How to Pack Up Your Holiday Decorations

The holiday season brings joy, celebration, and seasonal décor for every surface of your home. But once the season ends, it’s time to pack up the lights and tinsel and find a safe place to store it all until next year. At Lockaway Storage - Gateway in Berthoud, CO, we offer a range of storage unit sizes, including climate-controlled options, to help you keep your holiday decorations secure and organized. Here’s how to pack up your holiday decorations efficiently and safely, while making the most of your storage unit.

1. Sort and Declutter Before Packing

Before you begin packing, take stock of your decorations and decide what you really want to keep. Ask yourself:

Are there broken or outdated decorations? Are your ornaments starting to fall apart, or have some of your lights burned out?

Are there items you no longer use or love? What's collecting dust?

Donate or discard anything you don’t need to avoid cluttering your storage unit.

2. Use Sturdy, Clear Storage Containers

Invest in durable plastic bins to protect your decorations from dust, moisture, and pests. Clear bins make it easy to identify items without opening every container, especially if you label each container. If you’re using a climate-controlled storage unit at Lockaway Storage - Gateway, your decorations will also be protected from any temperature fluctuations or extremes.

3. Pack Holiday Ornaments with Care

Delicate ornaments require special attention:

• Use Dividers: Egg cartons, cardboard dividers, or ornament storage boxes can keep fragile items separated and intact.
• Wrap Individually: Wrap each ornament in tissue paper or bubble wrap to prevent scratches or breaks.
• Label the Box: Clearly mark boxes as “FRAGILE” and include a list of their contents.

If you plan to place these boxes in your storage unit, avoid stacking them under heavier items to prevent damage.

4. Keep String Lights Tangle-Free

Nothing is more frustrating than a tangled mess of holiday lights. Prevent this with these tricks:

• Wrap Around Cardboard: Cut cardboard into rectangles and wrap the lights around them.
• Use a Reel: Purchase a light storage reel to keep cords neatly wound.
• Label Boxes: Note whether lights are for indoor or outdoor use and where they were displayed.

5. Protect Wreaths and Garlands

Wreaths and garlands are often large and delicate. To store them properly:

• Use wreath storage containers or hang the wreaths in your storage unit to maintain their shape.
• Wrap garlands in plastic or cloth to prevent dust buildup.
• Store these items in a climate-controlled unit to avoid warping or discoloration caused by humidity or temperature shifts.

6. Pack Artificial Trees Properly

Artificial trees can last for years if stored correctly. Remember to:

• Disassemble: Take apart the tree and pack it in its original box, or invest in a tree storage bag for easier handling.
• Wrap Sections: Wrap each section in plastic wrap or cloth to keep dust and moisture away.
• Store Upright if Possible: If space permits, store the tree upright to prevent compression. Renting a storage unit will give you the vertical space that you need to store even the tallest tree.

7. Label Everything

Clear labeling saves time and frustration when you're unpacking your decorations next year. Use labels or write directly on boxes to identify contents, such as:

"Living Room Decorations"

"Outdoor Lights"

"Tree Ornaments"

Place labels on multiple sides of each box for easy identification.

8. Use Shelving to Maximize Storage Space

Shelving units are perfect for organizing holiday decorations. Here’s how:

• Place heavier bins on the bottom shelves.
• Keep fragile or frequently accessed items at eye level.
• Use vertical space to maximize storage without creating clutter.

9. Store Candles with Care

Candles can warp or melt if exposed to heat. Follow these tips:

• Wrap candles individually in tissue paper or cloth to prevent scratching.
• Store them in a climate-controlled storage unit to maintain their shape.

10. Keep Frequently Used Items Accessible

When packing your storage unit, place frequently used decorations near the front for easy retrieval next year. This will save time and effort when it’s time to decorate again.

Benefits of Using a Storage Unit for Holiday Decorations

Choosing a storage unit at Lockaway Storage - Gateway for your holiday decorations offers several advantages:

• Protection from Damage: Climate-controlled units protect your decorations from temperature fluctuations, humidity, and pests.
• Space-Saving Solution: Free up valuable space in your home or garage.
• Convenient Access: Retrieve your decorations when needed without digging through cluttered closets or basements.
• Variety of Sizes: Lockaway Storage - Gateway has storage units in sizes ranging from 5x6' to 12x25', so you can fit everything from a few boxes to an entire collection of decorations.

Packing up holiday decorations doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right tools, a little planning, and a secure storage unit at Lockaway Storage - Gateway in Berthoud, CO, you can keep your decorations organized and well-protected until next year. Contact us today to find the perfect storage solution for your holiday treasures!