Decorating for the holidays is joyful; packing everything away afterward, not so much. When the season ends, it can be tempting to toss ornaments, lights, and décor into oversized boxes or flimsy bags and stash them in a closet or attic until next year.
While that approach may save a few minutes now, taking the time to pack your holiday decorations properly helps prevent damage, extends the life of your favorite pieces, and makes the next season far easier to enjoy.
To help make the process easier, here are seven pro tips for packing holiday decorations:
1. Pack your decorations like you’re moving
To get in the right frame of mind, some people pack their holiday decorations by pretending that they are moving. How would you treat your valuable items if they were being put on a truck and driven to your new home?
This approach is an opportunity to pack your decorations with care. Start by considering the big picture: What decorations are most important? What items are most fragile? Do you have the right packing supplies?
The best part is, if you do end up moving in the next year, your decorations are already packed!
2. Don’t skimp on packing supplies
Well-packed holiday decorations are less likely to get damaged or broken, which means you won’t need to replace shattered ornaments year after year. To keep your decorations safe, don’t skimp on these essential packing supplies:
- Boxes
- Bubble wrap
- Tape
- Tissue paper
- Peanuts
- Labels.
3. Upgrade to protect your Christmas tree
If you have an artificial tree, packing it properly will keep it in good shape for years to come. Because it’s the centerpiece of your holiday decorations, consider upgrading its storage container to something more robust than the box it arrived in, especially if it is worn out and falling apart. You can find any number of canvas or polyester duffels on the market that will suit your budget and provide a long-term replacement. Choose one with handles to make moving your tree easier. If you don’t want to use a tree bag or duffel, consider purchasing a sturdy movers box to keep your tree protected.
4. Box decorations like a pro mover
As you start packing, think like a pro, which means don’t overpack your boxes. Several smaller boxes are often easier to handle than one big box filled with every holiday decoration you own. Your shoulders and back will thank you when it’s time to haul those boxes to an attic or place them on a shelf.
5. Say goodbye to tangled lights
Decorative lights are one of the trickiest items to pack, because loose wires tangle so easily. One quick fix is to purchase a cord reel, so you can wind up your lights in an organized manner. Or consider some of the useful hacks from this CNET article, including the use of clothes hangers or plastic sheets.
6. Pack decorations for seasonal access
Some decorations are holiday-specific, like trees for Christmas and menorahs for Hanukkah. But maybe you have items that fall into a broader category like special platters, pitchers, punch bowls, candles, and other things that make seasonal appearances, but aren’t exclusively for one holiday or another.
During post-holiday packing, think about how and where you store items that get regular use. In other words, the more frequently you need to access a decoration, the easier it should be to access. That means while once-a-year holiday decorations may be fine in the back of a closet, an attic, or storage unit, some items are better kept close at hand.
7. Label everything in detail
Finally, remember to label every box so that you know what’s inside and whether or not it’s fragile. For best results, follow the same labeling plan and tips we recommend to stay organized during a move.
Packing your decorations with a little thought now saves time, money, and frustration next season. Treat the task like a small move by using proper supplies, protecting fragile pieces, keeping frequently used items accessible, and labeling everything clearly. Those few extra minutes of care will keep your favorites looking great year after year and make decorating next holiday season feel effortless.