, layer a long, thin strip of dish-packing foam (available at home improvement stores) between them as you load them into the cubbies.
LIGHT STRANDS To prevent tangles, wind light strands into long ovals, then cinch with cable ties and hang. Reusable hook-and-loop cable ties, $10 for 100; amazon.com
GIFT WRAP Inside an underbed bin, smaller containers tucked among rolls of wrapping paper keep ribbon, scissors, and bows orderly.
DECOR TOOLS Stock your tool kit with batteries, suction hooks, florists wire, and clippers. You’ll also want a light tester and replacement bulbs. LightKeeper Pro Incandescent Light Repair, $27; acehardware.com
GARLANDS Loop faux garlands over wood pants hangers (plastic ones aren’t sturdy enough).
FAIRY LIGHTS Save paper towel rolls and wind fairy lights around them. Tuck the plug into the tube.
