To pack seasonal decorations for storage, sort them by holiday and type, then pack them in sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard. Wrap fragile ornaments individually in tissue paper or bubble wrap. Coil lights around stiff cardboard to prevent tangling. Store wreaths in round wreath bags. Keep everything in a cool, dry, climate-controlled space.
Most of us pack up holiday decorations the same way every year: in a hurry, into whatever empty box is handy, with a vague hope that nothing breaks before next December. Then next December comes, the ornaments are cracked, the lights are knotted, and the wreath looks like a flat pancake. A little planning when you put things away saves hours of frustration the next time you pull them out, and in Winnipeg, where temperatures swing from -30°C to +30°C, the wrong storage spot can ruin your favourite pieces for good.
Step 1: Sort Your Seasonal Decorations Before You Store Them
Before anything goes into a bin, sort everything into piles by holiday. Christmas in one corner, Halloween in another, Easter and Thanksgiving on their own. Within each holiday, group items by type: ornaments together, lights together, wreaths together, fabric items together, outdoor pieces together.
This is also the perfect time to purge. If an ornament is broken, a string of lights doesn't work, or a decoration just isn't your taste anymore, donate it or toss it now. You'll save space and you won't haul junk into next year.
Step 2: Choose the Right Containers
Sealed plastic bins with tight-fitting lids are the only sensible choice for long-term storage. Cardboard absorbs moisture, breaks down over time, and attracts pests. None of which you want anywhere near your decorations.
A few container tips:
- Clear bins let you see what's inside without opening every lid.
- Uniform sizes stack better in closets, basements, or storage rooms.
- Specialty containers are worth it for the trickiest items: ornament boxes with cell dividers, rigid wreath bags, upright tree storage boxes, and flat bins for garland and ribbon.
Skip plastic garbage bags. They flatten under any weight and offer zero protection from moisture, pests, or being squashed.
Step 3: Packing Christmas Ornaments and Fragile Figurines for Storage
Ornaments are the most likely thing to break in storage, so they get the most care. Wrap each one individually: tissue paper for lightweight pieces, bubble wrap for glass, ceramic, and anything with delicate detail.
Avoid newspaper. The ink rubs off on glass and fabric and the stains often won't come out. Egg cartons are great for very small ornaments and trinkets, and ornament boxes with built-in dividers are worth the investment if you have a large collection.
For figurines and snow globes, wrap them in bubble wrap, set them upright, and fill the gaps with crumpled packing paper so nothing shifts in transit. Don't overpack. If the lid won't close flat, take some pieces out. A bulging lid means broken ornaments later.
Step 4: How to Store Holiday Lights Without Tangles
Tangled lights are a classic holiday storage horror story, and they're completely avoidable. The simplest fix is to wrap each strand around a stiff piece of cardboard, like a flap from a cereal box. Tuck the plug end into the wrap to hold the strand in place.
If you have a lot of lights, dedicated storage reels are inexpensive and they keep everything neat. For battery-operated lights, take the batteries out before you store them. Old batteries leak, and leaks corrode the contacts beyond repair.
One more trick: test every strand before you pack it. There's nothing worse than pulling out lights next season and finding half of them dead.
Step 5: Store Wreaths Without Crushing Them
Wreaths lose their shape fast in flat boxes. A round wreath storage bag is the easiest answer. They're sturdy enough to keep the wreath circular and zip closed to keep dust out.
If you don't want to buy a wreath bag, hang your wreath on a sturdy hanger and slip a garment bag over it. Add a loose paper wrap if your wreath has ribbon, pinecones, or berries that might catch on something. Don't use thin dry-cleaning plastic, because it tears and traps moisture against the wreath.
Step 6: How to Store an Artificial Christmas Tree
Storing an artificial Christmas tree properly keeps it looking full and healthy for years. Start by removing every ornament, garland, and tinsel strand. Then fold each branch upward toward the trunk to make the tree as compact as possible.
Most artificial trees come apart in three sections. Separate them and label each one (bottom, middle, top) so reassembly is fast next year. You have a few options for the actual storage:
- The original box, if it's still in good shape. It's free and sized correctly.
- A heavy-duty tree bag, which protects from dust and is easier to drag around than a box.
- An upright tree storage container, which is the most expensive option but does the best job of protecting branch shape.
