The holiday season is all about joy, togetherness, and sparkling decorations that light up our homes. But once the festivities wind down, the daunting task of taking down and storing your Christmas decor begins.
Proper storage can save you from a tangled mess next year and keep your cherished ornaments intact. Let’s explore the common storage mistakes that many fall victim to and how you can avoid them.
1. Piling Everything into a Single Box
It’s tempting to throw all your decorations into one big box and be done with it. However, this approach often leads to unnecessary damage and frustration when the next holiday season rolls around.
Delicate ornaments get crushed under heavier items, and strings of lights become a tangled nightmare. Consider categorizing your items – keep ornaments in one box, lights in another, and so on.
You might even want to go a step further and add labels to each storage container for quick identification.
2. Skipping the Protective Padding
Bubble wrap and tissue paper are not just for moving house; they’re essential for storing your Christmas decorations. Plush padding can shield your treasured ornaments from bumps and breaks.
Many people neglect this step, assuming the items are safe in the attic or basement. However, temperature fluctuations and shifting items can cause more havoc than you’d expect. Invest in some protective materials, and you’ll thank yourself later.
3. Ignoring the Tangle Factor
One of the most frustrating parts of decorating is dealing with tangled lights and garlands. A key mistake is shoving them into a box without any organization. Instead, wrap your lights and garlands around sturdy cylinders, like empty paper towel rolls or specially-designed storage reels. This simple step will save you hours of aggravating untangling next season.
4. Using Cardboard Boxes in Humid Areas
Many people opt for old cardboard boxes because they’re cheap and readily available. However, cardboard doesn’t offer protection against moisture. In damp environments, cardboard can quickly disintegrate, leaving your decor vulnerable to mold and mildew.
Opt for plastic bins with tight-fitting lids to keep moisture at bay and ensure your decorations remain pristine year after year.
5. Neglecting to Label Boxes
Imagine staring at a mountain of identical boxes, unsure which one holds the tree topper and which contains the wreaths. Failing to label your storage boxes can turn the joyous task of decorating into a scavenger hunt.
Take a few minutes to label each box or use clear bins for a quick visual check. It’s a small step that pays off big time when you’re ready to deck the halls again.
6. Overloading Containers
It’s easy to overestimate the strength of your storage boxes. Overloading can lead to cracked bins or broken handles, not to mention the risk of injury when lifting a heavy box. Distribute the weight evenly across several containers to make them more manageable and keep your favorite decorations safe.
7. Storing in the Wrong Climate
The basement might seem like the best place for storage, but basements can be damp and prone to flooding. Attics can be too hot, leading to discoloration or warping of some materials. Choose a stable environment, such as a closet or a spare room, to keep your decorations safe from extreme conditions.
8. Forgetting to Inspect and Clean Decorations
Before storing your decor, inspect each item for damage and give it a quick clean. Dust and grime can settle and become more challenging to remove after several months. A little maintenance now means they’ll be ready to shine as soon as you pull them out next year.
Keep these common storage mistakes in mind, and you’ll ensure that your Christmas decorations are as cheerful and shiny as the day you bought them.
Take a little extra time now, and you’ll be grateful you did when it’s time to bring the festive cheer back around.
So, next year, instead of wrestling with tangled lights and broken ornaments, you’ll be kicking back with a mug of cocoa, admiring your perfectly stored and easily retrievable decor.