How to Store Your Seasonal Decorations Properly

Seasonal decorations add a special touch to our homes, bringing joy during holidays and changing with the seasons. But once the festivities end, knowing how to store these decorations to keep them safe, dust-free, and in great condition is essential. With a few simple techniques, you can extend the life of your decorations and make setup a breeze next year.

Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide to storing seasonal decorations that’ll help them look as good as new each time you bring them out.

 

1. Organize Your Decorations by Season and Type

• Why This Matters: Sorting your items by season helps avoid accidental mix-ups, prevents overstuffing, and keeps you organized year-round.
• How to Do It: Before storing, go through each item and determine its season. Group together all spring items, summer decorations, fall decor, and winter holiday decorations. Label each container for easy identification.

Pro Tip: Have a different colour for each season. For example, use orange storage bins for fall items, green for winter, and so on. This visual system saves time when you’re searching for specific seasonal decor.

2. Use the Right Storage Containers

• Plastic Bins Over Cardboard: Cardboard boxes might be convenient, but they can absorb moisture, attract pests, and are less durable. Plastic storage bins with airtight lids are the best choice for preventing dust, moisture, and mould.
• Choosing Size Carefully: Avoid overloading large containers, which can lead to breaking delicate pieces or making them too heavy to carry. Opt for a combination of small and medium containers for better accessibility.

Pro Tip: Look for containers with built-in compartments or purchase dividers to help store and protect smaller items like ornaments, figurines, or delicate floral arrangements.

3. Prevent Dust and Dirt Accumulation

• Wrap Fragile Items in Fabric: Using old t-shirts, towels, or microfiber cloths to wrap fragile decorations can protect them from both dust and scratches. Avoid newspaper, as it can leave ink residue.
• Use Dust Covers: For larger, bulky items like wreaths or garlands, invest in dust covers or wrap them in breathable cotton cloths. Cotton allows air circulation while keeping dust away.
• Silica Gel Packs: Place a few silica gel packs inside storage bins to absorb excess moisture. This can help reduce the chance of mould growth and keep items dry and dust-free.

4. Protect Against Moisture and Mold

• Avoid Attic and Basement Storage: These areas can have unpredictable temperatures and moisture levels, which can lead to mould or mildew. Instead, opt for cool, dry spaces like closets or climate-controlled storage areas.
• Desiccant Packs: Desiccant packs are small but mighty when it comes to moisture control. Drop one into each bin or storage container to reduce humidity levels.
• Use Airtight Containers: When possible, select airtight bins for delicate or sentimental items. This extra seal helps prevent mould spores from entering.

5. Consider Hanging Storage for Wreaths and Garlands

• Why Hanging Works: Wreaths, garlands, and other floral decorations can get squashed and lose their shape when stacked in bins. Hanging them keeps them intact and looking fresh.
• How to Hang: Use a garment rack or install hooks along a basement or closet wall. Cover each item with a cloth garment bag to protect it from dust.

Pro Tip: Add a bit of padding around each wreath or garland before covering it to prevent it from getting crushed.

6. Keep Light-Sensitive Seasonal Decorations Away from Direct Sunlight

• Prevent Fading and Discoloration: Some decorations, particularly fabric or painted items, can fade or discolour when exposed to direct sunlight over time. Store these items in opaque bins or areas with no natural light.
• Use Acid-Free Tissue Paper: Wrapping fabric-based items, ribbons, and even delicate ornaments in acid-free tissue paper can prevent yellowing or damage over time.

7. Label, Label, Label!

• Make Access Easy: Labeling your storage bins and containers will save you tons of time, especially if you have a large decoration collection. Include details on the contents and the season, and even add descriptions of fragile items.
• Use Color-Coded Labels: Using different coloured labels for each season can speed up your organizing process. For example, green for Christmas items, orange for Halloween, etc.

Pro Tip: Place a list of contents inside each bin for a quick overview of what’s inside.

8. Avoid Stacking Heavy Boxes on Top of Fragile Ones

• Why This Matters: Stacking too many heavy bins on top of each other can lead to breaks or cracks in delicate decorations.
• How to Stack Properly: Place lighter or less fragile boxes on top, while heavier and more robust containers stay at the bottom. If possible, store fragile decorations on shelves instead of stacking them.

Pro Tip: Invest in shelving units for your storage area. Shelving not only organizes bins but also allows for better airflow, which can help with moisture control.

9. Avoid Using Plastic Bags for Storage

• Plastic Bags Trap Moisture: Storing decorations in plastic bags can lead to moisture buildup, especially in non-climate-controlled environments, which promotes mould and mildew growth.
• Use Cloth Bags Instead: If you have smaller items that need extra protection, use fabric bags or pillowcases, which are breathable and reduce moisture risks.

10. Store Artificial Trees and Larger Items in Tree Bags or Durable Containers

• Why Use Tree Bags: Artificial trees are an investment, and storing them improperly can lead to misshaping and a dusty mess. Tree bags are specifically designed to handle larger items, keeping them clean and compact.
• How to Store: Remove all decorations before storing, carefully disassemble sections, and use the tree bag for safe storage. Avoid plastic wrap, as it can trap moisture and encourage mould.

11. DIY Storage Solutions for Ornaments and Small Items

• Use Egg Cartons and Dividers: For fragile ornaments, egg cartons can work wonders. Alternatively, use cardboard dividers within bins to separate items.
• Plastic Cups or Small Compartments: Place each ornament or small item inside a plastic cup or small compartment and secure it with soft material around each one.

12. Keep Records of Special or Sentimental Items

• Track Your Favorites: Some decorations hold sentimental value, so it’s worth keeping a record of these special items to ensure they’re stored properly and safely.
• Photo Documentation: Take photos of each unique piece and keep a small notebook or digital record for future reference. This can also help identify if anything’s missing after each season.

13. Inspect and Clean Before Storing

• Check for Damage: Before putting items away, inspect them for any damages. Mend small breaks and address any issues right away.
• Dust and Clean: Gently dust decorations to prevent any buildup from becoming permanent. Soft cloths work best, but for more intricate items, a small brush or handheld vacuum on a low setting can work wonders.

14. Have a Designated Storage For Seasonal Decorations

• Dedicated Areas Simplify Retrieval: Try to keep specific areas or shelves for each season so that you’re not moving decorations around each time you need a different set.
• Clear Out Regularly: Each time you retrieve items, check if there’s anything you no longer use or need to donate. Keeping storage areas clean and organized will save time in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Properly storing seasonal decorations keeps them in great shape and makes decorating next year so much easier and more enjoyable. Investing in quality storage solutions, staying organized, and being mindful of moisture and light will make your favourite decorations look fresh season after season.

Following these steps will ensure that each piece is clean, dust-free, and ready to shine when it’s time to bring it out. Enjoy your decorating, knowing that everything is stored safely and securely for next time!