Add bubble wrap or old towels between sections for padding. And if you live in Winnipeg, do not store your tree in an uninsulated garage or shed. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles crack the plastic connectors at the base of each branch and damage the wiring on pre-lit trees.
Step 7: Handle Fabric and Paper Items
Stockings, table runners, fabric banners, and tree skirts all need a little prep before they go away. Wash anything with stains, since food spots and red wine only get harder to remove the longer they sit. Fold items neatly (don't crumple them) and pack them into vacuum-seal bags to save space and block out moisture.
Drop a few cedar blocks or rings into the bin to deter moths. Skip mothballs, because the smell soaks into fabric and is almost impossible to get rid of.
For paper items like advent calendars, holiday cards, and decorative paper goods, store them flat in a sealed plastic bin. And keep candles and wax decor somewhere cool. A Winnipeg attic in July can easily hit 40°C, well past the melting point for most candles.
Step 8: Label Everything
Even if you use clear bins, label them. Stacked clear bins all look the same from the side, and you'll waste time pulling them out one by one. A label maker, masking tape and a permanent marker, or printed sticker labels all work fine.
For multi-bin holidays, number the boxes: "Christmas 1/4, Ornaments," "Christmas 2/4, Lights and Garland," and so on. If you have a really big collection, take a quick photo of each bin's contents on your phone for a searchable record.
Step 9: Choose the Right Storage Location
This is where Winnipeg homeowners need to be extra careful. Our winters regularly drop to -30°C and our summers push past +30°C. Anywhere that isn't climate-controlled, including uninsulated garages, attics, and outdoor sheds, will warp plastic, crack glass ornaments, melt candles, ruin electronics, and invite moisture damage.
The best spots are inside your home: a spare closet, the corner of a heated basement, or a dedicated storage room. If your basement is dry and stays at a stable temperature, it's a good option. If it floods or gets damp in spring, look elsewhere.
For households with large collections or limited space, a climate-controlled storage unit is a practical year-round home for seasonal items. The temperature and humidity stay stable, and you free up closet space at home for things you actually use every day.
One last tip: pack the bins you'll need first (outdoor lights, the front-door wreath) at the front of whatever space you use. The deeper-cut bins go in the back.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to store holiday decorations?
The best way to store holiday decorations is in sealed plastic bins, sorted by holiday and type, with fragile items individually wrapped in tissue paper or bubble wrap. Store the bins in a cool, dry, climate-controlled space, not an attic, garage, or shed where temperatures swing dramatically.
Should I store holiday decorations in the attic or basement?
A dry, heated basement is fine for holiday decorations. Attics, garages, and outdoor sheds are not, because extreme heat, cold, and humidity will damage ornaments, electronics, candles, and fabric items over time. If your basement is damp or prone to flooding, choose another spot in the house or use a climate-controlled storage unit.
How do you keep Christmas lights from tangling in storage?
Wrap each light strand around a stiff piece of cardboard, like a cereal box flap, and tuck the plug end in to hold it. You can also use dedicated light storage reels. Store each strand separately, since combining them into one bin almost guarantees tangles.
How do you store an artificial Christmas tree?
Remove all decorations, fold the branches upward, and separate the tree into its sections. Label the sections so reassembly is easy. Pack the tree in its original box, a heavy-duty tree bag, or an upright tree storage container. Store it somewhere cool, dry, and climate-controlled to protect the branches and wiring.
How do you pack fragile ornaments without an original box?
Wrap each ornament individually in tissue paper or bubble wrap and pack them snugly in a plastic bin so they can't shift. Egg cartons work for very small ornaments. Avoid newspaper, which can leave ink stains, and don't overpack the bin. The lid should close flat without pressure.
How do you store Christmas wreaths so they keep their shape?
Use a round wreath storage bag, the original box, or hang the wreath on a sturdy hanger inside a garment bag. Add a loose paper wrap if your wreath has ribbon, pinecones, or berries. Avoid flat boxes and thin dry-cleaning plastic, which crush the wreath and trap moisture.
Need Help With Your Move or Storage?
If you're packing up more than just decorations (say, an entire house), our team can take the heavy lifting off your hands. We also offer climate-controlled storage in Winnipeg, which is a safe, stable home for seasonal items year-round. Legacy Moving Company is run by three founders with over 50 years of combined moving experience. Call (204) 296-2223 for a free quote, or request an estimate online.