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Christmas Organization Ideas To Quickly Reclaim Your Space

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Christmas lights, a storage tub with red ornaments, and labeled boxes for holiday decorations. A banner reads: "Simple Storage Tips for Christmas Decorations" with a website link below.

Currently facing a mess of Christmas decor items as you try to pack things up post holiday? These Christmas organization ideas will help you get things sorted!

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Christmas Organization Ideas

I love decorating for Christmas. Getting out my Christmas decorations and setting them up is always a treat.

But putting away Christmas decorations? Ugg, not my fave! Christmas can feel like whirlwind and usually the last thing I want to do is take down a bunch of decorations.

Festive image with text "Storage Tips for Christmas Decor" on a background of cardboard boxes labeled "XMAS Tree Decor" and red ornaments. Website link at the bottom: theglossynest.com.

It’s so tempting to just want to throw everything into random boxes or bags and call it a day.

But I’ve learn over the years to take some time with after Christmas organization activities. It keeps your decorations looking great year after year. And it makes setting them up again even easier.

How do you organize after Christmas? If you’re trying to figure out where you’re going to store all those Christmas decorations, check out these time tested Christmas organization ideas.

How to Organize Christmas Decorations

Let’s start with a fool proof method to take down Christmas decorations.

A close-up of several rolls of Christmas wrapping paper with a glowing text overlay that reads, "Storage Tips for Christmas Wrapping Paper." Website: www.theglossynest.com.

Here’s a simple process to follow for when you’re ready to put away your Christmas decorations:

  1. Take pictures of what worked well so you can remember how you decorated for next year’s Christmas.
  2. Move all of the Christmas decorations to one room. This allows you to sort and group items as you pack them for storage.
  3. Separate out any items you no longer want to keep. There’s no sense storing these items. Trash them or donate them to charity instead.
  4. Decide how you want to sort & store items:
    • By color – a good choice for those that like to change up their Christmas decoration theme each year.
    • By category – all the ornaments together, all the garland together, etc.
    • By space – kitchen decorations, front porch decorations, etc.
    • However it fits – if storage is very limited, don’t worry about sorting items. Pack items as best you can, however they fit.
  5. Pack up the Christmas decorations into storage containers. Fill out Christmas decor inventory sheets as you go to help you remember & keep organized.
  6. Label the storage containers so you know the contents. Printable labels work well for this.
  7. Move the storage containers into your storage spaces.
  8. Clean & tidy your space.
  9. Set out winter decor items or your regular, everyday decor items.
  10. Relax and enjoy the clean space!

How to Store Christmas Decorations

What is the best way to store Christmas decorations? Do you really need to buy special containers to hold Christmas decorations? Is it possible to store Christmas decor in regular bags or boxes?

A bundle of colorful Christmas lights with a decorative sign above that reads, "Storage Tips for Christmas Lights" from www.theglossynest.com.

One of my biggest tips for Christmas decor organization & storage is to use the box the decor item came in. This is especially true for oddly shaped items or fragile items. It’s also a cheap way to store Christmas decor.

Never had an original box? Got rid of the box? Box is too flimsy or damaged? Need waterproof storage solutions? Then it might be time to invest in containers specifically designed for Christmas decorations.

The best Christmas storage ideas don’t have to be expensive however. Use what you have around the house to keep decor items secure, safe, dry and dust free.

Storage & Organization Ideas for Christmas Trees

Christmas trees are bulky to store, but I’ve seen so many great Christmas decoration organization ideas for artificial trees. What is the best way to store your Christmas tree? Honestly, there are quite a few options on the market these days.

Red storage bags containing artificial Christmas tree branches with pinecones are shown. The text reads, "Storage Tips for Artificial Christmas Trees." The website "www.theglossynest.com" is displayed.

Consider how you will move your tree to and from the storage area. Also take into account if your storage area is prone to moisture.

Look for a Christmas tree storage option that works best with your budget too. Fancy Christmas tree storage options are nice, but cheaper options will work just as well.

