On the first day of January, the decorations come down in a hurry. Lights go into a box in a ball, ornaments are wrapped in whatever is to hand and the tree is folded into a bag and shoved into the corner of a garage. Eleven months later, the box is opened and the lights are a knot, half the ornaments are cracked and the tree does not fit back in the bag. That moment is the origin of many people’s decision to buy new lights the following November.
Storage is the least glamorous part of holiday decorating, and it is the part that decides how much you spend and how much you enjoy the next season. This guide covers how to take down, sort, pack and store decorations so that they last, and how to use the season’s sales sensibly: when to buy, what to check and how to avoid paying for things you do not need. It does not recommend brands.
Short answer: test, sort and wrap lights on spools, wrap ornaments, store trees in rigid containers and shop post-season sales with a list.
Taking down: do it in a calm, deliberate way
The speed of take-down determines the state of the decorations next year.
- and allow enough time.
- Plug in each strand to see if it works, and set aside faulty ones for repair or recycling.
- pulling lights off clips and trees carefully so as not to bend wires.
- into categories: lights, ornaments, garland, wreaths, outdoor items.
- before storing if needed, wiping off dust and moisture.
- and write it down, so you have a list when sales come.
Do not work at height without proper equipment and help. We do not recommend climbing onto a roof, and we say to hire a professional for high or steep rooflines.
Storing lights without tangles
Tangled lights are the most common holiday frustration. A few methods prevent them.
- a plastic reel designed for lights or an empty wrapping paper tube. Start at the plug end and finish with the plug tucked in.
- designed for the purpose.
- with a twist tie or a clip, so they do not unravel.
- for example by location, and note whether it is indoor or outdoor.
- in a labeled bag.
- to avoid crushing the wires.
Never store damaged strands for reuse unless they have been repaired by a competent person. Dispose of them properly. Some communities have electronics recycling programs for lights.
Storing ornaments
- individually in tissue, bubble wrap or soft cloth.
- designed for ornaments, or egg cartons for small ones.
- of boxes with fragile ones.
- and label the box.
- and carefully.
Storing artificial trees
- following the manufacturer’s order, and label the sections if they are not marked.
- according to the design, and avoid forcing them.
- ideally with wheels. A rigid container holds the shape best.
- away from heat and moisture.
If you are buying a tree, consider storage as part of the choice. Our guide to choosing an artificial tree includes tips on sections and bags.
Storing wreaths and garland
Wreaths are best stored flat in a rigid box or a wreath bag, so they do not crush. Garlands can be coiled loosely and placed in a container. Avoid heavy items on top. Our guide to door decor offers more detail.
Where to store
- are best: a closet, a basement with low humidity or an attic with moderate temperatures.
- that cause mold and rust, and areas that get very hot, which can damage plastics and lights.
- Sealed containers help.
- or fuel.
- so that next year’s retrieval is easy.
Containers
Use sturdy plastic bins with lids, and label them clearly on the sides and the lid. Clear bins let you see inside, and color-coded lids help to organize by room or type. Avoid cardboard boxes in damp places. Keep a simple inventory list taped inside the lid or on your phone.
Using the season’s sales sensibly
The best time to buy holiday decorations is not always before the holiday. A few principles help.
Buy after the holiday for next year
Prices on decorations, lights and trees often fall sharply after December 25. If you can store them, post-season sales are among the best deals. Check the quality, and buy what you need for next year.
Make a list before you shop
Use the list you made during take-down: lights that failed, ornaments that broke, items you wished you had. Stick to it. Sales encourage impulse purchases, and a garage full of unused decorations is no bargain.
Compare specifications
For lights, check the type, the length, the number of bulbs, whether they are indoor or outdoor rated and the certification mark. See our guide to LED and incandescent lights. For trees, check the branch type and the lights; for decor, check materials and weather resistance.
Check the price history
A “50 percent off” label may refer to an inflated price. Compare retailers, and check history where possible. Many decorations are discounted several times, and a Black Friday price may not be the lowest.
Watch for bundles
Starter kits with lights, clips and timers can be good value if you need all the items. Otherwise, buy what you need separately.
Buy quality for the items that matter
Spend on a good tree, sturdy storage and durable outdoor lights, and save on seasonal knick-knacks.
Planning the next season
- of what you want to add or replace.
- each year, to remember what worked.
- of areas you lit, which help with planning. See our guide to planning an outdoor display.
- early, before stocks run out.
Safety reminders
- Do not use damaged cords, lights or decorations.
- Do not overload circuits. Follow the ratings.
- Keep decorations away from heat.
- Dispose of broken glass carefully.
- Store batteries removed from battery-powered items to prevent leakage.
- Keep small decorations and batteries out of the reach of children and pets.
We do not give electrical advice or advice on working at height.
The short version
Good storage is the cheapest holiday investment. Test, sort and wrap lights on spools, pack ornaments and trees carefully, use sturdy labeled containers and keep them dry and cool. Shop the sales with a list, and consider buying after the holiday. A little care in January saves a lot in November.
Storage in four lines
- Test lights as you take them down.
- Label bins and keep an inventory.
- Store in a dry, cool place.
- Buy after the holiday for next year, and only what is on your list.
Related: choosing an artificial tree so the storage fits.
