Buzz
Image Credit: Eakarat Buanoi/Getty ImagesThe holiday season has officially ended, and for some of us (yes, I’m guilty too), the decorations are still up. My tree, now shedding needles everywhere, has become my evening mood lighting as I relax. But reality has set in—it’s time to finally pack everything away. A bittersweet moment indeed!
If you’re also procrastinating on packing away your holiday decor, don’t worry. Professional organizers have shared their top strategies to help you stay organized. These tips will save you from the chaos of haphazardly tossing everything into a box. Next year, you’ll thank yourself for neatly stored lights and ornaments that are easy to find.
Collect and Evaluate Your Decorations
"The post-holiday period is ideal for organizing your decorations since everything is already out," explains Jamie Hord, founder of Horderly. "Having all your items in one place makes it easier to assess what you own and the quantity of each," she adds. She recommends discarding broken ornaments and lights that are no longer functional.
Invest in New Storage Containers
If you’ve been relying on mismatched cardboard boxes to store your decorations (yes, I’m guilty too), it’s time to upgrade. "Opt for uniform lidded bins to stack neatly in your storage area and make retrieval effortless," advises Ashley Murphy, co-founder and CEO of NEAT Method. "Measure your storage shelves beforehand to ensure a perfect fit," she notes. Murphy also recommends bins with secure latches to prevent lids from accidentally opening.
Hord also emphasizes the importance of watertight bins, especially if your decorations are stored in basements or garages where moisture could cause damage.
Safeguard Fragile Items
"When storing delicate ornaments or figurines, proper padding is essential to keep them safe," advises Murphy. "Divided cardboard trays are perfect for ornaments, while packing paper or bubble wrap works well for protecting figurines."
Choose an Organizational System
After sorting, inspecting, and securing your decorations, it’s time to decide on a system. Some prefer grouping similar items together (like garlands with garlands or ornaments with ornaments), while others find it easier to organize by room (e.g., one bin for living room decor, another for entryway decor), according to Hord.
Wrap Lights Neatly
Few things are more annoying than untangling a mess of string lights when you’re ready to decorate. Make life easier for future you by wrapping them neatly before storage. "You can use a sturdy piece of cardboard to wrap them around, or invest in specialized spools for a more organized solution," recommends Murphy.
Protect Large Decorations
"Keep dust off faux trees and wreaths by storing them in appropriately sized zipper bags," advises Murphy. "Measure your items first to ensure you buy the right size, and store these bags near your other holiday decor bins."
Use Clear Labels
Hord recommends using transparent bins for easy visibility, and both experts emphasize the importance of labeling. "Clearly label each bin’s exterior so you know exactly what’s inside when you need it, and where everything should go when it’s time to pack up next year," says Hord.