Here are some ways to store artificial Christmas trees:

  • Use the original box your Christmas tree came in
  • Soft sided Christmas tree bags & totes
  • Hard plastic Christmas tree boxes
  • Upright Christmas tree storage solutions
  • Cheap, DIY Christmas tree storage methods

With soft side Christmas tree bags & totes, you get an easy way to store your tree (stuff it in the bag), but also move it around (use the handles & wheels).

If you’re worried about the bag being too heavy, get two. Bags can hold more items than just the tree, making them a good choice for people with small storage spaces.

Hard plastic Christmas tree boxes are good if you want to stack other boxes on top of your Christmas tree in storage. They also work well for situations where water might be an issue.

Christmas Tree Storage

Got room to store your tree upright? I love the idea of moving a tree out from storage, taking off the cover and starting to decorate it. If you have the space, I would recommend using an upright Christmas tree storage option for ease of use.

How do you store a Christmas tree without a box but on the cheap? Inexpensive, DIY Christmas tree storage methods can involve using plastic wrap, contractor bags, paint drop cloths, etc. to store your tree.

While not the most elegant looking storage method, keeping your Christmas tree safe and dry is the most important thing.

Storage & Organization Ideas for Christmas Ornaments

Christmas ornaments might seem to be hard to handle, but there are lots of different ways to store them so they are protected.

A box filled with shiny red and gold Christmas ornaments. Text overlay reads: "Storage Tips for Christmas Ornaments" with a website URL at the bottom.

What is the most efficient way to store Christmas ornaments? Consider using:

  • Ornament storage boxes
  • Under the bed ornament storage boxes
  • Tote bags or soft sided storage containers for non delicate ornaments

For cheap ways to store Christmas ornaments use some of these supplies:

  • Shoe boxes
  • Small cardboard boxes
  • Egg cartons, plastic cups, newspaper & bubble wrap
  • A box with homemade cardboard dividers

If you like to change up your Christmas decor from year to year, it’s recommended to store your Christmas ornaments by color. This helps you visualize the ornaments you already have vs new ones you might need to purchase.

Christmas Ornament Storage

For awkwardly shaped ornaments, I highly recommend storing them in the box they came in. Otherwise, you might need to use collectible Christmas storage containers instead of standard Christmas ornament containers for after Christmas organization & storage.

How do you store large Christmas ornaments? Large ornaments that aren’t delicate can be easily stored in tote bags, hampers or large storage bins.

If your ornament won’t fit all the way in the storage box, consider leaving the lid off. Cover the top of the box with plastic to keep the dust off.

To store delicate large ornaments, wrap them in bubble wrap and place them in a cardboard box or shoe box.

If you gently shake the box and can hear the ornament moving around, it is not secure enough to prevent potential damage. Add newspaper or packing peanuts to the box to secure the ornament.

Storage & Organization Ideas for Large Outdoor Christmas Decorations

You fell in love with those large outdoor reindeer figurines this Christmas. They look great on your lawn with your Christmas lights display.

But Christmas is over and now where to put them? How do you store large outdoor Christmas decorations? You’ve got several options with storing large outdoor Christmas decorations:

  • Inside a garden shed
  • Covered under your deck
  • In an outdoor storage container or box
  • In your basement
  • In your garage
  • In a storage unit

While large outdoor Christmas decorations are designed to to get wet, they will start to wear down over time with exposure to the elements.

So these items can be stored in outdoor places. But you’ll want to keep them covered to protect them during the off season.

Outdoor Christmas Storage

Can’t seem to find any place for them? It might be best to hold them in a storage unit. Use a truck, van or SUV to move them to and from the unit.

Or consider renting outdoor Christmas decorations each year instead. This is one of my favorite Christmas decoration organization ideas for those with limited storage space.

Storage & Organization Ideas for Christmas Wreaths

Although it might seem awkward to store Christmas wreaths or other types of wreaths, there are quite a few ways to do it:

  • In wreath storage boxes
  • On hooks attached to a wall, back of a door, front of a bookcase
  • Using dial rods
  • In a closet or clothing rack, using coat hangers
  • In large laundry hampers
Christmas Wreath Storage

If you have a lot of wreaths and the space to store them all together, I like using a dial rod or clothing rack for wreath storage.

