Holiday Decorations: Storing and Organizing Ornaments for Next Year

The holidays are magical—but let’s be honest, decorating can also feel overwhelming. Between unpacking last year’s ornaments, untangling strings of lights, and finding a place for all the new pieces you just bought, it’s easy for your holiday cheer to turn into holiday chaos.

As a professional organizer, I’ve seen firsthand how proper organization can transform the decorating process from stressful to joyful. The key isn’t just post-holiday storage—it’s also planning ahead before you bring out or buy new decorations. Thoughtful preparation ensures your home looks festive this year and makes next year’s decorating much easier.

Disclaimer: Even though it’s only the second week of December, now is the perfect time to think about organizing your holiday decorations. Planning ahead will prevent last-minute stress, save you time, and make the season truly enjoyable.

Why Organizing Holiday Decorations Matters

I’ll be honest—I’ve had my fair share of chaotic decorating seasons. One year, I spent hours untangling a string of lights while my kids stared impatiently, ready to help but unsure where anything belonged. That’s when I realized: holiday decorations aren’t just pretty—they have the power to spark joy or stress, depending on how they’re managed.

Holiday decorations often come with sentimental value. Ornaments collected over years, handmade keepsakes from loved ones, and themed sets for your tree can feel overwhelming when they’re all scattered. Without organization:

• Broken ornaments or damaged lights can go unnoticed.

• Decorations get lost in the shuffle, leading to repeated purchases.

• Decorating becomes stressful instead of joyful.

Organizing decorations isn’t just about neat bins—it’s about creating a system that saves time, protects your ornaments, and allows you to fully enjoy the holiday magic.

Step 1: Sort and Declutter Before You Store

Before packing anything away, take inventory. I like to do a quick “safety check” and declutter anything broken or forgotten. Some creative storage solutions I love:

• Egg cartons: Perfect for small, round ornaments. Each compartment holds one ornament securely.

• Muffin tins: Separate ornaments by color or type. Cover with plastic wrap to keep dust out.

• Shoe boxes with dividers: Line with tissue paper to create custom compartments.

• Plastic cups or containers: Store ornaments upright to prevent rolling or bumping.

Decluttering now means less stress next year—and fewer things to untangle during your decorating frenzy.

Step 2: Choose the Right Storage Solutions

The right containers make all the difference. Here’s what works best:

• Plastic bins with dividers: Great for delicate ornaments.

• Ornament storage boxes with foam or felt compartments: Perfect for heirlooms.

• Clear containers: Quickly see what’s inside.

• Ziploc bags: Ideal for small sets of lights or ornaments.

Tip: Label each container clearly with the type of decoration and the holiday or theme. It will save you so much time next year.

Step 3: Pre-Holiday Prep for New Decorations

Organization isn’t only for after the holidays—it’s smart to prep before you decorate:

• Plan your theme or color scheme in advance to avoid random purchases.

• Store new purchases separately until you’re ready to decorate.

• Check lights and batteries before bringing them out, replacing anything that’s broken or expired.

Thinking ahead reduces holiday stress and ensures you spend less time hunting for the right decorations.

Step 4: Create a Seasonal Decorating Routine

A simple routine can make decorating feel effortless each year:

• Stack trays inside larger storage bins for extra protection.

• Store delicate ornaments in compartments or boxes with lids.

• Keep your “decorating kit” together: ribbon, hooks, lights, and batteries all in one place.

With a consistent routine, decorating becomes a joyful tradition instead of a scramble.

Step 5: Maintain and Refresh Your Collection

After the holidays, take a few minutes to refresh your collection:

• Swap out outdated or damaged decorations.

• Take inventory of items you may want to add next year.

• Keep a small “new decorations” box ready for special finds.

This keeps your collection meaningful, organized, and ready for future holiday seasons.

Enjoy a Stress-Free Holiday Season

Organizing and storing your decorations properly isn’t just about neat bins—it’s about creating a system that brings peace and joy to your holiday season. When you plan ahead, decorate with intention, and maintain your collection year-round, you spend less time untangling messes and more time enjoying the magic with family and friends.

Need help coming up with a plan for this—or anything else in your home? Contact me! I’d love to chat and help you create a space that feels calm, organized, and joyful.

With ease & order,

Robin

Founder of The Organized Path

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