Packing Up From The Holidays

It's that time, that some people never look forward to - it’s the same slog every year — the leftovers expire, the relatives leave, the “holiday cheer” starts to vanish.  Plus you're left with a house still decorated to the nines with mistletoe and garland. 

It can be a daunting to have to pack and store all of your ornaments, wreaths, figurines and lights, but it has to be done. Many holiday decorations get taken out of storage once a year, so it’s important to pack and prep them properly for long-term storage-or get them ready for them to go on the mezzanine in the garage; like I do.

Here are some tips for helping to make your life just a little bit easier.

Pick the Storage Option that’s Best For You.  Remember, you don't have to do everything; just things that might help make your life just a tad bit easier.

Whether you’re storing in a closet, garage, attic or storage unit, it’s important to choose the right containers for your items.  Forget the cardboard boxes, that can easily be damaged.

Use specialty storage containers instead, like plastic bins, and make sure they’re airtight to prevent moisture, bugs, dust and dirt from creeping in. 

Be sure to use acid-free tissue paper or bubble wrap to pad delicate items as well. As always, avoid overloading your containers.  You’ll just make it harder to unload and unpack everything next year while also risking damage to the contents.

Sort, Label and Categorize

It’s important to categorize your ornaments, whether by color, size, shape or value. Keep similar parts and hardware together as well; this will make assembly much easier next year. Remember to throw away any ornaments or decorations that may be broken or are obsolete, unless you’re holding onto them for nostalgic reasons. If you’re storing electronic items, remove all batteries before packing them away to prevent damage from corrosion.

Labeling your containers will be a huge time-saver the next time you need to unpack them.  Use zip-up bags for groups of smaller decorations, like ornaments or sturdier figurines. Zip-up bags will take up less space than bulky boxes, and will save you from blindly rifling through boxes and cartons in the future to find those unusual orange ornaments the in-laws gave you.

Packing Hacks and Tips

Repurpose disposable food storage containers for hardware, like extra holiday lights or ornament clasps. Keep the original ornament boxes and packaging, or use wine boxes or egg cartons for additional storage. Avoid wrapping or padding with newspaper, as the ink may rub off over long periods of storage.

To prevent holiday lights from tangling, wrap them around spools, cardboard or other boxed items you’re already storing. You also can repurpose garden hose reels as holiday light spools.

Cover your wreaths with a bag and hang them on a wire hanger, or keep them in any large box that won’t destroy the integrity of their shape. Hat boxes or large pizza boxes are great alternatives.