Holiday Decor Storage Ideas From A Professional Organizer

If you’re anything like us, you probably think, how is it already the holidays? Every year this season sneaks up on us, and though it can be the most magical time, the holidays can also bring stress. Perhaps you’ve already started thinking about presents, decor, and holiday party planning - or maybe you are someone who inevitably waits until the last minute. Either way, don’t fret! We at Hello Simplified have compiled a list of organization tips we use with our clients to help your holidays go off without a hitch.

You may think that worrying about how you’ll store your decor is something to think about after this season wraps, but we are here to tell you to reverse that mindset. Why? Because storing your decor in a well-organized, thoroughly-labeled, and preserving way can take off loads of stress when it’s time to deck the halls. So read ahead for our simplified tips!

Take Photos Of Your Decorations In Use

​If you feel overwhelmed every year with what to do with your twinkle lights and garland, we have a hack for you. We suggest taking photos of all of your decor in use and storing them in a labeled phone album that you can reference year after year. 
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This means simply snapping a photo of your front porch, the mantel, the dining table centerpiece, etc after you’ve decorated. The idea is that if you can see how you decorated last season, you can mimic it easily and efficiently.

Label, Label, Label

It’s no surprise that as professional home organizers, we love labels - but we have a good reason. They save time, and at the holidays, you know there is never enough time! 

To keep items safe and stackable, we often encourage storing items in bins; clear bins can be the easiest to use so you can see what's inside without taking everything out. If you have minimal decor items, storing them by type, such as all ornaments in one bin, candles in the other, etc., may work for you. (Did you know there are bins and bin inserts specifically designed for storing ornaments? Game changer!)

However, storing items by room/area could better benefit you if you have a larger home with many decorations. This method also works for those who like to use the same decor in the same area annually. 
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Either way, labeling your decor in their respective bin is a lifesaver for holiday decorating. (Imagine no more searching countless boxes trying to find that one beloved nutcracker!)

Wrapping Supplies

Have you ever bought a few rolls of wrapping paper and tape, only to discover when you start digging through your closet that you already owned a ton of wrapping supplies? If you answered yes, we can help you eliminate the unnecessary clutter and spending with just one simple trick - organizing your wrapping supplies. 

​Plenty of products on the market help organize your gift-wrapping supplies, but it can be pretty simple too! First, round up all tape, ribbons, gift tags, bags, and wrapping paper. Discard anything broken or empty, and place all the items in one convenient location. 
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You can use something as simple as an under-bed bin or our favorite small-space hack, a clear garment bag. Like pictured below, a garment bag is perfect for clearly seeing all your wrapping paper - and can hang right in the closet. No more wondering if you have wrapping paper or tape because when you need it, you’ll know exactly where to find it.

Helpful Hacks

There isn’t a one size fits all method when organizing holiday decor because every household has different needs and storage space availability. However, we have tips to help you get the most out of your decor.

• Don’t store candles in attics or heat-prone garages. Candles should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. They can be stored in an opaque bin to prevent further UV damage, bending, and melting. If you have loose candle sticks, wrap them in plain paper before stacking them together.​

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• Avoid light string tangles by wrapping lights around a cylindrical container - or simply a piece of rectangular cardboard. Additionally, before using, or storing your lights every year, test them to ensure they work safely.

• Don’t stack wreaths! Wreaths can be used for years if they are adequately cared for. [And not smashed!] You can store them in their own plastic storage containers or hang them on wall pegs. Simply cover them with a clear plastic bag to keep dust away from them. And like all things you want to preserve, keep them out of direct sunlight when in storage.​

Before Storing Holiday Decor...

Declutter! If you have strings of lights you never got around to repairing, a wreath that has seen better days, or outdated holiday decor that you haven’t used in years, it’s a great time to donate, sell, or recycle it. The more streamlined your decor game is, the more joy you’ll find every year when it comes time to decorate for the holidays (and take it all down)!

Read about being less stressed and enjoying your holiday season more here.

If you are simply overwhelmed, out of time, or need a helping hand this holiday season, we’re your team! Our professional organizers can decorate your home and put it all away at the season's end, storing it in an organized and labeled fashion. We’ll even wrap your gifts and tidy up your guest rooms! We do it all and are happy to help you enjoy the holidays this year.
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Are you interested in learning more about how Hello Simplified can take the stress out of your life this holiday season? Download our organizing guide!