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 even thinking about where to store your decorations, take a moment to evaluate what you really want to keep. It’s amazing how quickly holiday decor can accumulate; mismatched ornaments, broken strands of lights, or items you never used can take up precious 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 spot to store them is key. Not all storage areas are created equal. The goal is to protect items from temperature extremes, pests, and crushing.

Closets

Closets are a go-to option for many homeowners because they are easily accessible and temperature-controlled. Just be sure bins and bags aren’t packed so tightly that they 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 spot typically experiences less temperature fluctuation than the far side of the garage.

Attic

Attics are great for decor that isn’t temperature-sensitive, as long as you use airtight, stackable bins that keep out dust and pests.

Under the Bed

This underutilized space is ideal for 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 perfect to store seasonal decor in clearly labeled bins.

Shed

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

Invest in Proper Storage Solutions

High-quality storage containers pay off year after year. Rather than tossing everything in 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 containers in holiday colors (like red and green) makes it easier to spot decorations when it’s time to decorate again. Plus, they’re reusable for years. Durable storage helps protect your items, keeps pests out, and reduces stress when unpacking. 

How to Store 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 your decorating next year. No wrestling with collapsed branches!

Ornaments

Ornaments often hold sentimental value, so protect them!

• Wrap fragile pieces in bubble wrap or tissue paper.
• Get storage boxes with individual compartments.
• If DIY-ing, repurpose cardboard dividers from wine boxes or egg cartons.
• Clear labeling makes unwrapping and trimming the tree a breeze.

Wreaths and Garlands

Hooks may seem handy, but they can stress and damage wreath fibers over time. 

Instead:

• Use canvas or plastic holiday bags.
• Loop garlands loosely and secure with Velcro.
• Hang wreaths in garment bags or large plastic cases.

String Lights

To prevent frustrating tangles:

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

Separate & Protect Holiday Wrapping Supplies

Holiday tape, specialty wrapping paper, bows, tags, and gift bags can easily get lost in the shuffle with general craft supplies. Keep them 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 shoe organizers
• Mobile carts with compartments for paper and ribbons

Label Everything for Easy Access

Your future self will thank you for labeling every bin. 

Use:

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

Clear labeling ensures you won’t open a dozen boxes just to find one string of lights. 

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 re-evaluate your collection: If you haven’t used it in years, maybe you don’t 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 things and setting yourself up for a stress-free decorating season next year. Sorted, labeled, and well-maintained decor turns unpacking into something joyful instead of chaotic.

And if you’re a proud homeowner in a community built by Ernest Homes, making your space feel beautiful inside and out is just part of enjoying your home year-round. With quality design and plenty of storage options throughout your home, organizing seasonal items becomes much more manageable. Whether it’s your first holiday season or your fifteenth, a little planning now goes a long way next year.