Holiday décor storage can be confusing and daunting, but if done right, you can ensure that your decorations remain safe and undamaged until the following year. Unfortunately, many people make common mistakes when storing their holiday décor, which leads to broken ornaments and damaged items. Here are the six most common mistakes to avoid to keep your decorations looking their best throughout each season and allow you to use them for years to come.
1. Not Cleaning Them
Dust, dirt, and pollen can accumulate on decorations over time. If these items are stored without proper cleaning, they could cause damage to other things in storage or even become damaged themselves. Make sure to clean your decorations with a soft cloth before putting them away for the season.
2. Storing Them In The Attic Or Basement
It’s essential to store your holiday décor in an area of the home that is temperature-controlled and where humidity levels are low. The attic and basement can become extremely hot or cold during the season, which could damage some decorations like delicate glass ornaments. Instead, opt for a room that will remain at a comfortable temperature throughout each season.
3. Not Properly Wrapping Fragile Décor
When storing fragile décors like tree toppers or glass ornaments, it’s important to wrap them up properly in materials such as bubble wrap, newspapers, or even paper towels. This will ensure they are better protected while in storage and won’t be damaged when the boxes get shifted around during the season. Be sure to label each package so you know what is inside.
4. Poor Organization
Organizing holiday décor is critical when storing, and it’s essential to organize items by type of decoration. When storing holiday décor, separate lights from ornaments, garlands from trees, and fragile décor from durable ones, as this will make it easier for you the following year when you need to find a specific item.
5. Not Using Cardboard Boxes
Wooden boxes can become damp or cause damage to your decorations if you store them for too long. It’s best to use cardboard or plastic bins when keeping away your holiday décor as this will give your items the best protection and make it easier for you to organize everything. Be sure to label each box, so you know which items are inside and where they should be located when it’s time to decorate again.
6. Not Taking Advantage Of Vacuum Sealed Bags
Vacuum-sealed bags can help reduce the amount of space your decorations take up in storage as they compress all items into one bag. Using pillows or something else soft around delicate décor while vacuum-sealed is also essential, as this will further protect them during the season.
Storing holiday décor doesn’t have to be a daunting task, and by following these simple instructions, you can ensure your decorations remain safe, organized, and undamaged until the following year. With a little extra effort, your Christmas tree and other decorations will look just as good as when you first put them up.