Holiday Decor: How to Store

The holidays are over and it's time to look forward to the new year.  How can you turn dread into ease and enjoyment next December when it is time to pull out your holiday decorations?  Before you just shove all your decorations in a box (tangled/non-working lights, broken ornaments, and all), organize and pack them like a pro now.  It doesn't take that much more effort and you will thank yourself later, I promise.  

Ornaments:
Many retailers sell ornament boxes.  I recommend the plastic type with cardboard dividers.  Fabric ornament boxes tend to be too flimsy and the dividers don't stay in place when the box is lifted or moved.  A green alternative it to wrap ornaments in tissue paper left over from unwrapping gifts and store them in their original boxes. If you don't have the original boxes, grab an empty wine or liquor box from a liquor store and use that. You can use egg cartons for your little delicate ornaments.

Lights:
Store indoor and outdoor lights in separate bins.  Consider using a ziplock bag for each strand or, for a green alternative, use a piece of cardboard and wrap each strand around that.  For either option, I recommend labeling with the length of the light strand and where it was last used. 

Gift wrap:
I like the Gift Wrap Work Station that you can purchase online from The Container Store.  It hangs from a closet rod and has a table-height holder for wrapping paper when in use.  This organizer holds gift wrap, gift bags, tissue paper, bows, gift tags, and even has a place for pens, scissors, and tape.  The key to this, and any organizing system you choose, is not to overwhelm the system with too many items.

Wreaths:
Wreath bags are handy because they come in different sizes and zip closed to protect from dust and light.  For a green alternative, repurpose a dry cleaning bag and a wire hanger.  Either option can be hung from a nail from attic or basement rafters or from a hook or nail on the wall.

Inflatables:
Try a duffel bag or small tree bag for storing outdoor inflatables.  Be sure they are clean and dry before storing because these items tend to mold when stored wet and will emit odor the next time you pull them out for use.

Artificial Trees:
We are all familiar with tree bags but if you are looking for the mecca of tree bags, check out the Tree Keeper Pro.  It comes on wheels and the bag bundles up at the bottom of the tree to be concealed under a tree skirt.  I always love products that are designed to keep things together.  Less likelihood for the bag to get lost if it is attached to the tree itself.

Where does all this stuff go?
I suggest keeping all your holiday decor together on existing shelving if ample space is available.  If space is an issue, consider a ceiling storage lift system like this one by Racor.  Getting storage off the floor is always helpful because it gives you more room to live and play.