It starts with the changing of the leaves and a cool fall breeze. You break out the plaid and smell the pumpkin spice everything. Decorating first for Halloween, then Thanksgiving, and then Christmas (and New Years, if that’s your thing), the storage containers are flying. If you’re like most people, you’re probably thinking you’re going to need a better system for next year, to keep things a little tidier and more organized. If you’re reading this before the scary cats & tombstones are put away, you’re in luck, because I am going to share some tips that will save you time and leave you feeling like a household superhero! Stay with me….
1.) If you don’t love it, lose it!
The holidays can be a perfect time to rethink what’s stored in our decor stash. As you’re unpacking seasonal items, take a close look at each piece and ask yourself: Do I genuinely love this? Decorations often hold sentimental value, but it’s easy to keep items out of habit rather than joy.
If an item doesn’t make you smile or fit your style anymore, it’s okay to let it go. Donating gently used decorations to local thrift stores or charities will give them a second life, potentially bringing someone else the joy they no longer bring you. By freeing up space, you’ll make decorating quicker, easier, and more enjoyable year after year.
Here’s a quick system for evaluating decor as you unpack:
- Sort: As you take items out, make separate piles for “must keep,” “maybe,” and “let go.”
- Evaluate: Go back through the “maybe” pile and only keep pieces you genuinely enjoy and have a place in your home.
- Declutter Immediately: Box up donations right away and load them in your car so you’re not tempted to put things back later.
By the time you finish decorating, your storage area will already be more organized, and you’ll feel lighter.
2.) Find boxes that fit and tell you what’s inside
When it comes to storing your holiday decor, function should always come first. While it’s tempting to go for matching boxes, the real key to an efficient storage system is finding containers that fit the items you need to store and the storage space you have available. Look for boxes that are big enough for bulkier items but also smaller options for fragile or oddly shaped pieces.
To make finding everything a breeze, consider using containers with colors that hint at what’s inside—for example, green and red for Christmas or pastels for springtime decor. Labels are a must here: the more specific, the better. Labeling each box with details like “String Lights” or “Mantel Decor” means you won’t waste time searching for individual pieces when you’re ready to decorate. I love chalkboard labels, but you can use whatever you have on hand (the old masking tape and sharpie is a classic).
Lastly, make the most of each container’s space to avoid storing empty air. Taking a few extra minutes to arrange items carefully can help you consolidate decor and reduce the overall number of containers, which means less storage space is taken up and everything stays more organized.
3.) Keep a calendar flow in your storage area
The final step to creating a hassle-free holiday decorating system is arranging your storage area so that each holiday’s decor is easy to grab when it’s time to decorate. A great way to do this is to store containers in chronological order based on when you’ll need them—from January to December. Start with winter holiday decor in the front, followed by any spring items, and so on through fall.
By organizing your containers this way, you can avoid digging through stacks to find the right boxes. As you put each holiday back into storage, simply place it at the back of the line, keeping everything in rotation. If you have multiple containers for a single holiday, stack them with the most frequently used or fragile items at the top, saving you from having to shift heavy boxes. I love storage racks so that each box sits on a shelf, but you can always pile containers if you don’t have access to shelving.
Taking a few minutes now to set up this system will make each holiday season smoother and more enjoyable, with all your favorite items ready and waiting right where you need them.
Final thoughts…
Creating a holiday decorating system takes a little time up front but saves a ton of hassle in the long run. By only keeping decor you truly love, choosing containers that fit and clearly labeled, and organizing your storage area by when you’ll need each item, you’re setting yourself up for stress-free decorating year after year. With a system in place, you can focus on enjoying the season, knowing everything you need is ready and waiting for you.
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