How To Store Holiday Decorations Correctly

By Movivan Removals | Updated October 2025

Storing holiday decorations properly might not sound exciting, but it’s one of the best ways to save time, money, and frustration next year. With a little planning (and the right materials), your festive treasures will stay safe, organized, and ready to shine again when December rolls around.

Here’s Movivan Removals’ expert guide to storing your holiday decorations correctly — from sorting and labelling to smart storage hacks.

Gather the Right Supplies

• Sturdy Plastic Storage Containers – keep moisture and dust out.

• Dividers or Compartment Boxes – ideal for fragile ornaments.

• Bubble Wrap or Packing Paper – for wrapping glass or ceramic items.

• Plastic Cups or Egg Cartons – perfect for storing small baubles.

• Garment Bags – protect wreaths, garlands, or costumes.

• Labels and Markers – for easy identification next season.

• Tape and Scissors – always handy for sealing and organising.

Sort and Store Decorations by Type and Size

Taking a little extra time now to sort everything pays off massively when it’s time to decorate again. Here’s how to do it efficiently and protect each item from damage:

Group by Type

Start by separating your decorations into main categories such as ornaments, lights, garlands, wreaths, figurines, and tree toppers.

• Ornaments: Keep all your baubles, stars, and trinkets together. If possible, store ornaments from the same tree or theme in one container.

• Lights: Coil each string of lights neatly, securing the ends with twist ties or cable ties to prevent tangling. Consider using a piece of cardboard as a spool — it’s simple but effective.

• Garlands and Wreaths: These are often bulky, so store them in large, shallow boxes or hang them inside wardrobe bags to retain shape.

• Figurines and Village Displays: Wrap these in soft tissue or bubble wrap to avoid chips or scratches.

• Tree Toppers and Specialty Pieces: These often have delicate designs — give them their own dedicated container or section within a box.

Separate Fragile Items

Anything made of glass, ceramic, porcelain, or thin plastic needs special care. Wrap each piece individually using bubble wrap or acid-free tissue paper. Avoid using newspaper — the ink can transfer onto lighter-coloured surfaces.

Once packed, place these items in a box lined with soft material (like a blanket or towel). Clearly label the container as “FRAGILE – HANDLE WITH CARE.”

💡 Pro Tip: Keep fragile boxes near the top of your storage stack, never underneath heavier ones.

Sort by Size

Even within categories, sorting by size makes unpacking much easier.

• Store small ornaments in smaller divided trays or even egg cartons.

• Keep medium decorations (like table pieces or garlands) together in mid-size plastic bins.

• Place large or oversized items — such as the tree topper, light-up figures, or outdoor inflatables — in individual boxes to prevent crushing.

Grouping by size also helps when loading boxes into a car or storage unit, allowing for more stable stacking and efficient use of space.

Label Everything Clearly

Don’t underestimate the power of a good label — it can save you hours next year.

• Write specific labels, not just “Christmas Stuff.” Try “Tree Ornaments – Living Room” or “Outdoor Lights – Front Garden.”

• Use large, legible handwriting or printed labels.

• Label both the top and side of each container so it’s visible from any angle.

• If possible, colour-code labels — for instance, red for Christmas, green for outdoor, blue for winter decor.

💡 Expert Tip from Movivan: Use transparent boxes whenever possible. Seeing what’s inside helps you identify items instantly without unstacking everything.

Movivan Removals can protect and store your holiday decorations.

Declutter Before Storing

• Inspect for Damage: Toss broken bulbs or torn decorations.

• Keep Sentimental Pieces: Some old ornaments have emotional value — consider repairing instead of discarding.

• Donate or Gift Extras: Pass on duplicates or unused items to family or local charities.

• Recycle Responsibly: Dispose of glass, metal, or plastic pieces according to local recycling rules.

💡 Our Top Tip: Use a “Keep–Donate–Discard” system to make decisions faster. Movivan primarily provides furniture disposal services, but we don’t mind taking and disposing of old decorations or Christmas trees. Our house clearance services are quick, affordable and convenient.

Create an Easy Labelling System

Colour-Code Boxes

Assign a colour to each holiday — red for Christmas, orange for Halloween, green for Easter — so you can spot the right boxes instantly. Coloured bins or stickers make identifying decorations quick and effortless, even in dim storage areas.

Label Both Sides of Containers

Add labels to both the top and side of each box so you can read them no matter how they’re stacked. This small step saves time and avoids the hassle of moving multiple boxes to find what you need.

Use Waterproof Markers

Write labels with waterproof or permanent markers to prevent fading or smudging in damp or cold environments. For printed labels, cover them with clear tape to keep them legible all year.

Add Year or Theme

Include the year or decoration theme, like “Christmas 2024 – Tree Decor,” to track updates, colour schemes, or styles. It’s an easy way to stay organised and know exactly what’s inside each container.

Keep an Inventory

Best Places to Store Holiday Decorations

Choosing the right storage space can make or break your efforts. Avoid damp, dusty, or overheated areas.

✅ Best Places:

• Attics with good ventilation

• Dry basements or utility closets

• Under-bed or wardrobe storage boxes

• Rented a short or long-term storage unit for large holiday displays

🚫 Avoid:

• Garages (too humid or cold)

• Outdoor sheds (temperature fluctuations)

💡 Movivan Storage Tip: Our secure, temperature-controlled storage units in London are ideal for keeping seasonal items protected all year round.

Eco-Friendly Decoration Storage Ideas

Protecting your decorations doesn’t have to harm the planet. Try these eco-friendly ideas:

• Reuse old packaging: Egg cartons, shoeboxes, and newspaper make excellent ornament protectors.

• Choose biodegradable wrapping paper instead of plastic bubble wrap.

• Label with paper tags instead of sticky vinyl.

• Donate old decor rather than throwing it away — someone else will love it.

• Opt for reusable containers instead of single-use cardboard boxes.

Small sustainable steps mean your holiday sparkle comes back brighter and greener next year. 🌍

💬 Movivan Can Help You Store Your Holiday Decorations Safely

If you’re short on space or want your festive decorations kept in perfect condition, Movivan’s professional storage services are here to help.

We offer secure, clean, and monitored short- and long-term storage units in London, ideal for seasonal items like Christmas decorations, garden furniture, or off-season clothes.

📞 Call us on 020 800 33260  to learn more.