Homebuilding Insights

As the holiday season winds down and the twinkle lights come down, many homeowners are left staring at boxes of ornaments, tangled lights, and storage bins bursting at the seams. Whether this is your first holiday in your new Ernest home or you’ve been decorating for years, a smart storage strategy now means less stress and more joy next year.

From choosing the best storage spots in your home to safeguarding delicate pieces, these holiday decor storage tips will keep everything safe, organized, and ready for another season of festivities.

Start with a Seasonal Declutter

Before deciding where to store decorations, take a moment to evaluate what you really want to keep. Holiday decor can accumulate quickly, and broken lights, mismatched ornaments, and unused items take up valuable space.

Holiday decluttering tips:

• Toss broken or worn-out items.
• Set aside pieces you no longer love for donation.
• Ask yourself: Did I use this this year? Would I want to use it next year?

You’ll save storage space and make decorating simpler when next season rolls around.

Best Places to Store Holiday Decor

Once you’ve pared down to the decorations you actually want to keep, picking the right storage spot is key. Not all storage areas are created equal. The goal is to protect items from temperature extremes, pests, moisture, and crushing.

Closets

Closets are a go-to option for many homeowners because they’re accessible and temperature-controlled. Just be sure bins and bags aren’t packed so tightly that delicate items get crushed.

Garage

If you use your garage for seasonal storage, place holiday boxes on shelves and along the interior wall that connects to your home. This area typically experiences less temperature fluctuation than the far side of the garage.

Attic

Attics can work well for decor that isn’t temperature-sensitive, especially when stored in airtight, stackable bins that keep out dust and pests.

Under the Bed

This underutilized space is ideal for soft or delicate items like holiday pillows and blankets. It’s generally temperature-controlled and keeps things out of reach of curious pets.

Guest Bedroom or Storage Closet

Got a seldom-used bedroom or closet? These are great options for seasonal decor when stored in clearly labeled bins.

Shed

Outdoor sheds offer extra space when your home is full, but always use airtight containers to help prevent moisture and pests from damaging decorations.

Invest in Proper Storage Solutions

High-quality containers pay off year after year. Instead of relying on cardboard boxes, consider:

• Stackable plastic bins with locking lids
• Ornament storage boxes with dividers
• Storage bags for wreaths and garlands
• Rolling tree bags for artificial trees

Choosing durable storage helps protect your items, keeps pests out, and reduces stress when unpacking. Color-coded bins can also make holiday boxes easy to identify when decorating season returns.

How to Store Common Decor Items

Your Christmas Tree

If you have an artificial tree, store it in a vertical rolling bag to preserve branch shape and save space. Upright storage also speeds up decorating next year — no wrestling with collapsed branches.

Ornaments

Ornaments often hold sentimental value, so protect them carefully:

• Wrap fragile pieces in bubble wrap or tissue paper.
• Use storage boxes with individual compartments.
• If you’re DIY-ing, repurpose dividers from wine boxes or egg cartons.
• Label containers clearly so setup is quick and easy next year.

Wreaths and Garlands

Hooks may seem convenient, but they can stress and damage wreath fibers over time. Instead:

• Use canvas or plastic holiday storage bags.
• Loop garlands loosely and secure with Velcro.
• Store wreaths in garment bags or protective plastic cases.

String Lights

To prevent frustrating tangles:

• Use light reels, cardboard tubes, or large hangers.
• Secure strands with Velcro or twist ties.
• For shorter fairy lights, wrap them around paper towel rolls.

Separate and Protect Wrapping Supplies

Holiday tape, wrapping paper, bows, tags, and gift bags can easily get lost when mixed with general craft supplies. Keep everything together in a dedicated gift wrap station so you’re ready for birthdays and special occasions year-round.

Ideas for wrapping organization:

• Under-bed storage bins
• Back-of-door organizers
• Mobile carts with compartments for paper and ribbons

Label Everything for Easy Access

Your future self will thank you for labeling every bin. Try:

• Index cards taped to the lid or front
• Photos of contents taped to the bin
• Color-coded labels for different holidays

Clear labeling helps you avoid opening a dozen boxes just to find one string of lights.

Storage Tips for Small Spaces

Working with limited storage? Try:

• Vacuum-sealed bags for textiles like pillows and tablecloths
• Smaller containers nested inside larger bins
• Overhead shelving or ceiling racks in garages
• Seasonal decor stored in bedroom closets instead of common areas

This is also a great opportunity to reassess your collection. If you haven’t used something in years, you may not need to keep it.

Final Thoughts: Simpler Storage, More Joy

Smart holiday decor storage isn’t just about stashing boxes. It’s about protecting your belongings and setting yourself up for a stress-free decorating season next year. When your decor is sorted, labeled, and well-maintained, unpacking becomes joyful instead of chaotic.

And if you’re a homeowner in a community built by Ernest Homes, making your space feel beautiful inside and out is part of enjoying your home year-round. With quality design and practical storage throughout the home, organizing seasonal items becomes much more manageable — whether it’s your first holiday season or your fifteenth.