The holiday season in Canada is filled with joy, from twinkling lights in the cold December air to festive ornaments that bring warmth to our homes. When the celebrations wind down, ensuring your decorations are stored properly can save time and prevent damage for future holidays. Here’s how to store your holiday decorations effectively, with some product ideas to help you get started, all with a Canadian twist. With this said, here is our step-by-step guide for storing your holiday decorations.
1. Sort and Categorize your Items
Begin by sorting your decorations into categories. Group related items together, such as ornaments, lights, wreaths, and garlands. This not only makes packing easier but also simplifies the unpacking process next year. Product idea: Use Sterilite ClearView Storage Bins, available at Canadian Tire, to keep each category separate and easily visible.
Image credit: Canadian Tire
2. Clean Items Before Storing
Before storing, make sure all decorations are clean and dry. Dust and moisture can cause damage over time. Wipe down surfaces and let everything air dry completely to prevent mold and mildew. In addition, it’s essential you wipe down all of your decorations at least once a year in order to make them last longer.
3. Use Proper Containers
Invest in sturdy, stackable storage bins. Transparent plastic bins are ideal as they allow you to see the contents without opening them. Label each bin with its contents for quick identification. Product idea: IRIS USA 54 Quart WEATHERTIGHT Storage Box, available on Amazon.ca, is excellent for keeping moisture and pests out, ensuring your items remain safe and dry.
Image credit: Amazon
4. Protect Fragile Items from Breakage
For delicate ornaments, use ornament storage boxes that come with individual compartments. Alternatively, wrap each ornament in tissue paper or bubble wrap and store them in divided containers to prevent breakage. Product idea: Whitmor Christmas Light Organizer Box, also available at Canadian Tire, helps keep delicate ornaments safe and organized.
5. Store Lights Tangle-Free
Avoid the dreaded tangled lights by wrapping each strand around a piece of cardboard or a light reel. You can also use plastic zip-top bags for smaller light sets. Be sure to label each strand with its length and where it was used (e.g., tree, roof, etc.). Product idea: The Whitmor Christmas Light Organizer Box is perfect for keeping your light strands tangle-free. Available at Amazon.
Image credit: Amazon
6. Keep Wreaths and Garlands in Perfect Shape
Store wreaths and garlands in specialized wreath storage containers. These containers typically have a hard exterior to protect the shape and decorations. Hanging wreaths in a dedicated closet space is another option to maintain their form. Product idea: The Elf Stor Premium Wreath Storage Bag, available on Amazon.ca, protects wreaths from dust and damage, maintaining their pristine condition.
Image credit: Amazon
7. Organize Gift Wrapping Supplies
Keep your gift-wrapping supplies organized with a wrapping paper storage bag or container. These are designed to hold rolls of wrapping paper, gift bags, ribbons, and tape in one convenient place. Product idea: The Richards Homewares Gift Wrap Organizer, available at Hudson’s Bay, is perfect for keeping all your wrapping supplies in one place.
8. Label Everything
Proper labeling is key to staying organized. Use a label maker or simple masking tape and a marker to label each bin, box, and bag with its contents. This will save you time and frustration when you need to find something next year.
Storing your holiday decorations properly ensures they stay in excellent condition and making decorating for the holidays next year a breeze. And, with a little planning and the right products, you can keep your festive items organized and ready for their next use. Happy storage, and enjoy the winter season, eh! 🍁
