Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of organising your Christmas decorations? You’re not alone. The holiday magic fades quickly when faced with tangled lights, misplaced ornaments, and a mountain of garland.
That’s why I’ve created the ultimate guide to Christmas organisation—packed with relatable tips, easy-to-follow strategies, and product recommendations to help you stay stress-free and keep your seasonal decor in perfect shape for years to come.
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Start with a Declutter Session
Before diving into organising your Christmas decorations, take a moment to declutter. It’s the perfect opportunity to simplify and save space for the items that truly matter.
Ask yourself these questions as you sort through your holiday treasures:
- Did I use this decoration this year? If it didn’t make it out of the box, it might not be worth keeping.
- Does this still fit my style or theme? Maybe your colour scheme has changed, or you’re no longer into that oversized inflatable snowman.
- Is it in good condition? Broken ornaments, faded ribbons, or worn-out garlands aren’t worth storing.
Create three piles as you go:
- Keep: Items you love and plan to use next year.
- Donate: Decorations in good condition that someone else might enjoy.
- Discard: Anything damaged or beyond repair.
Decluttering before organising has several benefits. First, it saves you from storing unnecessary items, which means less clutter in your storage spaces.
Second, it makes setting up next year’s decor faster and stress-free because you’ll only be unpacking the things you actually love and use.
Pro tip: As you sort, keep an empty bin handy to collect donations, and add it to your to-do list to drop off at a local charity. This way, you won’t be tempted to hang onto things you’ve already decided to part with.
How to Organise Christmas Decorations Like a Pro
Keeping your Christmas decorations organised doesn’t have to be a chore. Follow these tips to store your seasonal decorations like a pro, and you’ll thank yourself next year when it’s time to deck the halls again!
Use Clear Plastic Bins for Easy Access:
Say goodbye to mystery boxes by investing in clear, stackable storage bins. These bins allow you to see exactly what’s inside without rummaging through everything.
To take it a step further, label each bin with categories such as ornaments, lights, or garland. Sterilite ClearView Stackable Storage Bins are my absolute favourite. They’re sturdy, stackable, and perfect for keeping your decorations visible and safe.
Trust me—having these bins will save you so much time during your next decorating season!
Protect Your Breakables:
Christmas ornaments are often delicate and sentimental, so it’s important to store them with care. Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap, tissue paper, or even soft towels you no longer use.
This prevents them from breaking while giving you a budget-friendly padding option.
For added protection, consider investing in ornament storage boxes with dividers. These are lifesavers for keeping each piece snug and secure.
Keep Small Items Together:
Hooks, spare light bulbs, and tiny ornaments are notorious for disappearing into the chaos of storage. Use clear zippered pouches, resealable bags, or small storage containers to corral these items in one place.
Label each bag, so you’re not hunting for replacement light bulbs next year.
Amazon Basics Gallon Storage Bags work wonders for keeping smaller items contained, and they’re reusable for other purposes throughout the year.
Don’t Forget Seasonal Lights:
Untangling Christmas lights is a headache no one wants. To prevent this, wrap your lights around a piece of cardboard or use a specially designed light reel for storage.
This keeps them tangle-free and ready for action next year. Holiday Light Storage Reels are an excellent investment to save time and frustration.
Group by Decoration Type or Room:
If you tend to decorate certain rooms in specific themes or colours, pack your decorations accordingly.
For example, keep your dining room centrepiece items in one bin and your tree decorations in another. This way, you’ll know exactly where everything belongs.
How to Store a Decorated Christmas Tree
Storing a fully decorated Christmas tree might sound like a luxury, but it’s a total game-changer if you’re short on time or want to keep your ornaments and tree looking perfect year after year.
By investing in the right storage solutions, you can save hours of work when next year’s festivities roll around.
Invest in a Tree Storage Bag Designed for Decorated Trees:
Traditional storage methods like wrapping your tree in plastic or tossing it into a cardboard box can lead to crushed ornaments, tangled lights, and bent branches. Instead, opt for a specially designed Christmas tree storage bag made to accommodate decorated trees.
These bags are spacious, protective, and keep everything intact while shielding your tree from dust, dirt, and damage.
The Baleine Rolling Tree Storage Bag is a game-changer. It’s sturdy, extra-large, and comes with wheels, making it easy for one person to move even the bulkiest of trees.
With this bag, your tree will stay pristine, and you’ll avoid the stress of re-decorating next year.
Protect Ornaments and Delicate Decorations:
While the storage bag will protect your tree as a whole, consider adding an extra layer of security to fragile ornaments. Wrap delicate pieces in bubble wrap or tissue paper before storing the tree to ensure they stay safe.
Make Moving Your Tree a Breeze:
Choose a storage bag with handles or wheels for easy manoeuvrability. These features are especially helpful if your tree is heavy or you need to carry it up or down stairs.
You’ll appreciate the convenience when it’s time to bring the tree out of storage again.
Keep It Stored in a Cool, Dry Place:
To prevent mould or damage, store your decorated tree in a cool, dry spot, such as a basement or closet. Avoid attics or garages where extreme temperatures or humidity could affect the tree’s appearance.
With the right tools and techniques, storing a decorated Christmas tree can be quick and stress-free. It’s a simple investment in your holiday sanity that will pay off when you’re ready to deck the halls next year.
How to Store Christmas Garland Without Tangling
Garland adds a magical touch to your holiday décor, but untangling it every year? Not so magical.
With a few simple strategies, you can keep your garland neatly stored and ready to dazzle next Christmas. Here’s what you need to do:
Wrap Your Garland to Prevent Tangling:
One of the easiest ways to keep your garland from turning into a tangled mess is to wrap it around a sturdy base. Here are a couple of budget-friendly options:
- Cardboard: Cut a piece of cardboard to size and wrap the garland around it. Secure the ends with twist ties or tape to keep it from unraveling.
