Because packing away Christmas shouldn’t feel like a holiday hangover!

Once the whirlwind of December settles and the last slice of pav has been eaten, many of us are left staring at a pile of decorations… wondering how on earth they all fit into the house in the first place. Storing Christmas decorations doesn’t have to be chaotic. With a few clever systems and the right storage, you can make next year’s setup faster, easier, and way more joyful.

Here are the best hacks to keep your festive décor sorted, protected, and ready to sparkle again next Christmas.

1. Declutter Before You Store

Before anything goes into a box, do a quick edit:

• Toss broken baubles or lights that no longer work
• Recycle old gift bags, ribbons, and crushed wrapping paper
• Donate décor you no longer love

A simple declutter now means fewer decisions (and less overwhelm) next December.

2. Sort by Category (Not by Room)

Instead of storing items based on where they were displayed this year, sort by type:

• Tree ornaments
• Lights & electrical
• Gift wrapping supplies
• Table décor
• Special keepsakes
• Outdoor decorations

This makes it easier to grab what you need next year rather than rummaging through unrelated boxes.

3. Invest in Clear, Stackable Storage

If you want to get truly organised, opt for:

• Clear tubs so you can instantly see what’s inside
• Stackable bins that maximise cupboard or garage space
• Baskets for lightweight items like bows, ribbons, and soft décor
• Labelled containers so your future self can breathe a sigh of relief
• Underbed storage bags/boxes create a long, low-profile storage solution for seasonal décor, linen, gift bags, keepsakes and more. They slide out easily, can stack, keep dust away, and help you reclaim storage space you didn’t even know you had.

4. Protect Delicate Ornaments Easily

A few smart hacks to keep ornaments safe:

• Use egg cartons for small baubles
• Store larger ornaments in cupcake containers or drink trays
• Wrap fragile pieces in tissue paper or microfibre cloths
• Use pillowcases to store soft or awkwardly shaped décor like teddy bears, standing Santas, plush ornaments, stockings, or fabric characters — they keep everything contained, dust-free, and gently cushioned.
• Wrap artificial tree sections in old sheets to prevent dust, stop branches from catching on other items, and make them easier to slide into a bag or onto a shelf

5. Keep Lights Tangle-Free (Forever!)

No more wrestling with a ball of fairy lights.
Try:

• Wrapping lights around cardboard cutouts or paper towel cardboard roll
• Using a cord wrap
• Storing each light set in its own small bag before placing them in a larger tub

Add a label like “Working – tested 2025” so you don’t have to guess next year.

6. Use Ziplock bags or Mini Tubs for Small Bits

Hooks, ornament strings, spare bulbs, command hooks, tree toppers—these things get lost fast.
Use:

• Mini tubs
• Ziplock bags
• Labelled containers

Having a “bits & extras” box makes decorating so much easier.

7. Store Wrapping Supplies Separately

Gift bags, bows, ribbons, tags, and rolls of wrap deserve their own home:

• Use an under-bed storage bag  or gift wrap organiser for rolls of wrap
• Keep ribbons in a container or ziplock bag
• File gift bags upright in a basket for easy grabbing or in an under-bed storage bag
• Keep leftover name tags + labels together so you’re not rebuying next December

8. Create a “First Out” Box

This is a total game-changer.

Pack a small container with:

• Advent calendars
• Elf on the Shelf supplies
• Tree stand
• Door wreath
• Early December decorations
• Spare batteries

Label it “Open First” so you’re not digging through five tubs just to get started next year.

9. Label Everything Clearly

A good label = a stress-free life.

Use:

• Custom labels
• Store & Save removable labels for tubs so you can change contents easily
• Colour-coding if you have lots of boxes (e.g., red = Christmas)

This saves you from opening every box “just to check.”

10. Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Heat and moisture damage decorations fast.
Keep your decorations stored:

• In a cupboard
• On shelving
• High up in the garage (but avoid direct heat)
• Away from damp areas

Outdoor decorations should be fully dry before storing to prevent mould or rust.

Final Tip: Make It Fun

Put on a favourite playlist, recruit the kids, and make it a family ritual. January-you will be SO thankful that December-you packed everything with care.