Storing Holiday Décor the Right Way (So Next Year’s Easier)
When the holidays end, it’s tempting to toss everything into bins and deal with it next year. But a little extra care now will save hours of frustration later. Organized holiday décor storage makes next year’s setup smoother, keeps your items protected, and helps you enjoy a calmer January reset.
The post-holiday trap
Packing up after the holidays can feel like a crash landing — you’re tired, the house feels cluttered, and motivation is low. That’s exactly when things get shoved into boxes haphazardly, leading to broken ornaments, tangled lights, and overstuffed closets. Treating this as an organizing project instead of a cleanup chore transforms it from drudgery to relief.
Edit before you pack
Before anything goes back into storage, take ten minutes to review each category:
Loved it: décor you used and enjoyed this year.
Didn’t use it: consider donating before storing again.
Needs repair: label and place in a small “Fix Before Next Year” box.
Worn out: recycle broken lights or damaged ornaments.
Donations make the biggest impact right after the holidays, when thrift stores are still accepting seasonal items. Denver-area options include ARC Thrift Stores, Goodwill of Colorado, and Habitat for Humanity ReStore for larger décor and trees.
Group décor by how you use it
Instead of packing by type (“lights,” “ornaments,” “garlands”), try organizing by display area. Label bins as “Tree,” “Mantel,” “Dining Table,” or “Front Porch.” Next year, you can unpack one area at a time instead of spreading boxes everywhere.
Clear or translucent bins work best for visibility, but color-coding lids can also help (red/green for Christmas, silver/blue for winter décor).
Protect delicate items
Fragile pieces last longer when stored intentionally.
Use divided ornament boxes or cardboard drink carriers for glass bulbs.
Wrap delicate items in reusable cloth napkins or dish towels instead of tissue.
Coil garlands in wide loops and secure with twist ties.
Stack soft items like stockings and tree skirts inside labeled fabric bags.
If you have a lot of breakables, pack a “Handle with Care” bin and store it on top, not the bottom, of the pile.
Keep lights from tangling
Every January, countless people vow to organize their holiday lights “next year.” Do it now — it takes five minutes per strand.
Wrap each string around a piece of cardboard or a reusable reel.
Label the reel (“Tree,” “Porch,” “Mantel”) with masking tape.
Store extension cords and timers in a small clear bin labeled “Lighting Accessories.”
Broken or burned-out lights can be recycled at Cherry Creek Recycling Drop-Off or mailed to HolidayLEDS.com’s light recycling program.
Store smart, not deep
Holiday décor often lives in garages, attics, or basements, where temperature changes and moisture can cause damage.
Keep bins off the floor using shelving or pallets.
Choose airtight plastic bins to protect from dust and pests.
Avoid stacking too high; it makes retrieval a hassle next season.
If you store décor in multiple areas (attic + garage), make a quick note on your phone listing where each category lives.
Label everything clearly
Skip the vague “Christmas” label. Instead, be specific:
“Tree Décor – Living Room”
“Winter Décor – Dining Table”
“Gift Wrap & Bags”
“Outdoor Lights – Porch”
Consistent labeling saves so much time next year — no more guessing which bin hides the missing star or ribbon spool.
Take a photo inventory
Once everything is packed, take a quick photo of each bin’s contents and label. Store the photos in an album on your phone called “Holiday Storage.” When next December rolls around, you’ll remember exactly what’s inside each container without opening them all.
A Denver-specific note
Because our weather can swing from mild to freezing, avoid storing décor directly on concrete in garages or basements — it traps moisture. Shelving or risers prevent damage and help air circulate.
Ready to finish the season feeling organized, not overwhelmed? Strategic Spaces helps Denver homeowners create storage systems that simplify decorating year after year.
Book your consultation today and start the new year with a clean slate and a calmer home.
