Putting away Christmas decorations might feel like the final farewell to the festive season—but doing it right helps you start the New Year fresh and ensures your décor stays intact for next Christmas. If you’re wondering how to store Christmas decorations without breaking them or battling tangled lights next year, these tips will help you pack everything away neatly, safely, and smartly.
If you’re looking to stay organised all year round, have a read of our handy guide to seasonal storage for clothes and household items, or book a unit online in just a few clicks. You can also check out our full list of London self storage locations to find the one nearest to you.
Christmas Decoration Storage Tips
When it’s time to pack away the festive cheer, protecting your decorations properly will help them last for years to come. Whether you’re storing baubles, glass ornaments, or delicate décor, these Christmas decoration storage tips will make the process easier—and keep everything intact for next year.
- Wrap each item carefully: Use tissue paper for small decorations and bubble wrap for anything fragile, like ceramic or glass pieces. This helps prevent chips, cracks, or scratches during storage.
- Choose clear, sturdy boxes: Avoid bin bags, which can crush or tangle decorations. Instead, use small plastic containers sized to fit your items—from shoebox-sized boxes for baubles to larger bins for garlands and lights.
- Label your boxes clearly: This makes it easier to find everything next season, whether it’s Christmas bauble storage or lights and tinsel.
Christmas Decorations and Ornaments You Should Hang, Not Box
Some decorations are long, delicate, or prone to getting tangled or bent if packed the wrong way. To avoid damage or warping, it’s a good idea to store certain items using hanging storage—think clothing rails, over-door hooks, or the coat rack in your wardrobe. This not only saves space but also keeps your Christmas decor storage neat and accessible.
Here are some of the best decorations to store hanging:
- Wreaths
- Christmas lights
- Garlands
- Bunting
Using vertical storage can also help keep these items looking fresh and ready to go when the festive season returns.
5 Storage Hacks to Keep Your Christmas Lights Tangle-Free
Christmas lights storage can be frustrating—especially when you’re faced with a tangled mess next year. Storing string lights properly isn’t just about finding space; it’s also about protecting the bulbs, avoiding knots, and keeping them dry. These simple tricks will save you time and stress:
- Wrap around cardboard strips: Wind each light strand around a piece of sturdy cardboard, then place it inside a box. This keeps the lights flat and easy to unwind.
- Use a coat hanger: Choose one with side hooks so you can loop the lights securely without slipping.
- Try a cardboard tube: The inner roll from kitchen paper or wrapping paper makes a great DIY reel and helps prevent twisting.
- Invest in a cable reel or spool: If you use lots of lights, this is the most efficient long-term Christmas lights storage solution.
- Repurpose a bottle: For a budget-friendly option, wind your lights around an empty bottle to keep them neat and compact.
Once wrapped, pop your lights into a labelled, dry container to protect them until next year. Knowing how to store Christmas lights without tangling means no more time wasted on knots—and more time enjoying the sparkle.
How to Store Your Christmas Tree Properly & Prevent Shedding
Over time, artificial trees can start to shed or lose their shape—usually due to poor packing or being stored in the wrong conditions. With the right storage for your Christmas tree, you can keep it looking full and festive year after year.
Take it apart with care: Separate the tree into sections and wrap each one in a dust sheet or old cloth to prevent flattening and dirt build-up.
Use a proper storage bag: A wheeled, durable bag is ideal for keeping branches protected. Choose a cool, dry spot that’s out of direct sunlight to avoid damage.
Reuse the original box: If it’s still sturdy, the box your tree came in can be a great fit for long-term Christmas tree decoration storage.
Keep it smelling fresh: Slip a small pouch of baking soda or coffee grounds inside the bag to absorb moisture and eliminate any musty smells.
Avoid hot or damp areas: Extreme temperatures or humidity can warp plastic branches, so be cautious with attics or garages unless they’re well insulated.
Consider upright storage: If you’ve got the space, an upright tree bag keeps everything intact—saving you setup time next season.
Short on Space? Try These Alternative Christmas Decorations Storage Ideas
If space is limited—especially in the attic—try these alternative storage ideas for your Christmas decorations:
- Pack Christmas décor in large suitcases
- Make the most of vertical space with ornament organisers, hanging tinsel racks, or over-door hooks for lights.
- Repurpose items you already have: use plastic bottles for beads, Christmas tins filled with tissue paper for baubles, or cardboard drink holders and egg cartons for small ornaments.
- Repurpose materials like coffee filters, sandwich bags, or cardboard dividers to cushion and separate fragile items in storage boxes.
If your cupboards or loft are overflowing with decorations, why not give yourself a bit more breathing space with a small storage unit at Attic Self Storage? Our personal storage units across London are perfect for bulky items like Christmas trees, lights and wreaths—and there’s plenty of room to store things upright and out of the way. Need packing materials too? We’ve got cardboard boxes available, so you can sort everything in one go.
Posted on 12th July 2022 by Attic Storage | Last updated on 29th August 2025