For smaller spaces, use a wreath storage box to save space. Be careful about stuffing your wreath in with other Christmas decor. You want it to maintain it’s shape during the off season.

Storage & Organization Ideas for Christmas Garland

Some garland can be a bit unwieldy to handle such as faux greenery Christmas garland. Other garlands are very delicate and can get tangled easily.

Festive Christmas garlands hang from wooden rods, adorned with colorful baubles in green, red, orange, and gold. Text overlay reads "Storage Tips for Christmas Garland" with a link to theglossynest.com.

Garland can seem like a hard thing to store, but actually there are a few ways to do it:

  • Hang garland from hooks, dial rods, clothing racks, hangers, etc.
  • Use a garland storage container
  • Place it in a garbage can, hamper or storage tote.
Christmas Garland Storage

Faux greenery garland and wreaths can be stored together in the same containers or hanging from the same space.

One of my favorite Christmas organization hacks is to store garland is within a Christmas tree storage bag. If your garland is delicate, find a good hook or hanger to keep it untangled.

Storage & Organization Ideas for Christmas Lights

The main thing with storing Christmas lights is to keep them from getting tangled. The last thing you want to do is deal with tangled Christmas lights when you’re setting up your Christmas decorations.

A storage box filled with neatly wrapped Christmas lights. Text overlay reads, "Storage Tips for Christmas Lights" with a website link, "www.theglossynest.com.

To do this, consider using the following Christmas organization ideas for Christmas lights:

  • Lights wrapped around a sheet of cardboard
  • Christmas light reel or spool
  • Twist ties around neatly bundled lights
  • Bags or boxes to hold light bundles
Christmas Lights Storage

If you have a bunch of outdoor Christmas lights, consider leaving some of them up all year. Just don’t turn them on. Then there is no need to store the lights.

General Christmas Decor Storage

There’s lots of other creative ways to store Christmas decor. Consider doing some of the following for Christmas decor organization:

  • Wrapping paper & floral picks can be stored in laundry hampers
  • Christmas ribbon spools store well on pant hangers
  • Stockings, tree skirts, blankets, table cloths, table runners & pillow covers can be kept on skirt hangers
Vertical rolls of festive Christmas wrapping paper in red, green, and white with various holiday patterns. Text overlay reads, "Storage Tips for Christmas Wrapping Paper" with a website link at the bottom.

When in doubt, packing Christmas decorations into hard sided plastic storage bins or a soft sided storage tote is a good solution.

Plastic totes are easy to stack and can hold a wide range of Christmas decor items. Wrap delicate items in bubble wrap or newspaper and place them on the top.

How do you organize Christmas bins? One way to do it is by color. Place of the gold items together, all of the red items together, etc. You can also do it by room. Living room Christmas decorations, mantel Christmas decor, etc.

Christmas Storage Containers

However you do it, make sure to label the totes so you know what’s in them for next year.

Need bin labels & decor inventory sheets for organizing your Christmas decorations? Check out my Ultimate Christmas Planner printable! It’s got some goodies to help you stay organized with Christmas decorating & storage.

  • Ultimate Christmas planner printable pages

Where to Store Christmas Decorations

Wondering where do people store Christmas stuff? In reality, all over! Pretty much any storage space in your house or apartment can be used to hold Christmas decorations in the off season.

While it’s nice to have all of your decorations stored together, Christmas decorations can be stored in different places throughout your space such as in the attic, in a closet, down in the basement or in the garage.

The best Christmas storage ideas I’ve seen make use of all types of storage places throughout a space. Here are some common areas for storing Christmas decorations:

Christmas Storage in the Attic

Attics are a great place to store Christmas decorations during the off season. There are a few considerations though with storing Christmas decorations in the attic:

  • Does your attic get very hot? Some materials might not do well under extreme heat.
  • Are there steps to your attic? Some decorations might be too heavy to move up and down from an attic with steps.

Apart from this, make use of your attic for Christmas decor. It’s a no brainer place for storage. Even small crawl spaces can hold a surprising amount of Christmas decorations.

Christmas Storage in the Basement

Another Christmas organization idea is to use your basement to store Christmas decorations. The biggest problem people often face with storing things in a basement, is preventing mold and mildew build up.

