There’s something we all face after the holiday cheer winds down. The looming question: Where do we put all these decorations? If that bulky, artificial tree seems to eat up space in your closet, it’s time to find a better spot for it. And if you find yourself holding a delicate glass bauble, wondering if it will survive in that overstuffed box, the most likely answer is no. So what do you do?
We know these holiday decorations aren’t just “things”. That ornament might be from your grandma’s collection, or maybe you have decorations your kids made. Each piece tells a story and holds a snippet of holiday joy. But when it’s time to pack them away, it’s not always a walk in the park. Tangled lights, anyone? It’s like they have a life of their own in that box!
But no more of that. Put on your puzzle-solving hats and discover some pretty smart and practical ways that help keep your cherished holiday pieces safe, organized and ready to shine again next year. And the best part? You don’t need to be a pro organizer or break the bank to do it. Let’s go.
Pro Tip: This is a great time to declutter your holiday decorations before packing everything up for storage.
Ornament Organization Storage Bins
Ah, the uniqueness of storage for Christmas ornaments. By varying in shape, size and fragility, they demand specialized storage solutions. This is why the best ornament storage bins are designed with individual compartments, often padded or lined with soft materials that prevent them from knocking into each other — one of the most common causes of breakage. These bins are particularly useful for heirloom ornaments or those made of delicate materials like glass or hand-painted ceramics.
Santa’s Bags 3-Drawer Christmas Ornament Storage Box – $40 at Home Depot
Elf Stor Premium Green Christmas Ornament Storage Chest for 64 Balls w/ Dividers – $23 at Walmart.com
Christmas Light Organizers & Storage
Now that you have your ornaments safely stored, it’s time to handle the lights. The best Christmas storage bins for lights feature spool systems or dividers that keep strings of lights neatly wound and separated. If you don’t have any that fit this description, wrap the lights around reels and keep them separated. You know how earphones tangle in your pocket or bag, right? It’s a cursed gift that wires have.
Red Premium Christmas Light Storage Bag – With 3 Reels Stores up to 375 Ft of Mini Christmas Tree Lights & Extension Cords – $35 at Amazon.com
Holiday Storage Bags for Wreaths
Do you like hanging wreaths on your door for the Christmas season but not sure how to store it after the holiday? A wreath storage bag is a secure and convenient solution to shield your wreath from dust, dirt or from getting mangled while being stored.
36” WreathKeeper Wreath Storage Bag – $70 at TreeKeeperBag.com
Christmas Tree Storage
If you have an artificial Christmas tree, a Christmas tree bag is a must-have for keeping it looking great year after year. These bags are tailor-made to fit your tree’s size and shape once it’s taken apart, ensuring it’s safe from dust, moisture, and any creepy crawlies. Made from tough material, these bags are like a shield for your tree, especially in storage spots like basements or attics where things can get a bit unpredictable. And let’s talk about convenience — many of these bags come with solid handles and sometimes even wheels. That means no more wrestling with your bulky tree! It’s all about making the set-up and pack-away of your festive decorations a breeze, while keeping your tree as stunning as ever.
Red EZ Roller Christmas Tree Storage Bag with Wheels for Trees Up to 9 ft. Tall – $50 at Homedepot.com
A great alternative to the Christmas tree storage bag are plastic storage boxes for Christmas trees. These sturdy boxes are also perfect for protecting your tree from dust, dampness, and accidental damage. Plus, their stackable design makes them a space-saving solution in your garage or attic.
Sterilite Tree Box Plastic, Infra Red – $30 at Walmart.com
Storage Solutions for Assorted Christmas Decorations
And now, a special recommendation for the best Christmas storage bins for varied decorations. We’re talking about multi-purpose stackable bins with secure lids, and we have a tie here between clear and opaque.
Nicole Zghaib, our Software Support Specialist, is a huge fan of Sterilite 30 Gallon Totes.
Sterilite 30 Gal. Tote – $16 at Home Depot
She describes them as “super sturdy, with water-tight bottoms for garage storage” and loves the molded handles so that the lids don’t get tossed off. These opaque bins can be labeled on all four sides and are available in gray, marine blue and red. She prefers them to clear ones because she gets “visually overwhelmed seeing every item in every bin.”
On the other hand, Kaitlin Nebeker, our Tech Support Team Lead needs clear boxes to see what is stored inside, otherwise “after a while it gets buried and forgotten.” Her top pick — HART containers from Walmart.
HART 160 Qt. Clear Latching Plastic Storage Tote, Set of 3 – $105 at Walmart
The base locks onto the lids, and they nest really well when empty. “There are 40-gallon bins and 50-gallon bins. The 50-gallon one also has wheels for easy transport. I’m glad my husband talked me into getting that one,” Nebeker added.
Pro tip: Do not mix Christmas decorations with Halloween costumes or Valentine’s hearts — have dedicated holiday storage boxes and bins for each major holiday that you celebrate.
Holiday Storage Bins for Linens and Non-Fragile Decor
We’ve gone through the best Christmas storage solutions for wreaths, lights and ornaments, so it’s time we tackled the rest of the decor, right? This includes linens (like tablecloths and holiday-themed bedding), non-fragile decorations (such as plastic ornaments and garlands) and artificial flora (like faux wreaths and trees). What makes these holiday storage boxes great in all seasons is their ability to accommodate a wide range of items while still providing the necessary protection.
Now, you may think that there’s no hassle in picking holiday storage boxes, but size, material and durability matter, and the right choice can greatly simplify the post-holiday clean-up process.
- The size of the storage box should correlate with what it’s storing. Larger boxes are suitable for bulkier items like artificial trees, while smaller boxes are better for linens and smaller decor. The key is to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to wrinkles or damage.
- Plastic is a popular choice due to its durability and resistance to moisture and pests. In fact, Becky Gearhart, one of our Product Owners, swears by standard clear plastic totes for all purposes. Her tote labels are “outdoor and indoor for spring, Memorial Day/4th of July, Halloween, fall/Thanksgiving, football season and Christmas/New Year’s.” But plastic isn’t the only material out there. Fabric storage boxes can be used for linens and are often foldable for easy storage when not in use.
- Consider the sturdiness of the box, especially if it will be stacked or moved frequently. Reinforced corners and robust lids are beneficial for longevity.
Pro tip: For items sensitive to temperature or humidity changes, such as certain fabrics, look for storage options that offer some degree of climate control, like airtight seals or moisture absorbers.
The IKEA SAMLA series offers a range of sizes with secure lids, suitable for various items. The clear material makes it easy to see contents, and the boxes are stackable for efficient use of space.
IKEA SAMLA boxes range from $3 for 1- or 3-gallon boxes to $27 for a 34-gallon box
If store bought Christmas decor storage is a bit out of your budget, don’t worry, we have some great crafty DIY Christmas decoration storage ideas you can check out!
