- Lori Ann Dupuis
- Jan 20
Let’s be honest: the sparkle and magic of holiday decorating is amazing… but taking it all down and storing it? Not so much.
At Red’s Holiday Decor, I live and breathe all things Christmas—which means I’ve learned exactly how to store holiday décor efficiently, protect delicate items, and stay organized so decorating next year is stress-free (and even enjoyable!).
Here are my favorite pro-approved storage hacks that keep everything from ornaments to garlands looking good as new.
Color-Code Your Storage Bins
Skip the mystery boxes. Use color-coded bins to easily spot your Christmas décor by decorating colors.
Large bins for decor, extra large bins for garland and centerpieces
Clear bins = versatile and let you see what’s inside
Label all sides with the contents, color and/or room/location (example: "Living Room Garlands", "Glass Hurricanes", “Red Decor”)
Pro Tip: Use stackable bins for easy storage in garages or closets and group by room or décor theme.
Store Ornaments Like a Pro
Your ornaments are delicate, detailed, and often sentimental—keep them safe!
My top storage hacks:
Use ornament storage boxes with adjustable dividers and hard shells.
Save the original packaging with the foam to protect fragile and glass pieces.
Wrap fragile or glass ornaments in tissue paper or bubble wrap before placing in compartments.
Bonus Tip: Group ornaments by color or theme and label each section so you can quickly pull exactly what you need next year.
Tame the Ribbon Tangle
Ribbon is one of the most-used items in holiday decorating—and it’s also one of the easiest to ruin if stored poorly.
Ribbon storage tips:
Use a plastic bin with a dowel rod to hang spools (you can pull ribbon directly from the box!).
Secure ends with painter’s tape or rubber bands to prevent unraveling.
Store ribbon by color or season in clear bins or labeled drawers.
Wrangle Your Garland & Greenery
Garlands and wreaths can get crushed if you toss them into a bin. Protect the shape and fluff by storing them smartly.
Hang wreaths on a pegboard or garment rack with labeled tags.
Place garlands in large storage bags or plastic bins, layered with tissue or bubble wrap.
Add scent-saver sachets (like cinnamon sticks or cedar chips) to keep things fresh.
Designer Tip: Store garlands in their full shape when possible to avoid time-consuming re-fluffing.
Protect Your Tree
If you use an artificial tree, how you store it is just as important as how you decorate it.
Use a rolling tree bag instead of the original box—it saves time and protects branches.
For pre-lit trees, wrap sections in plastic wrap to keep lights and limbs intact.
Label sections (top/middle/base) for faster assembly next year.
Bonus Tip: Place a laminated photo of the fully decorated tree in the bag so you remember your theme setup!
Designate a Holiday Storage Zone
Whether it’s a spare closet, garage shelving, or attic space, keeping all holiday décor in one place is a game changer.
Store by color, room or décor theme: Entryway, Mantel, Tablescape, Tree, etc.
Keep an inventory sheet or digital checklist for quick reference.
Make room for new purchases by donating unused items at the end of the season.
Invest in the Right Supplies - For The Best Holiday Storage Hacks
Good storage pays off in time and money. Here are a few of my must-haves:
Ornament and wreath storage bins (QVC has great ones!)
Rolling tree bags
Clear stackable bins with labels
Adjustable shelves or utility racks
Moisture absorbers and scent sachets
Final Thoughts
Taking down holiday décor doesn’t have to be overwhelming or chaotic. With the right tools and a little strategy, your holiday storage can be just as satisfying as decorating which is why is important to know The Best Holiday Storage Hacks.
And come next season? You’ll thank yourself when everything’s neat, labeled, and ready to go.
Need a pro to help reset and organize your décor?
Red’s Holiday Decor offers post-season takedown and storage consultations. Let’s make next season smoother than ever!
