Posted on December 3rd, 2025.

When the holidays wind down, the last thing most people want to face is a tangle of lights, crushed ornaments, and mystery bins. Still, how you put things away now decides whether next year’s decorating feels simple or stressful. A bit of planning saves time, protects your favorite pieces, and keeps your home feeling calm instead of cluttered.

The good news: you do not need a massive storage room or a complicated system. You just need a clear plan, a few basic supplies, and some simple habits that you repeat each year. With that in place, taking down decorations becomes a predictable project instead of a dreaded chore.

Below are ten practical tips for organizing and storing holiday decorations so they are easy to find, safe to use, and quick to set up next season.

1. Pick a Take-Down Date and Gather Supplies First

Before you touch a single ornament, choose the day you will take everything down. Put it on the calendar, treat it like any other appointment, and gather your supplies ahead of time. This keeps the project contained instead of dragging out for weeks.

Basic supplies might include sturdy bins with lids, bubble wrap or tissue paper, permanent markers, labels, zip-top bags, twist ties, and a notepad or your phone for quick notes. Having everything nearby means you are less likely to shove items into random boxes.

If you have kids, assign small roles: one person removes ornaments, another wraps, and another labels. Turning it into a planned “holiday reset” rather than a rushed cleanup makes the process smoother and easier on everyone.

2. Declutter Before You Pack Anything Away

Packing every single decoration you own, year after year, guarantees clutter. Instead, sort as you go. Before you wrap or box anything, decide whether you still like it, use it, or want to see it next season.

Create three piles: keep, donate, and trash. The keep pile goes into your organized system. The donate pile is for items in good condition that no longer fit your style. The trash pile is for broken, faded, or unsafe items.

This step keeps your storage focused on decorations you actually enjoy. It also prevents you from spending time and space on items that will never leave the bin again. A quick edit each year keeps your collection current and manageable.

3. Sort by Category and by Room

Once you know what is staying, sort decorations by both type and location. Two simple categories work well together: what it is and where it goes. For example, “tree ornaments – living room,” “mantel decor – family room,” and “outdoor lights – front yard.”

Sorting this way makes next year’s setup faster. Instead of digging through mixed bins, you can carry the “living room” boxes to the correct area and get started. This also helps you see if any areas are overloaded or missing pieces.

Use smaller boxes inside larger bins if needed. Clear gallon bags or shoe-box-sized containers work well for grouping small items within a larger category. The goal is to avoid “junk ”drawer”-style boxes where everything is mixed and nothing is easy to find.

4. Protect Fragile Ornaments the Right Way

Fragile ornaments deserve more than a thin layer of tissue tossed in a box. Take a little extra time to protect anything that would truly upset you if it broke: heirloom glass balls, handmade items, sentimental pieces from trips or family members.

Wrap each fragile ornament individually in tissue paper, bubble wrap, or soft cloth. Place them in divided ornament boxes or create your own by adding cardboard dividers to a sturdy bin. Avoid overfilling; if the lid bulges, something will likely get crushed.

Store heavier ornaments at the bottom of the container and lighter ones on top. If you have very special pieces, consider a small separate box inside the main bin labeled “Fragile—Open First.” That way you know to handle that container with extra care.

5. Tame Your String Lights and Extension Cords

Nothing wastes time like wrestling a knot of lights. A few simple tools can prevent that headache next season. Cardboard rectangles, cord reels, or purpose-made light organizers all work. The key is winding lights neatly and securing the ends.

Wrap each string of lights around your chosen base, keeping the loop flat and snug but not stretched. Use a twist tie, rubber band, or small piece of masking tape to hold the plug in place. Put extra bulbs and fuses in a labeled bag in the same bin.

Do the same with extension cords. Wind each cord separately and label it if it always goes to a specific area, for example, “Front porch” or “Tree outlet.” When next year arrives, you can grab the exact lights and cords you need in minutes.

6. Use the Right Containers for the Right Items

Not all storage containers are equal. Match the container to the type of decoration so everything stays clean, dry, and intact. For most people, a mix of clear plastic bins and a few specialty options works best.

