My Favorite Seasonal Storage Solutions

Another holiday season has flown by, and we are left with the task of taking down decorations and packing them away until next year.  Now is the best time of year to organize your decorations to make next holiday season easier.  There are so many organizational products now that are geared especially for storing holiday decor, and now is the time to buy them when they are on sale.  Here are some of my favorites that I think are well worth your money:

Ornaments – There are several different styles out there, but the most important thing is that your ornaments are protected and easy to store.  Most ornament storage options offer divided compartments for your ornaments.  In addition to this feature, you want the outside box or bin to be sturdy enough to stack.  They come in a variety of shapes and sizes so you are sure to find a solution to fit your space.

Lights – If there is one type of holiday decoration most likely to bring out the Grinch in all of us, it has to be lights.  If you take the time to put them away carefully in a specialized storage container, you will thank yourself next season!  My favorite solutions give you a spool(s) around which you wrap your lights.

Wreaths – To maximize the life of your artificial wreath(s), a wreath storage container is a must.  Some are more rigid than others.  Generally more rigid is better to protect your wreath, but ultimately it depends on where you are storing it.  Make sure to measure the diameter of your wreath to determine the correct size.

Tree– To prolong the life of your artificial Christmas tree and minimize the amount of storage space, you should seriously consider a Christmas tree storage bag.  For something of this size, you want to first determine where you want to store it.  Christmas tree storage bags can be made to stand upright or lay on their side.  Some even come with wheels if that would make it easier.

Decorations – Stackable plastic bins can be found in holiday colors to make them easier to identify.  The plastic bins work well for general holiday decorations, because they help to protect the decorations and make it easy to stack them on shelving.

Dishes – If you have dishes that you only use during the holidays, consider purchasing containers to protect them.  Again, they are available in holiday colors to make it easy to locate them.  Options are available for dishes, glassware, mugs, serving bowls and platters.

Avoid turning into the Grinch next year.  Take the time now to organize and store your favorite holiday decorations so they are protected and easy to find next year!

– Donna Lindley, Certified Professional Organizer and owner of Rochester Hills, MI-based Organize Your World, Inc.