How you organize your Christmas decorations at the end of the season can make decorating next year faster and less stressful. Follow these practical storage tips and you’ll thank yourself next November.
Last year I finally created a storage system that made decorating effortless. In previous years I tried to be tidy, but I still struggled when it came time to pull everything back out. This time, I labeled and packed with purpose, and bringing the boxes down from the attic felt like a breeze.
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It took me several years to find the right storage containers and refine a system that worked for my home. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything sorted yet—start small and improve your system each year. Even one or two well-chosen storage solutions will save time and frustration later.
Order a few of the storage items you need now and you’ll be ready to put everything away quickly when the season ends.
Storage items to consider: Hanging gift wrap storage, dish storage set, wreath storage boxes, canvas wreath bags, large storage totes, under-the-bed wrapping paper storage, ornament storage boxes, light storage boxes, artificial Christmas tree storage bag, rolling tree storage bag.
I love being organized and helping others get organized too. I’ve shared tips for organizing pantries and garages—decluttering and organizing your space makes decorating so much easier and more enjoyable.
Use a Table of Contents or simple list to navigate these tips later, and consider saving this page so you can reference the ideas when packing up next season.
How to Store Christmas Decor by Room
The key change I made last year was this:
Organize storage bins by ROOM.
Labeling totes for specific rooms means my husband and I can carry boxes directly to the spaces where the decorations belong. In the past I sorted everything by type—one box for ornaments, one for wall décor, etc.—and it became difficult to return items to the correct places. Room-based bins eliminate that confusion and make seasonal setup and teardown much smoother.
How deeply you sort will depend on how many decorations you own and how much storage space you have. If space is tight, consolidate more items per bin and label clearly. With ample storage, you can break things down by room, color, or item type for even faster setup.
For small rooms like a bedroom or home office, one labeled tote per room is often enough. Below are detailed suggestions for storing common holiday items.
How to Store Artificial Christmas Trees
If your tree fits back in the original box, that’s often fine. For larger trees or when the original box is damaged, invest in a durable tree storage bag. Look for one with reinforced fabric and wheels to make moving the tree easier—especially if you store it in an attic or basement.
Check the bag’s height capacity before purchasing. A properly sized bag protects the tree from dust, pests, and crushing while making transport much simpler.
Organize Christmas Decorations: Ornaments
With more storage room, I now separate ornaments by room, then by color or style—examples: red ornaments, neutral ornaments, wooden ornaments, and sentimental keepsakes. This saves time when decorating to match a specific scheme.
My best tip: use hard-sided clear storage boxes for fragile ornaments. Those boxes hold up better than soft cases and let you see what’s inside without opening every container. If an ornament came in protective packaging, keep that packaging and place it inside a larger box for extra protection.
For breakables, wrap in tissue or bubble wrap and place heavier items at the bottom of a box. Shatterproof ornaments can be grouped more loosely, but still store thoughtfully to avoid pressure or crushing.
Storing and Organizing Christmas Wreaths
Hard plastic wreath containers are excellent for protection and stacking. Make sure the container diameter accommodates your wreath size. If you need a low-profile option for under-bed storage, canvas wreath bags are a good alternative that keeps wreaths flat and dust-free.
How to Organize Christmas Ribbon
I keep all seasonal ribbon in its own bin since I often change ribbon selections by color each year. Store rolls upright or on a rod to prevent crushing and keep bows and loose trim together in small containers inside the bin.
Organize Christmas Decor for Outdoors
Outdoor decorations deserve their own labeled storage. I keep large bins for outdoor items and divide them into categories such as:
- Wreaths
- Garlands and bows
- Lights—store strands in light-specific boxes or reels to prevent tangles
Label these bins “outdoor decor” so they go directly to the front porch or garage when it’s time to decorate. For large outdoor items, choose sturdy bins with secure lids and handles that clip shut.
Gift Wrap Storage Ideas
Gift wrap, ribbon, and bows often get scattered. Keep all wrap supplies in one dedicated area labeled “wrapping station.” A hanging wrap organizer in a closet keeps rolls upright and accessible. Under-the-bed or flat storage solutions work well if you need to tuck wrap away until the holiday season.
Miscellaneous Christmas Decor
Assign a tote for decor in each room you decorate—kitchen, dining room, bedroom, office, and kids’ rooms. For seasonal dishes or specialty items, a dedicated dinnerware storage set helps keep plates and serving pieces safe and organized.
I also keep a miscellaneous box for items that shift from year to year. Label it clearly and review its contents each season so it doesn’t become a catch-all for clutter.
Quick tips for long-term success:
- Label everything by room and category to speed up both decorating and put-away.
- Choose durable, stackable containers with secure lids and handles.
- Protect fragile items with original packaging, tissue, or bubble wrap.
- Store seasonal items in climate-appropriate spaces to prevent damage from heat or moisture.
- Refine your system each year—small improvements add up.
More organization ideas you may enjoy:
- How to organize your home in simple steps
- Printable organization checklists
- Habits of highly organized people