Use sturdy plastic bins with secure lids for most decor. Clear sides make it easy to see contents, and plastic protects against moisture better than cardboard. For soft items such as stockings, tree skirts, and fabric garlands, consider breathable fabric bins or zippered bags.

Wreaths and garlands often store best in dedicated wreath containers or large, shallow bins. If you do not have those, hang wreaths on a clothing rod in a closet with covers over them, or lay them flat on top of other containers rather than cramming them into too-small boxes.

7. Label Everything Clearly and Consistently

Labels are the difference between organized storage and guesswork. A simple, consistent labeling system saves time every year. No fancy tools required, just clear words in a visible spot.

Write labels that answer two questions: what is inside and where does it belong? For example, “Tree decor – Living Room,” “Outdoor Lights – Front Yard,” and “Kitchen – Holiday Linens.” Place labels on the side and the lid so you can see them from different angles.

If you like color coding, assign a color to each area or type of decor, such as red tape for indoor decor, green for outdoor, and blue for kids’ rooms. The specific system matters less than sticking with it. Future you will be grateful for every clear label you create now.

8. Store Big Items Smartly: Trees, Wreaths, and Large Pieces

Large items can take up huge amounts of space if they are not handled thoughtfully. Artificial trees, oversized wreaths, and big decorative pieces need special attention so they store compactly without getting damaged.

For artificial trees, break the tree down into its sections and fluff it slightly before storage so branches are not crushed flat. Instead of forcing it back into the original cardboard box, use a tree bag or heavy-duty container. If the bag has wheels, even better for moving it in and out of storage.

Keep prelit trees indoors in a climate-controlled area if possible. Extreme heat or cold can shorten the life of wiring and lights. Wrap cords and built-in light strands loosely and secure them so they do not snag or break.

Oversized wreaths and statement pieces can be hung on wall hooks in a storage room or closet. This keeps them off the floor and reduces the chance they get flattened by other bins. If they must be stacked, place them at the very top of the pile.

9. Use Vertical and Hidden Spaces You Already Have

Most homes have more storage potential than it seems at first glance. Look up, under, and behind to find hidden spots for well-labeled holiday bins. This helps keep everyday areas clear without needing a massive storage room.

Garage or basement shelving that goes nearly to the ceiling is great for off-season decor. Store lighter bins higher, heavier bins lower, and keep frequently used items closer to eye level. Make sure shelves are stable and secured to the wall.

Under-bed containers are perfect for flatter items such as table linens, pillow covers, or spare stockings. High closet shelves can hold one or two labeled bins of decor for specific rooms, such as “Bedroom Holiday Decor.” By using multiple small spaces intentionally, you avoid overloading any one area.

10. Create a Simple Checklist and Consider Expert Help

Finally, turn your system into a repeatable routine. As you finish storing everything this year, jot down a brief checklist for next year: what order you like to tackle rooms, where key items live, and any gaps you want to fill. Keep that list in the top bin or saved on your phone.

A basic checklist might include tasks such as “Test lights before hanging,” “Set out indoor bins by room,” and “Donate unused decor after decorating.” When next season starts, you will not be starting from zero; you will be following a plan that already works for your home.

If your decorations still feel overwhelming despite your best efforts, you do not have to handle it alone. A professional organizer can design a system tailored to your space, your collection, and your family’s routines so that holiday setup and cleanup feel much lighter.

Related: Festive Home Decor Tips: Create a Holiday Atmosphere

Make Holiday Storage Easier with Organize Joy

Well-organized decorations make every holiday season smoother. Instead of digging through mystery boxes, you can go straight to the items you love, set them up quickly, and put them away with confidence when the season ends. A little structure now pays off every single year.

At Organize Joy, we help families create practical, easy-to-maintain systems for seasonal decor and everyday clutter. Whether you need a full storage overhaul or just a smarter way to handle holiday bins, we can design a plan that fits your home and your time.

Together, we can create a simple, repeatable storage system that lets you enjoy the fun parts of the season.

Reach out to us at (801) 554-1170 for more details.

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