The Secret to Storing Holiday Decorations in Small Spaces

As the holiday season comes to a close and we look around at our stunning holiday decor displays, the panic can start to set in. How will all these new holiday baubles and ornaments fit into that tiny storage space? Storing holiday decorations can be one of the least pleasant holiday activities, but with these tips, tricks and smart packing products, the process can be smooth and stress free. Promise.

Person holding up a yellow measuring tape to a white wall measuring to make sure there is enough space before storing holiday decorations for Home Network

Pexels/Ksenia Chernaya

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1. Size Matters

Before heading to the container store, take a tape measure to your storage space. Whether it’s a storage locker in a new condo building or the expansive basement of a family home, know the square footage you have to work with.

Amazon

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2. Totally Stacked

While it may be tempting to take home a couple of supersized, high-capacity containers, remember they won’t be as light once filled up. Smaller, stackable containers are much easier to move than massive, oversized ones. Plus, tiny totes allow you to Tetris them into smaller storage lockers, hall closets or crawlspaces.

Citylife Plastic Storage Bins, Amazon, $40/6 pack.

Sterilite

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3. Flat Out

When that storage locker is stacked to the ceiling and closets are already close to bursting, it’s time to go under… the bed. Flat, under-bed boxes are a smart way to utilize underused space — evict the dust bunnies and move in ornaments instead.

Sterilite ClearView Wheeled Underbed Storage Box, Canadian Tire, $33.

Fleximounts

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4. On High

The floor isn’t the only square footage to consider when storing holiday decorations — ceilings can play a part, too. Ceiling mounted racks provide extra places for storage totes and ornament boxes.

Fleximounts Overhead Garage Storage, Amazon, starting at $200.

IKEA

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5. Righteously Wreathed

For ornamental wreaths or garlands, invest in a reusable wreath storage bag with handles or a hook loop. Installing a simple hook inside a hall closet or laundry room provides the perfect place to tuck it away until the next holiday season.

Dimpa Storage Bag, IKEA, $8.

Balsam Hill

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6. Divide and Conquer

To give your holiday ornaments the best protection possible, look for storage bins with padded, adjustable dividers. Before purchasing any new ornament storage box, measure your largest ornaments first to confirm they’ll fit.

Deluxe Rolling Ornament Chest, Balsam Hill, $500.

View up a ladder to an attic with an artificial Christmas tree as part of Home Network The Secret to Storing Holiday Decorations in Small Spaces

Pexels/Jeswin Thomas

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7. Air-Quality Controller

When we have limited storage space, we sometimes have to get creative. A garden shed, an uninsulated attic or the corner of a small garage become prime spots for storing holiday decorations. To stave off damp and potential mould damage, make sure the boxes are airtight.

Neatfreak!

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8. Bug Off

If tablecloths and linens are part of your holiday decor scheme, add small cedar balls to the bins they’re stored in. That’ll help keep those little beasties at bay.

Neatfreak! Natural Cedar Balls, Walmart, $15/set of 50.

Woods

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9. Do String Me Along

If string lights are a big part of your holiday decorating tradition, a handled storage reel not only keeps lights in order but also minimizes the space needed to store them.

Woods Standing Storage Reel, Rona, $24.

Red labeller held by a female hand against a black background

Pexels/Mikhail Nilov

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10. Say My Name

One of the key tips for effectively storing holiday decorations in small spaces is getting friendly with a labeller. Having clear, descriptive labels on each storage bin and bag avoids confusion when packing up and taking them out next holiday season.