There’s something magical about getting the family together to trim the tree and hang the stockings. What isn’t so magical? Finding space to store and organize your holiday decorations for the rest of the year.Save yourself the holiday headache and consider these five storage solutions for your décor.
Christmas Lights
Do your Christmas lights always end up in a big, tangled mess? Save yourself the stress of unraveling a box of lights by storing your strands in a specialized system. The Install N Store Christmas Lights Bag (£11.50, Christmas Lights etc) includes three spools to neatly wind and store your lights. The spools also include a Versa-Clamp, which allows you to attach the spool to a ladder or rain gutter for outdoor lighting. The spool spins as you pull out the light string, making it easy to quickly decorate your home’s exterior. Always store your lights in a cool, dark place to avoid fading and damage.
Looking for a DIY solution? Wrap lights around sheets of cardboard, secure the strands with slits in each end, and then stack vertically in a storage bin (via Curbly).
Wrapping Paper
Whether you wrap your holiday gifts like it’s a competitive sport, or pay your kids to wrap presents for you, you need a place to store your supplies. Rather than cramming everything into the back of your closet, check out the CoverMates Deluxe Gift Wrap Organizer (£32.50, amazon.com). This organizer has enough room for your wrapping paper, bags, ribbon, bows, and supplies for the whole year. It will even hold your extra-long holiday rolls. The bag easily slides under the bed for easy, out-of-sight access.Looking for a DIY solution? Keep your wrapping paper in an extra garment bag and store in a spare closet (via The Chic Home).
Christmas Trees
Cardboard boxes aren’t the best way to store artificial trees. Not only are they difficult to carry to and from the attic, but they also leave your tree more vulnerable to insects and other damage. The Container Store offers a great solution for tree storage with their Upright Tree Storage Bag (£40.00, The Container Store). This bag keeps your tree protected, is easy to carry, and you even get to leave your tree assembled. Simply pull the bag over the base of the tree, compress, and zip it closed.Looking for a DIY solution? While not the most attractive option, you can tightly wrap each section of the tree with plastic mover’s wrap. This will keep your tree compressed and protected from insects and the elements (via Instructables).
Holiday wreaths
Holiday wreaths aren’t cheap. Keep your wreaths looking great for years to come by storing them in a hard-plastic case. The Red Sterilite Nesting Wreath Case ($19.99, SpaceSavers) offers sturdy protection to keep your wreath protected from dust and crushing. The case also features a clear lid for easy identification in your garage. Be sure to measure your wreath’s depth and diameter before ordering.
Looking for a DIY solution? Although this option requires indoor storage, it’s simple and inexpensive. Hang your wreath on the neck of a hanger and cover with a plastic dry cleaning bag (via Good Housekeeping).
Christmas Ornaments
Many families enjoy the tradition of exchanging new Christmas ornaments each year. It’s important to store your ornament properly to avoid damage from year-to-year. The Wing-Lid Ornament Storage Box (£11.50, The Container Store) offers adjustable grids of corrugated cardboard to store up to 75 ornaments. The polypropylene exterior protects your ornaments from any possible damage. Before taking down your ornaments for the year, clean off any dust from the holidays.
Looking for a DIY solution? Cut a piece of cardboard to line the bottom of a storage bin. Glue plastic cups to the cardboard, wrap ornaments in tissue paper, and then place ornaments in cups (via Martha Stewart)
Invest in the right storage for your holiday decorations, and you can enjoy your family’s traditions for years to come.
