19 Christmas Decor Storage Ideas
When the holidays are over, packing away the twinkling lights, ornaments, and festive wreaths can feel like a bit of a buzzkill.
But here’s the truth — storing your Christmas decorations doesn’t have to be a messy, stressful ordeal. With the right organization and a few clever hacks, you can make next year’s decorating way easier.
So, let’s chat about some smart, creative, and downright practical Christmas decor storage ideas that’ll keep your holiday treasures neat, safe, and ready for their big comeback next season.
1. Use Clear Plastic Bins for Easy Visibility
Let’s start with a simple but game-changing idea — clear plastic bins. These bins let you see exactly what’s inside without opening each one.
You can organize by theme, color, or room, and even label them for extra clarity. Bonus tip: stack them neatly to save space and keep everything dust-free.
2. Ornament Storage Boxes Are Worth It
You know how frustrating it is to open a box of ornaments and find broken glass and tangled hooks? That’s where ornament storage boxes come in.
They have dividers that keep each ornament safe and separate. You can buy ready-made ornament organizers, or even repurpose wine boxes with cardboard inserts for a DIY version.
3. Wrap Lights Around Cardboard or Spools
Untangling Christmas lights is a yearly struggle — unless you wrap them properly. Grab some cardboard, cut it into rectangles, and wrap the lights around them before securing the ends. If you want a longer-term solution, try plastic spools or light reels specifically made for storage. You’ll thank yourself next December.
4. Use Ziplock Bags for Small Items
For those tiny pieces like ornament hooks, extra bulbs, or mini decorations, ziplock bags are lifesavers. Group similar items together and store them inside your main decor bins. Label each bag so you can quickly find what you need next time.
5. Store Wreaths in Garment Bags
Wreaths can be tricky to store — you don’t want them squished or dusty. Garment bags are a clever solution. Simply hang your wreath on a hanger and zip it up inside the bag. This keeps it clean and prevents it from losing shape.
6. Use Plastic Cups for Ornaments
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly ornament storage hack, grab a large plastic bin and a few disposable cups. Hot glue the cups to a cardboard sheet, place your ornaments inside each one, and layer them in the bin. It’s cheap, effective, and surprisingly sturdy.
7. Label Everything Clearly
Nothing saves time like good labeling. Use bold, easy-to-read labels for each storage bin, and be specific — instead of “Christmas Stuff,” write “Tree Ornaments” or “Outdoor Lights.” You can even color-code your labels: red for tree decor, green for indoor decorations, blue for outdoor items, etc.
8. Use Egg Cartons for Small Ornaments
Don’t throw away those empty egg cartons just yet! They’re perfect for storing small, delicate ornaments. The individual sections keep items safe and snug, preventing them from bumping into each other. It’s a clever reuse trick that costs nothing.
9. Hang Garland on a Clothes Hanger
Garland tends to get tangled easily, so why not hang it instead? Coil the garland loosely around a sturdy clothes hanger and cover it with a plastic bag to keep it dust-free. Then, just hang it in a closet or storage area until next season.
10. Use a Tree Storage Bag Instead of the Original Box
Artificial Christmas tree boxes tend to fall apart after a few years. Instead, invest in a tree storage bag. They’re made from durable materials, often with handles and wheels for easy moving. Plus, you won’t have to wrestle with the original cardboard box every year.
11. Wrap Fragile Items in Tissue Paper or Bubble Wrap
When packing delicate figurines, snow globes, or glass ornaments, don’t skimp on protection. Use tissue paper, bubble wrap, or even leftover wrapping paper. Keep similar items together in a small box before placing them in your main storage bin.
12. Store Wrapping Paper Vertically
If you love gift wrapping, you probably have tons of leftover paper rolls. Keep them neat by storing them vertically in a tall bin, hamper, or even a garment bag. This prevents them from getting crushed or wrinkled.
