As pretty as they are when they’re decorating your home’s banisters and adorning the tree, when Christmas decorations are no longer on display, they become a fragile, bulky storage nightmare. A 25-foot-long garland sounds great for your entryway, but where do you store all 25 feet of it the other 11 months out of the year? Luckily, these clever Christmas decoration storage ideas from the editors at Real Simple were designed with bulky garland and unwieldy artificial trees in mind. From a light winder that will carefully organize your dozens of strands of outdoor lights, to storage boxes for your most prized ornaments, these Christmas decoration organizers will keep everything safe and dust-free. You’ll thank yourself next Christmas when all of the holiday decorations are neatly organized and easy to find.
1. Wrapping Paper Storage
One of the big organizing challenges of the holiday season is where to stash all of the wrapping paper, bows, and gift bags. A clever organizer can hold up to 24 rolls of wrap, with pockets for gift bags and ribbon. $20 from containerstore.com
2. Ornament Storage
Finding a vessel to hold your treasured and breakable ornaments for 11 months out of the year is key. This sturdy storage bin from Bed Bath & Beyond holds up to 64 of your favorite holiday ornaments and costs only $13. The durable handles make it easy to transport, while the zipper closure keeps your holiday decorations dust-free.
3. Wreath Storage Bag
To keep a reusable wreath looking pristine from year to year, you’ll want to invest in a water-resistant storage bag. Lying on the floor, the wreath will get crushed over time, but this bag comes with convenient carry handles so you can hang it in a garage or attic. The Container Store has one for just $6.
4. Light Winder and Bag
Sick and tired of spending what feels like hours unraveling that mess of lights you swore you put away ever so carefully last year? Whether you’re simply storing the string lights for your Christmas tree or enough outdoor lights to illuminate the entire block, alight winder with a convenient storage bag will keep each strand tangle-free. Several models available on Amazon.com.
5. Clear Storage Boxes for Miscellaneous Decorations
Clear storage boxes with lids will keep Christmas stockings, ribbons, bows, and other decorative odds and ends dust-free. Plus, the transparent design will help you spot what you’re looking for next year. The Container Store has a plethora of options, ranging from $2 to $24.
6. Artificial Christmas Tree Bag
Artificial Christmas trees may be no-maintenance, reusable, and durable—but when it comes to storage, they present a big challenge. The solution? Invest in this wheeled tree bag, so you can roll the tree to its storage spot. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Here’s one from Williams-Sonoma that comes in at $90.
7. Garland Storage Bag
To keep the garland for your mantel, banister, and doorway looking pristine until next year, invest in this durable garland bag with a carry handle. The best part: the viewing window and ID on this one (available from Covermates Keepsakes on Amazon.com for $45) make it easy to spot which garland is for your front door and which is for your living room.
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