A basement with shelves containing boxes labeled for a Christmas tree and various storage items. The image features text saying "Basement Christmas Storage Tips" with a website URL below.

If this is your situation, you might want to think twice about using a basement for Christmas storage. Once the mildew or mold gets into your decor, it can be really hard to get rid of, not to mention, unhealthy.

But if your basement is dry and clean, it makes a great place for Christmas decoration storage.

Christmas Storage in the Garage

One of my favorite Christmas organization hacks is to use the garage as a place to store Christmas decor.

Many garages are on the same level as the first floor of a house. So it can be ideal to store your Christmas tree in a garage and not have to move it up or down steps.

Red storage bins with green lids stacked, labeled with a sign that reads "Garage Christmas Storage Tips" from theglossynest.com.

Many garages keep cool in the hot months and have good air flow due to the door being opened and closed frequently. So mold or mildew isn’t always an issue with garages.

Most garages have lots of room for storage, especially if you don’t park a car in your garage.

Garage & Basement Storage

How to store Christmas decorations in garage? This is a great place to use shelving or build overhead storage racks for after Christmas organization & decoration storage.

You can make your own shelving if you’re handy with power tools. Otherwise, look for ready made garage shelving options.

Christmas Storage in a Shed

Is it ok if you’re storing Christmas decorations in a shed? Yes, absolutely! A garden shed makes a great place to store large outdoor Christmas decorations such as outdoor reindeer figurines or Christmas inflatables.

Just make sure your shed is protected from the elements. If there’s a chance your decor could get wet, it probably will at some point during the year. Use waterproof storage containers or limit a shed to outdoor decor items only.

Christmas Storage in Apartments & Small Spaces

Trying to figure out how do you store Christmas decorations in a small space or where to store Christmas decorations in an apartment?

It’s a challenge I know! But you can find ways to do it. Consider that you won’t need as many decorations in an apartment as you do in a house.

Shelving unit with woven baskets and a magazine stack. Text overlay reads, "Small Space Christmas Storage Tips.

Here are some Christmas decoration storage ideas for an apartment or small space:

  • Under a bed
  • In a closet
  • Under the sink
  • In an extra kitchen cabinet
  • In nightstand, sideboard or dresser drawers
  • On hangers or hooks behind a door
  • On a bookcase (use nice looking storage containers)

Still not enough storage room? Consider using an off site storage unit for your Christmas decor organization needs.

How do you store a Christmas tree in a small space? The size of the Christmas tree is important to consider. Tabletop trees are easy to store in small spaces.

Larger trees are about the same size as a boiler when stored. If you don’t have enough room for a boiler, you probably don’t have space to store a Christmas tree. In that case you might need to rent storage space or use a real Christmas tree each year instead.

Christmas Storage in Closets & Spare Rooms

Have a spare room or spare closet in your house? Use it for storing Christmas decor! Many people think closets or extra bedrooms should only hold clothing, bathing or pantry items. But these places can be perfect to use for storing Christmas items too.

One Christmas organization idea is to make sure to store your Christmas decor in a way that keeps it out of sight. Decor stored out in the open around your house will feel cluttered and will get in the way of cleaning.

Get organized for seasonal decor this year with this FREE printable seasonal decorating schedule. Keep track of when to decorate for holidays & when to shop for decor. Sign up below for an instant download!

Got any more Christmas organization ideas that have worked well for you? Share them below with others in the comments!

More Seasonal Decor Ideas

For more info on how to decorate for the seasons & holidays, check out these posts:

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Christmas lights, a storage tub with red ornaments, and labeled boxes for holiday decorations. A banner reads: "Simple Storage Tips for Christmas Decorations" with a website link below.
Christmas ornaments neatly stored in a cardboard box, featuring red, blue, purple, and multicolored baubles. Text above reads "Simple Christmas Storage Solutions" with a website link "www.theglossynest.com.
A wooden box filled with Christmas decorations such as star ornaments, small white houses, and paper ornaments. The text above reads "Simple & Easy Christmas Storage Solutions" with a website link below.
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