13. Create a “Gift Wrap Station” Bin
Speaking of wrapping paper, consider making a dedicated bin just for gift wrap supplies. Include scissors, tape, ribbons, bows, and tags all in one place. That way, you’ll be ready to wrap presents without searching through every drawer next year.
14. Reuse Old Shoe Boxes for Organizing
Shoe boxes make surprisingly great organizers for smaller decorations like ornaments, stockings, or figurines. You can even decorate the boxes with labels or festive colors to make them look nicer on your storage shelf.
15. Use a Hanging Shoe Organizer
This one’s a hidden gem — a hanging shoe organizer can store tons of small Christmas items! Each pocket can hold ornaments, ribbon spools, candles, or other decor. Just hang it in a closet and tuck it away until next season.
16. Protect Outdoor Decor Separately
Outdoor decorations often get dirty or damp, so it’s best to store them separately. Use weatherproof containers and line them with plastic garbage bags for extra protection. Clean everything before storing to prevent mold and damage.
17. Store Tree Skirts and Fabric Decor in Vacuum Bags
Fabric decorations like tree skirts, table runners, and stockings can take up a lot of space. Vacuum-seal bags are perfect for compressing them down and keeping them safe from dust and moisture. Plus, they stack easily in storage bins.
18. Make a Decoration Inventory List
It might sound a bit over the top, but keeping a list of what decorations you have can really help. Note down what’s in each bin or even take photos before storing. That way, you’ll know exactly where everything is when you start decorating again.
19. Keep a “First to Open” Bin
Here’s a pro tip — pack one special bin labeled “Open First.” Fill it with the essentials you’ll need right away next year, like extension cords, ornament hooks, and your favorite decorations. It’ll make setting up so much easier when the time comes.
How to Keep Your Storage Space Organized
Even with all these great ideas, a cluttered storage area can still be frustrating. Before you start packing, take a few minutes to declutter and donate any decorations you no longer use. Then, group similar items together: tree decor, indoor decor, outdoor decor, wrapping supplies, etc. Stack bins by category and place frequently used items where they’re easiest to reach.
Another great habit is to create a simple labeling system — maybe color-coded bins or printed tags. The more you organize now, the less stress you’ll have next holiday season.
Where to Store Everything Safely
Location matters just as much as organization. Choose a storage spot that’s cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight. Avoid damp basements or hot attics if possible, as temperature extremes can damage delicate decor. A closet, under-bed storage, or garage shelf with a dehumidifier can work wonders.
If you do use your attic, store fragile items in the middle rather than near the edges, where the temperature fluctuates more. For garages, seal bins tightly and elevate them off the floor to prevent water damage.
Budget-Friendly Storage Hacks
You don’t need to buy all new storage solutions to get organized. Many of the best Christmas decor storage ideas come from repurposing what you already have. Old egg cartons, shoe boxes, and plastic bags can all serve a new purpose. If you want to invest a little, stores often have post-Christmas sales on holiday storage bins and organizers — a great time to snag deals for next year.
You can even get creative with DIY storage. For instance, use tension rods inside plastic bins to hang lightweight ornaments, or create cardboard dividers for a custom storage setup. It’s all about using what fits your space and budget best.
Why Proper Storage Makes Decorating Easier
Think about how much time you spend untangling lights or hunting for matching ornaments every December. By taking the time to organize now, you’ll cut down on stress next year and keep your decorations in great shape for longer. Plus, it makes decorating more enjoyable — everything will be right where you left it, ready to bring that holiday magic back to life.
Conclusion
Packing up your Christmas decorations doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little creativity and planning, you can store everything neatly, protect your favorite pieces, and make next year’s decorating a breeze. From ornament boxes and wreath bags to DIY hacks with everyday items, these 19 Christmas decor storage ideas will help you stay organized and stress-free. So before you toss everything into random boxes, take a few extra minutes to put these tricks into action — your future holiday self will be so glad you did.
