Packing your holiday decorations away

Sooner or later you'll have to put away those holiday ornaments if you haven't yet. We know what you're thinking. That you're overwhelmed only by the thought of storing those toys, craft supplies, wrapping paper, ribbons, Christmas lights, tinsel, artificial tree.

But if you do it correctly it won't feel like such a burden and you will be saving time at the beginning of the holiday season when you'll be taking them out of the boxes again and hanging them. Follow these helpful tips and next Christmas you’ll thank yourself.


Remove string lights and beaded chains from your tree. Lights should be stored by wrapping them carefully around a cardboard tube or panel, or empty electrical wire spools. Cut two slits at both ends of the piece of cardboard to hook the wire ends in there. Before this process, make sure that all light bulbs are working and try to replace damaged ones. You wouldn't want to have defective lights next time you unpack them.

For the artificial Christmas tree, and glass balls alike, original storage packaging is most suitable, because it protects them from damage better.

Use any plastic or cardboard containers, wrapping paper, egg boxes, tissue paper from received gifts, newspaper, clean rags, bubble wrap you have around the house to store away safely. Some of them work as cushioning for delicate, breakable items, which have to go on top of other ornaments so that they don't get crushed.


Egg boxes are the most suggested option for small or fragile Christmas decorations. Don't buy other containers until after you see that you need some extra.

There is little point in storing items that are chipped, broken, or you no longer like, as they will never get used again, so simply get rid of them. Also, don't forget to discard natural accents, such as acorns, pinecones, flowers and food-based decorations, like dough and macaroni crafts. These are to be replaced every year.

Group ornaments into categories by colour, fragility or shape and then in labeled boxes according to areas of the home where you usually place them. Go for clear or coloured containers, that are easier to distinguish, whatever your preference.


If you plan on stuffing garlands inside a box, then don't forget to throw the holiday wreaths, stockings and bows in there as well, to make use of all of that space.

Zip-top bags are a great solution as they come in handy for smaller and non-fragile decorations, for example figurines, ornament hooks, beads, cards, tinsel chains and paper ornaments.

Now all of your holiday decor is wisely and neatly packed, ready to go in the attic or garage.