The holidays are a time of joy, but the cleanup afterward can feel overwhelming. Organizing your Christmas decorations can not only save you from stress next year, but it can also protect your favorite holiday items.

At America’s Preferred Home Warranty, we believe in making your home life easier. Here’s how to tackle your holiday décor with practical, stress-free tips.

Step 1: Plan Your Christmas Decor Organization Strategically

Before you take down the first ornament, it is important to set yourself up for success by laying out a plan for success.

Identify key areas to organize:

  • Tree ornaments
  • Garland and wreaths
  • Lights and extension cords
  • Holiday linens and special dishes

Designate specific containers or spaces for each category, ensuring they will be used to find when Christmas rolls around next year.

Step 2: Smart Storage Solutions for Holiday Decorations

Protect your favorite holiday items with sturdy, labeled storage bins. Use ornament boxes, light reels, and wreath containers to keep everything in pristine condition for next year.

Consider the following:

  • Ornament Storage Boxes: Designed with individual compartments to prevent fragile pieces from breaking.
  • Light Reels: Keep your holiday lights tangle-free by winding them onto reels or cardboard cutouts.
  • Wreath Containers: Large, round containers protect your wreaths from getting crushed.
  • Clear Bins with Labels: Transparent bins make it easier to see what’s inside, and labels ensure everything goes back to its proper place.

Pro tip: Use color-coded bins (i.e. red and green for Christmas) to make holiday items stand out in storage.

 

Red and green plastic storage bins neatly stacked, perfect for holiday décor organization and efficient home decluttering.

 

Step 3: Declutter Holiday Decorations for an Organized Home

As you pack up, assess each item. Are there decorations you didn’t use this year? Perhaps they’re broken, outdated, or no longer fit your holiday style. Donate or recycle what you no longer need to make room for fresh ideas next season.

Step 4: Wrap Wisely

Proper wrapping is key to preserving delicate items:

  • Ornaments: Use tissue paper, bubble wrap, or even old holiday towels to wrap fragile ornaments individually.
  • Lights: After winding them onto reels, store lights in airtight containers to prevent dust and moisture damage.
  • Garlands and Beads: Roll garlands around empty paper towel rolls to keep them tangle-free.

Step 5: Protect Holiday Linens

Wash holiday tablecloths, napkins, and stockings before storing them to prevent stains from setting. Place them in vacuum-sealed bags or plastic bins to keep them fresh and protected from pests. Add a dryer sheet for a touch of seasonal scent next year.

Step 6: Create an Inventory

Make a simple list of your stored items. You can go old-school with a notebook or use your phone to jot down categories and quantities. This quick step helps you avoid duplicate purchases next season.

 

Person writing in a notebook while checking a smartphone, illustrating New Year goal-setting, budgeting, and home planning.

 

Step 7: Designate a Dedicated Storage Area

Choose a specific area in your home for holiday storage, such as an attic, basement, or garage. If space is tight, consider under-bed storage bins or shelving units that maximize vertical space. Ensure the area is climate-controlled to prevent damage from extreme temperatures.

Step 8: Prep for Next Year

Place essentials like scissors, tape, and extra hooks in an easily accessible container marked “Holiday Tools.” You’ll thank yourself next December when decorating is a breeze.

Step 9: Protect Your Home Systems with APHW Home Warranty Coverage

As you organize your decorations, don’t forget to protect your home systems and appliances. America’s Preferred Home Warranty offers customizable plans that fit your needs, so you can enjoy a less worrisome holiday season, year after year.

Final Thoughts

A little effort now will make next year’s decorating process easier and more enjoyable. With these tips, you can spend less time digging through boxes and more time sipping cocoa by the fire.

Ready to protect your home year-round? Learn how America’s Preferred Home Warranty can help by visiting our coverage page.