Holiday Ninjas Need Not Apply

The 12 Days of Christmas have come and gone, and to those overzealous-holiday-ninja-overachievers out there who have already 86’ed Christmas trees and exterior illumination moving as seamlessly as Hobby Lobby and Walgreens onto Valentines Day, keep scrolling.  But for the rest of us, keep reading.   This is our moment. 

These quiet-ish indoor days of Texas’ brief 60-day winter season is the perfect time to thoughtfully and strategically remove, sort, streamline, label, and appropriately store your holiday décor – not just the Santas and snowmen, but for every season.  There’s no time like the present and come July 4th, or next Halloween, you’ll be thanking yourself!

Seasonal decorations add a festive touch to your home throughout the year, but managing and storing these items can often become a challenge. Proper organization and storage are key to ensuring that your seasonal decorations stay in good condition and are easy to find when needed. Whether you’re dealing with holiday decor, summer accessories, or seasonal linens, here are some effective tips for organizing and storing your seasonal decorations.

1. Sort and Declutter

Before you dive into storage solutions, take time to sort and declutter your decor. This process helps you assess what you have and decide what to keep, donate, or discard.

• Categorize Items: Group your decorations by season or holiday. For example, separate your Christmas decorations from Halloween or summer items. This makes it easier to locate specific decorations when you need them.
• Inspect for Damage: Check each item for damage. Discard or repair any decorations that are broken or no longer usable. This ensures that only the best items are stored and prevents future frustration.  Don’t forget to remove batteries from light strands or other electronics before storing – nothing ruins a beautiful Advent calendar like battery acid that has leaked over the hot summer months in a plastic bin.

2. Use Clear, Labelled Bins

Using clear, labeled bins is a simple yet effective way to organize and store seasonal decorations. Clear bins allow you to see the contents at a glance, while labels make it easy to identify which bin holds what items.

• Choose the Right Size: Select bins that are appropriately sized for your decorations. Avoid overloading bins, as this can lead to damage and make them difficult to handle.
• Label Clearly: Label each bin with its contents and the season or holiday it corresponds to. For example, a bin might be labeled “Christmas Ornaments” or “Summer Decor.” Use a label maker for a neat appearance or simply write labels on adhesive tags. Here's the one I have both at home and at the warehouse.  And here's Amazon's top seller for a smaller, portable one. 
• Pro tip: I like to use red lidded bins for Christmas décor for a quick color-coded visual – that way I know anything red comes down for that holiday.  I also prefer plastic bins over the prettier fabric ones.  If you have temperature-controlled storage, that’s another story, but my bins are stored in the garage and need to withstand not only temperature swings, but the dirt and grime that come with every garage. 

3. Optimize Storage Space

Maximizing storage space is crucial for keeping your seasonal decorations organized and accessible. Consider these space-saving strategies:

• Stackable Bins: Use stackable bins to save floor space. Ensure the bins are sturdy and have secure lids to prevent spills or damage.  Another case made for plastic bins – they fit snugly on top of each other.
• Vertical Storage: Utilize vertical storage options like shelves or tall cabinets. Store bins or boxes on these shelves to keep your decorations off the floor and within easy reach.
• Under-Bed Storage: For seasonal items that are used infrequently, such as out-of-season clothing or bulky decorations, consider using under-bed storage bins. This space is often underutilized and can help free up closet and shelf space.

4. Protect Fragile Items

Seasonal decorations can include delicate items that need extra protection to ensure they last from year to year.

• Wrap Delicate Items: Use tissue paper, bubble wrap, or foam padding to wrap fragile decorations. This helps prevent breakage and keeps items safe during storage.
• Use Dividers: For ornaments and smaller decorations, consider using dividers or specialized storage containers. These can keep items separated and prevent them from knocking into each other. These are my favorites for ornament storage.
• Store Flat Items Carefully: Store flat items like wreaths or garlands in large, flat bins or boxes. Avoid crushing them by stacking other items on top. If possible, use a dedicated wreath storage container to maintain their shape.  I hang my wreaths in “wreath bags” but I love these stackable bins for them as well.

5. Create a Seasonal Storage System

Establishing a seasonal storage system can streamline the process of organizing and retrieving your decorations.

• Designate a Storage Area: Choose a specific area of your home for storing seasonal decorations. This could be a closet, garage, attic, or basement. Keeping all seasonal items in one place makes it easier to manage and retrieve them.
• Create an Inventory: Maintain a simple inventory of your seasonal decorations. This can be a written list or a digital record that includes the contents of each bin and its location. An inventory helps you keep track of what you have and simplifies the process of finding items.

The magic of any holiday season can quickly diminish when it comes time to take it all down and put it away.  Organizing and storing your decor effectively can help make the task a little more palatable and make seasonal transitions smoother.  So, until the next Hallmark occasion, happy organizing!