Published: January 01, 2024

How to Organize Your Holiday Decor

The holiday season brings joy, warmth, and a festive atmosphere to our homes. However, the aftermath of the holidays often leaves us with a clutter of decorations, lights, and ornaments that need to be stored away for the next year. Organizing your holiday decor doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a bit of planning and some clever strategies, you can keep your festive items in order and ensure a stress-free setup for the next holiday season. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to organize your holiday decor efficiently.

Take Inventory:

Before diving into the organization process, start by taking inventory of all your holiday decorations. This includes everything from ornaments, lights, wreaths, garlands, and nativity scenes. As you assess your collection, decide what items you want to keep and what you can donate or discard. Reducing clutter is the first step to efficient organization.

Categorize Your Decorations:

Once you’ve sorted through your holiday decor, categorize items based on their type and theme. Common categories include Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and other holidays you celebrate. Within each category, further organize items by size or purpose, such as indoor or outdoor use.

Invest in Proper Storage Solutions:

Investing in high-quality storage containers is essential to protect your decorations from damage during storage. Consider clear plastic bins with tight-fitting lids. Clear bins allow you to see the contents without opening them, making it easier to locate specific items. Additionally, use smaller containers within the larger bins to keep similar items together, like ornaments or lights.

Wrap Fragile Items Carefully:

Fragile ornaments and decor pieces should be wrapped individually to prevent breakage. Use tissue paper, bubble wrap, or specialized ornament containers to keep delicate items safe. Label each wrapped item with a description to simplify the unpacking process next year.

Organize by Frequency of Use:

Store decorations that you use more frequently toward the top of your storage containers for easy access. Less frequently used items can go toward the bottom. This way, you won’t have to dig through everything to find the essentials when it’s time to decorate.

Label Everything:

Label each storage container clearly and prominently. Include a brief description of the contents and the holiday theme it pertains to. Use waterproof labels or adhesive tags that won’t smudge or fade over time.

Protect Lights and Cords:

String lights and electrical cords should be wound carefully to prevent tangling. You can use cord winders or cardboard cutouts to keep them organized. Store them separately from other decorations to avoid damage.

Keep Special Instructions:

If you have complex or special decorations that require specific assembly or handling, consider attaching a set of instructions to the storage container. This will save you time and frustration when it’s time to set up.

Create an Inventory List:

Maintain an inventory list of your holiday decorations. This can be a simple spreadsheet or a notebook where you document the contents of each storage container. Update it annually as you add or remove items.

Find a Suitable Storage Location:

Store your holiday decorations in a cool, dry place that is free from extreme temperature fluctuations. Attics, basements, or dedicated storage closets are good options. Ensure that the storage area is well-ventilated to prevent moisture build-up.

Organizing your holiday decor doesn’t have to be a chore. By following these steps and investing a little time and effort, you can streamline the process and ensure that your holiday decorations are in excellent condition and easy to access when the next festive season rolls around. Remember, the key to a successful organization is taking inventory, categorizing items, investing in proper storage solutions, and labeling everything clearly. For more information, visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Charleston or call us at (843) 203-0700.