Budget Friendly Ways to Store and Organize Christmas Decorations

These easy-to-follow tips and DIY storage solutions will help you organize your decorations in a more user-friendly way, making decorating a breeze each year.

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In addition to providing links to a variety of specialized storage bags and boxes for each item, you will also find FREE or inexpensive DIY methods for easily organizing and storing your holiday decorations. Want less words and more product ideas? Head here to shop my Amazon list of my favorite Christmas storage products.

Short on time and looking for tips for a specific item? Click on the item of your interest to jump straight to that category: lights, ornaments, wreaths, or garland.

Looking for a fun video version of today’s ideas? Hop to the bottom to catch my guest segment on Live From Chevy Chase! We’re talking all about clever (and festive!) Christmas storage tips—you won’t want to miss it!

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General Storage Suggestions:

1. Categorize: Consider grouping your items by the room they go in, level in the house, or which tree they go on. This allows you to drop off the tote in the area of the house that the decorations belong in.

2. Label: Make it easy to locate specific decorations next year by labeling your storage containers. This can be done with a label maker*, QR code app, or even colored post-notes.

3. Utilize wall space: Make use of vertical wall space to store and organize your Christmas decorations. Hang garlands, stockings, and other lightweight decorations with hooks or pegboards on a wall or inside a closet. This not only saves space but also keeps your decorations tangle-free and easily accessible.

4. Repurpose household items: Look around your home for existing items that can be repurposed for Christmas decoration storage. Shoeboxes, iPhone and other phone boxes are just a few excellent options for organizing smaller items like ornaments, hooks, and small figurines. Use tissue paper or bubble wrap to protect fragile items within these repurposed containers.

5. Store extension cords with the appropriate items: For example, if you use a timer with your outside lights, store it with the tote of outside lights. Similarly, if you have an extension cord that you use for your staircase banister or fireplace mantel, store it with those items. This way, when you're looking for it, you'll know exactly where to find it.

6. Keep Your Festive Clothes Separate From Decorations: Maximize your holiday wear by separating them from your other seasonal decorations for easy access.This includes everything from ugly Christmas sweaters and holiday-colored clothing to children's themed t-shirts and matching PJs from years past.  Now you quickly unpack them and add them to your closet.

7. December 1st tote: Put all of the items you need at the beginning of December in a small tote. This way, if you don't have time to decorate until later in the month, you'll have all of the small items you need on hand. This is particularly useful for items like Elf on the Shelf or Advent calendars that require daily attention.

Pro Tip: Take photos of your Christmas decor before taking it down. This will help you remember the specific arrangement. Store the photos in a dedicated folder on your computer or smartphone for easy reference.

Ways to Organize Christmas Lights

1. DIY Cardboard Spool: One of the simplest and most affordable ways to store Christmas lights is by wrapping them around a sturdy piece of cardboard.Write on the cardboard where they are used. Watch the video on how to create your own cardboard spool HERE!

2. Spool Storage: Amazon and your local hardware store have some fantastic options for light spools. Stack the spools in a storage bin or box to keep them organized and protected.

3. Cord Winders: Invest in cord winders* specifically designed for Christmas lights. These handy tools have a central spindle around which you can wrap the lights. They often come with built-in handles or hooks for easy carrying and storage.

Ways to Organize Christmas Ornaments

1. Ornament Storage Boxes: Invest in specialized ornament storage boxes* with individual compartments. These boxes often come with adjustable dividers and soft padding to protect each ornament.

2. Egg / Apple Carton Dividers: Repurpose empty cartons as dividers for smaller ornaments. Each compartment can hold a delicate ornament, keeping them separate and preventing any accidental damage. Watch HERE to see how I turned this apple container into ornament storage!

3. Repurposed Cardboard Dividers: Create custom-made cardboard dividers to fit inside storage boxes. Cut pieces of cardboard into squares or rectangles and create notches or slits to hold each ornament securely. Wrap fragile ornaments in tissue paper or bubble wrap before placing them in the dividers. This DIY approach allows you to customize the size and layout according to your ornament collection.

4. Clear Plastic Bins: Utilize clear plastic bins with lids to store larger or odd-shaped ornaments. Line the bottom of the bin with soft padding, such as bubble wrap or fabric, to protect the ornaments. Sterilite has a great Stack and Carrry* for flat storage, such as the one shown below, for a great way not to overstuff the container.

Ways to Store Christmas Wreaths

1. Dry Cleaner Garment Bags: Repurpose a garment bag to store your Christmas wreath. Simply slip the wreath inside the bag and hang it in a closet or on a hook. The transparent plastic covering will allow you to easily identify the wreath without exposing it to potential damage. Remember to secure the bag at the bottom to prevent any dust or pests from getting inside.

2. Wreath Storage Bag:  Amazon has a variety of storage bags for various sizes such as these for a 24" wreath*, 48" wreath* and two 36" wreaths* in one unit.

3. Trash Bags and Hangers: For a budget-friendly option, protect your wreath by gently sliding it into a large, sturdy trash bag. Tie the bag at the bottom to secure it, then hang the wreath using a hanger in a closet or on a hook. This method works well for smaller wreaths and is an excellent space-saving solution.

4. Command Hooks: If dust and pests are not a concern, attach some command hooks* to a wall in a storage closet and just hang up so that they keep their shape for years to come.

Pro Tip: If you choose to go with a wreath bag, look for ones with sturdy handles and protective padding to shield your wreath from dust, moisture, and potential damage.

Ways to Store Christmas Garland

1. Hang from a sturdy wooden hanger: This idea works well if you have extra closet space and want to keep the lights attached.

2. Large Storage Tote. Since Garland tends to be light you can go with a larger 110quart tote if you have the storage space. This allows you to keep the lights and embellishments attached.

3. Garment Bags: Similar to the wreath storage idea above, or just use a 33 gallon trash bag.

4. Garland Storage Bag: You can purchase a garland bag, such as this affordable two pack*, or use a bag designed for wreaths or for trees depending on the amount of garland you have.

Reminder:

Before you begin, take a moment to reflect on the unused items that have been at the bottom of your tote for years. These items may no longer fit your style, be damaged, or take up too much space. By considering whether they are worth keeping, you may find that you can free up storage space before you even start organizing.

If you need some encouragement to let go of these items, check out this blog where I offer creative suggestions for spreading holiday cheer by sharing your less-loved ornaments and decorations with others who would cherish them.

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Cheers to getting your life in order! And, if you're keen on starting the new year with a bang, make sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter. That way, you won't miss out on the latest and greatest blog posts and tips to help you upgrade your organization game.

Want more Christmas storage solutions? Head here to shop my Amazon list of my favorite Christmas storage products.

Watch the Live From Chevy Chase segment on Christmas storage magic here! 🎄✨

https://youtu.be/47b7mOTXRy8?si=1F0gXWV38n595nq6