- Pool Noodle: For bulkier garlands, a clean pool noodle works wonders. Simply wrap the garland around the noodle and secure it in place.
This wrapping method keeps your garland tangle-free and protects delicate designs, such as beads or lights.
Store in a Long, Flat Bin:
Once wrapped, place the garland in a long, flat storage bin to prevent crushing or tangling. These bins are designed to keep your garland in shape while saving space.
Look for bins with lids to keep out dust and moisture.
These Stackable Plastic Christmas Storage Bins are perfect for storing garlands neatly. They are spacious enough to hold multiple pieces while protecting them from damage.
Label and Organise for Easy Access:
Label your storage bin with a description like “Living Room Garland” or “Outdoor Decorations” so you’ll know exactly where each garland belongs next year.
Keep the Bin in a Safe Spot:
Store the bin in a cool, dry location, such as a closet or under the bed. Avoid extreme temperature areas like the garage or attic, as these can warp or damage your garland.
With these practical steps, your garland will be in perfect condition when it’s time to decorate again—no tangles, no fuss, just holiday cheer.
How to Store Seasonal Decorations
Seasonal decorations bring joy and festivity throughout the year, but organising them can feel like a chore. With a smart system, you can keep every piece accessible and in great condition, no matter the occasion.
Label Bins by Season for Easy Sorting:
The key to organising seasonal decorations is clear categorisation. Use separate bins for each season or holiday, and label them clearly with contents like “Christmas,” “Easter,” or “Thanksgiving.”
Transparent bins work well so you can quickly identify what’s inside without rummaging through everything.
Rubbermaid Cleverstore Clear Storage Bins are a fantastic option. They’re sturdy, stackable, and make finding your seasonal decor a breeze.
Rotate Decorations with the Seasons:
Keep only the current season’s decorations easily accessible. Store out-of-season bins in less-used storage areas like the attic, garage, or basement. Rotating your decorations ensures your living space stays tidy and seasonal.
Pro tip: For those with limited space, vacuum-seal bags are excellent for storing soft or fabric items like tablecloths or seasonal pillows. They take up less space and keep everything fresh.
SpaceSaver Vacuum Storage Bags are perfect for compact storage and protecting your decorations from dust or moisture.
Protect Fragile Items with Extra Care:
Seasonal decorations often include fragile or sentimental pieces. Use bubble wrap, tissue paper, or foam padding to protect breakables.
Dedicated storage solutions, like ornament dividers or egg crates, are great for keeping delicate items safe.
Keep Small Items Together:
Small seasonal items like Easter eggs, Thanksgiving figurines, or Christmas baubles can be grouped in small containers or zippered pouches. This keeps them from getting lost in larger bins.
Try Sterilite Small Plastic Bins for organising tiny seasonal decor. They’re stackable and easy to label.
Additional Tip – Inventory Your Decorations:
Take a quick inventory of your seasonal decor before packing them away. Note any damaged items or gaps that need replacing. This helps you plan ahead for next year without overbuying.
Bonus Tips for Stress-Free Christmas Organisation
Christmas decorations are truly a joy to display, but packing them up for next year doesn’t have to feel like a daunting task. These bonus tips will help you streamline the process and keep the holiday spirit alive—without the stress.
Snap Photos of Your Setup:
Before you pack away a single bauble or garland, grab your phone or camera and snap photos of your decorated spaces. These images act as a visual guide for recreating your festive displays next year.
- Why it’s helpful: You’ll save time guessing where each piece goes, especially if you love a specific look or theme.
- Pro tip: Create a folder on your phone or cloud storage labelled “Christmas Decor Ideas” to keep everything organised.
Pack by Room or Area for Quick Unpacking:
Instead of tossing all your decorations into one giant bin, group them by the rooms or spaces they’re used in, such as the living room, kitchen, or entryway.
- How to pack by area: Use separate, clearly labelled bins for each room. For instance, “Living Room Ornaments” or “Dining Table Decor.”
- Why it works: When it’s time to decorate again, you can tackle one room at a time without sorting through unrelated items.
Rubbermaid Cleverstore Bins are perfect for this task because they’re very spacious, durable, and easy to label.
Schedule Next Year’s Setup in Advance:
One of the easiest ways to stay ahead of holiday stress is by scheduling when you’ll bring out your decorations next year. Add a reminder to your calendar a week or two before you typically start decorating.
- Why it helps: Avoid the last-minute rush and give yourself enough time to enjoy the process.
- Pro tip: Set aside a weekend or an evening for decorating, and make it a fun tradition with your family or friends.
Additional Tip – Keep Essentials Handy:
Pack a small “Holiday Setup Kit” with essentials like hooks, zip ties, extra light bulbs, and batteries. Store it in a clear, labelled pouch or box so it’s ready to go when you are.
Ziploc Storage Bags are excellent for keeping these essentials neatly contained and easy to find.
Final Thoughts
Packing away Christmas doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. With a little planning and the right storage solutions, you can save time, money, and frustration next year by using these simple Christmas organisation tips.
Whether it’s learning how to store Christmas garland or finding the best way to organise a decorated tree, these tips will transform your post-holiday cleanup. Start now, and next year, you’ll thank yourself!
Don’t forget to share this post with friends who need a little Christmas organisation inspiration, and let me know in the comments—what’s your best holiday storage hack?
Happy organising!
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More On Organisation:
How To Declutter Your House In One Day
The Best 30 Days Declutter Challenge Printable FREE
The Best Home Management Binder Printables FREE
How To Keep A Clean House With a Busy Schedule
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