Holiday festivities will soon be coming to an end, and the task of putting away all of your decorations is just around the corner. I know..... "Bah Humbug". To make this often overwhelming task a little less overwhelming, we've gathered some really great holiday decor storage tips that can make this job a little easier.

Artificial Tree Storage

• IF YOUR tree is too heavy to lift up into an attic, or carry down a set of stairs, choose a storage area that is located on the same level as it will be used in. A garage, closet, or main-level storage room, are all good options.
• YOU CAN store your artificial tree in one piece by using a "TreeKeeper" bag with a hook for hanging your tree without having to take it apart.

Ornament Storage

• LOOK FOR ornament storage containers. especially those that have individual compartments that are padded for each ornament. Those that can be reconfigured to accommodate ornaments of various sizes, are even better.
• GREAT, inexpensive ideas for ornament storage exist, including using partitioned liquor/wine boxes and, for tiny ornaments, egg cartons! Tissue paper saved from opened gifts are perfect for safe packaging, too.
• FOR SILVER ornaments (and flatware, too!), store in tarnish-proof pouches which are available in a large variety of sizes.

Gift Wrap Storage

• CONTAINERS can be purchased exclusively for storage of gift wrap. Some are free-standing containers, tall enough to house rolls of gift wrap. Others store under the bed, while still more store folded wrapping paper (and greeting cards, gift tags, etc.) in a hanging unit. All of these options will keep your wrapping paper intact and wrinkle-free!
• TIP: You can recycle your used gift wrap and tissue paper by running them through a paper shredder and using as packing filler and/or as future gift bag filler!

Storing Holiday Villages

• KEEP THE original boxes the individual pieces came in, and store each item in their respective box, when done displaying, then pack inside plastic storage tubs TIP: Pack your containers with what you'll need first on top, so you can unpack everything and decorate as you go along, instead of having to unload before getting started. Pack the buildings first and any landscaping/lighting on top, etc. You will truly appreciate having done so when the next holiday season comes around and you're getting ready to set up your holiday village again!

"The Little Things"

• SOME GIFT wrap and/or ornament organizers also come with sections for storing even the smallest of items, such as ornament hooks and hangers, but you can also find inexpensive storage cases that are made solely for this purpose, too. You can even use a plastic case designed for organizing small craft supplies. These are also inexpensive and can be found at your local craft supply place, or even online.
• DON'T FORGET those egg cartons! They are also great for storing these little, often misplaced, items.

Ribbon Storage

• THERE SEEMS to be a storage case for EVERYTHING, and ribbons are no exception! Cases with adjustable dividers for various ribbon widths can even be found in stackable varieties, some with built-in ribbon dispensers.

Wreath Storage

• THERE ARE storage containers made specifically for storing wreaths, but if you don't want to be that fancy, there are other less expensive options, too. Fragile, sometimes even large and/or heavy wreaths, can be wrapped in plastic garbage bags or dry cleaner bags, and can be hung from a nail in your storage area. Simple!

Storing Tree Skirts and Holiday Linens

• HANGING tablecloths, napkins and placemats on simple shirt hangers will keep them from becoming wrinkled and they can be hung in a closet for storage. Better yet, use a hanging vacuum-storage bag, ideal for storing these items while protecting them from dust, moisture, mold and moths.

Plastic Lawn Ornaments

• THEY'RE BIG and they're bulky, so what do you do? You can store them in large trash bags or zippered garment bags. Put garment bags aside when you get them with a new suit or dress and use them to store these sometimes cumbersome holiday decorations. Depending upon size, some can be hung in a closet or on a nail in your storage area. Just make sure you wipe the ornaments clean before storing.

Storage of Faux Fir Garlands

• USE A plastic tub to place your coiled garlands in, after use. You can even be a little "extra" by including a note indicating where each particular garland goes, saving you much aggravation when decorating next holiday season.

Holiday Dish Storage

• THERE ARE certainly dish storage bags/bins you can purchase, but you can also store them just as securely by following these directions. If you have dedicated holiday dishes that you don't keep in a hutch or china cabinet, line a sturdy cardboard box (or, better yet, a plastic bin) with newspaper and bubble wrap. Stack each plate with a sheet of wrap in between. Fill any gaps with crushed newspaper or bubble wrap, to prevent any slipping.

Holiday Candle Storage

• IF YOU'VE ever opened up a box of decorations, only to find melted candle wax all over a treasured holiday keepsake, this one's for you! Temperature is key, when storing candles. Store in a cool place (yes, even a refrigerator!) to keep them from melting. If that's not an option for you, just remember to wrap candles in cellophane (NOT plastic wrap or waxed paper), to keep them from melting together and/or transferring color, and keeping storage bin in an area that does not get too warm during the year. Storing in an attic space is NOT recommended.

Overall Tips for Storing Holiday Collectibles

• LABEL each storage box/bin/bag with a few details regarding its contents.
• USE plastic storage containers as much as possible, to protect the contents from dampness, mildew damage, and insects.
• THROUGHOUT the year, put aside the silica packets often found in new shoe boxes, etc. and throw a few of them in the storage containers for moisture-free storage. Great idea!

Consider using these great ideas when storing your holiday decorations this year. Taking the time now to properly store your treasured decorations will ensure their existence for a long time to come, and make future holiday decorating simple and stress-free!

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