'Tis The Season To Update Your Christmas Storage

It seems like every year decorating for Christmas happens earlier and earlier in the season. I used to wait until December first to start pulling out my decor, but this year we put our tree up on Thanksgiving weekend, and I'm loving it! If you've already gotten out your Holiday decorations, how did that process make you feel? Was it easy, seamless, and enjoyable? Or was it opening a bunch of random bins and cardboard boxes (or maybe even plastic bags!) and guessing what you'd find inside? If you feel more like the second one, read on for some of my tips on storing Holiday decor and a few of my favorite Christmas storage options.

1. Take Inventory of What You Have

Before you think about buying new decorations, do a thorough inventory of your current collection. Grab a cup of hot cocoa (or something stronger if you need it!) and gather all your holiday decor in one spot. As you unpack each item, ask yourself:

- Do I love this?

- When was the last time I used it?

- Does it fit my current style?

Be honest! If you find items you don’t love or haven’t used in years, it might be time to let them go. Donate them, sell them, or pass them on to a friend who’ll give them a new home.

As you organize, keep a critical eye on your collection. Do you have multiple sets of holiday lights that have seen better days? Or perhaps outdated decorations that don’t fit your current vibe? Editing your collection not only declutters your space but also makes room for those new treasures you might want to invest in next season. Also keep in mind how much space you have to store your décor. If you have 3 shelves and room for 6 bins, keep your collection within those parameters. You only have room for what you have room for and limiting yourself to a certain number of bins can keep things from getting out of control.

2. Match Your Bins

Once you’ve sorted through your decor, it’s time to find a storage solution that works for you. Invest in some matching bins to create a cohesive look. Not only do uniform bins make your storage area look tidy, but they also simplify finding items later on. Clear bins can be especially helpful, allowing you to see what’s inside at a glance. Opaque bins hide the clutter and create a clean visual. Heavy duty stacking totes are ideal for outdoor decor - I see you with those giant blow ups! Whichever type of bin you go with, either sort décor by room or by type and label the outside of the bin. Choose specialty bins for ornaments, lights, figurines, wreaths and indoor decor. Get rid of cardboard whenever possible and protect your tree with a tree bag.

3. Create a Shelving System

Designate a specific shelf or area in your storage space for holiday decor. Consider using stackable shelves to maximize vertical space. If you need to buy new shelves (or new bins) measure first to make sure bins will fit side by side and that the shelves have the depth you need. Group items by type—think lights in one bin, ornaments in another, and outdoor decor in a third. Or choose to organize bins by room in your home to make decorating each year easy. This organization method not only saves space but also makes it easier to find what you need when it’s time to decorate.

4. Label, Label, Label

Labels are your best friend when it comes to holiday decor organization.

Use a label maker

to clearly mark each bin. Not only does this save you from rummaging through every container to find the perfect item, but it also makes putting everything away after the holidays a breeze.

5. Take Photos

As you unpack and organize, take photos of your displays! Snap a quick pic of your beautifully arranged mantle or the outdoor lights strung perfectly across the porch. This way, when it’s time to set up next year, you’ll have a handy reference and documentation of your creativity! You can store printed photos inside your bins for reference or create a Holiday Décor folder in your phone's camera roll.

6. Don’t Buy New Until You’re Ready

It can be tempting to buy new decorations as soon as you see them in stores, but resist that urge until you’ve finished your inventory and organization process. Once you know what you have and what you actually want to add, you’ll make more intentional purchases that enhance your decor rather than clutter it. Consider investing in proper storage solutions before you buy new decor. That investment will pay you back year over year!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to organizing your holiday decor like a pro. Remember, a little planning goes a long way toward making your holiday decorating experience joyful rather than stressful. So, sip that cocoa, put on some festive music, and let’s get organized for the most wonderful time of the year!

Happy organizing!

XO,

Trish

Trish Johnson is a professional organizer, wife, and mom of 3 kids. She is a former elementary school teacher who understands the stresses of daily life and truly enjoys helping busy families get set up with effective, organized systems that are functional as well as beautiful. Her company, This Organized Chaos, is located in New Jersey and services the surrounding areas organizing homes and small businesses.

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