Every year, the joy of holiday decorating is quickly followed by a not-so-joyful reality: packing up everything when the season ends. This year, we’re thinking ahead—but don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you pack up your holiday spirit early. That said, there is a best way to store everything for next year, and now’s a great time to stock up on the storage essentials before the holiday rush (or worse, they sell out).
We turned to Ashley Murphy, co-founder and CEO of NEAT Method, and Marissa Hagmeyer, co-founder and COO, for their expert advice on storing ornaments to make sure they stay in perfect condition for the next holiday season. From choosing the best bins to labeling like a pro, their tips will help ensure even your most delicate decorations stay safe and are easy to unpack for next year. Plus, with a little planning now, you’ll be ready to tackle more than just ornaments—think wreaths, garlands, and even string lights—with ease.
Categorize Ornaments By Type
First things first: Ashley recommends sorting ornaments into specific categories. “Categories may include heirloom, homemade, kids’, fragile, and non-fragile ornaments,” she suggested. Non-fragile ornaments (such as felt ones) can be stored in fabric boxes, while delicate pieces should be kept in durable plastic containers that are water-safe and can be safely stacked.
Protect Fragile Pieces
When it comes to fragile ornaments, simply tossing them in a box won’t cut it. “Bubble wrap and packing paper are great, low cost options,” Ashley said. Though, she ultimately suggests investing in ornament storage trays with dividers. These trays not only safeguard your delicate pieces, but also make it quicker and easier to access them next year.
Photo by Julia Gartland
Box ’Em Up
Given the highly-breakable nature of most ornaments, they should go in a closed container, and Marissa recommends considering where you’ll be storing your ornaments before making your selection. “If they’ll be kept in an attic or garage, you’ll want to select a plastic bin with a secure lid to prevent dust, moisture, and critters from damaging your decor throughout the year,” she advised. (We may be biased, but we love the Like-It Stackable Storage Containers.)
For indoor storage, especially if you’re short on space, Marissa suggested opting for zippered fabric boxes. They’re lightweight, compact, and easy to move.
Photo by Armando Rafael
Don’t Forget to Label
Marissa emphasized the importance of clearly labeling all of your storage containers so you can quickly identify their contents at a glance. “I use this Blank Label Set which can be written on with paint or chalk marker and removes clean with no tearing or residue, in case you need to update the labels in the future,” she said. Proper labeling not only saves time, but also ensures your ornaments stay organized year after year.
We want to know: What are your holiday storage tips & tricks?