If you dread putting holiday decorations away every year, you’re not alone. The decorations are fun. The cleanup is not.
I’m a Certified Professional Organizer and the founder of Getting it Done Organizing, and the only way I survive the post-holiday mess in my own home is by having simple, functional systems in place. When everything has a clear home, cleanup is faster, less stressful, and something we don’t put off until March.
These are my go-to storage solutions that make packing up holiday decor easier now and even easier next year.
1. Store Your Artificial Christmas Tree Properly
If your tree never seems to fit back into the original box, you’re in good company.
High-quality tree storage bags are a game changer. Wheeled bags make it much easier to move heavy trees into storage, while basic zippered bags still protect the tree and keep it contained.
2. Use Storage Reels for Lights, Cords, and Garland
This is one of my favorite solutions.
The Container Store sells an easy-loading bag that contains three rugged storage reels, each able to store up to 120′ of mini lights, 75′ of bulbs or up to 150′ of extension cords. During installation, clip the bag to your ladder or rain gutter. Each reel will spin, unspooling cords for faster and easier hanging. When the season ends, all of your cords and strands wrap neatly back on reels and tuck away in the convenient storage bag.
Next year, decorating is faster and far less frustrating.
3. Store Wreaths in Labeled Boxes
Wreaths get damaged easily if they are tossed loose into storage. I always recommend dedicated wreath storage boxes.
When wreaths are boxed and clearly labeled, they stay protected from dust, crushing, and curious attic critters. I also know exactly where my favorites are when the season rolls around again.
4. Separate Breakable and Unbreakable Ornaments
This one makes decorating easier for the whole family.
I keep one clearly labeled container of unbreakable ornaments that my kids can hang on the tree themselves. Fragile and sentimental ornaments get their own box, wrapped carefully in tissue paper.
This system protects heirlooms and gives kids freedom to participate in decorating without the stress.
5. Keep All Gift Wrap in One Storage Bag
Gift wrap is much easier to manage when it lives in one place.
I prefer a single storage bag that holds multiple rolls of wrapping paper with side pockets for tags, tape, ribbon, and scissors. Bags that fit under a bed or in a closet work especially well. Mine came from Amazon and has held up beautifully.
6. Label Everything Clearly
Labels are what make these systems actually work long term.
Use clear bins whenever possible and label every box so you know exactly what’s inside next year. Wide-mouthed bins with open lids are easy to access and stack well. Clear labeling saves time and prevents unnecessary digging.
Bonus Pro Tips
- Purge broken or damaged holiday decor that is not a family heirloom.
- Donate holiday decor you no longer love. Thrift stores are often thrilled to receive it, and another family will enjoy it!
Make Next Year Easier on Yourself
Holiday decor should bring joy, not stress. When you take a little time to set up smart storage systems, cleanup becomes faster and next year’s decorating feels simple instead of overwhelming.
If taking down and organizing your holiday decor feels like one too many things on your plate, our team can help! We have holiday specific services for decorating, take down, or both!
