How to Declutter Your Christmas Storage

Christmas is truly a wonderful, magical time of year, but once the festivities are over, the reality of storing all the decorations, wrapping supplies, and seasonal items can be somewhat overwhelming. 

If your Christmas storage is starting to feel chaotic, now is the perfect time to declutter and organise it properly.

Here’s how to do it efficiently and stress-free.

1. Take Everything Out

Before you can organise, you need to know exactly what you have. Take all your Christmas decorations, wrapping paper, lights, and festive accessories out of storage and lay them out in one place. This will help you assess what needs to stay, what can go, and what needs better organisation.

2. Sort Into Categories

Group your Christmas items into clear categories:

Tree decorations (baubles, tinsel, lights)

Indoor decorations (wreaths, garlands, figurines)

Outdoor decorations (lights, inflatables, garden ornaments)

Gift wrapping supplies (paper, ribbons, tags)

Tableware and festive linens (Christmas crackers, napkins, special plates)

Sorting into categories makes it easier to see if you have duplicates or unused items.

3. Declutter Ruthlessly

Now comes the tough part—deciding what stays and what goes. Ask yourself:

Did I use this last Christmas? If not, do you really need to keep it?

Is it broken or damaged? If it’s beyond repair, it’s time to say goodbye.

Do I have too many of the same item? Keep the best and donate or recycle the rest.

Consider donating unwanted decorations to charity shops, schools, or community centres.

4. Use Smart Storage Solutions

Invest in storage solutions that keep your decorations protected and organised:

Clear plastic bins – Easy to see what’s inside without rummaging.

Divided ornament storage boxes – Keeps fragile baubles safe.

Wreath storage bags – Prevents dust and damage.

Labelled gift wrap organisers – Keeps paper, tags, and ribbons tidy.

5. Tangle-Free Light Storage

One of the biggest post-Christmas headaches is tangled fairy lights. To avoid this:

Wrap lights around pieces of cardboard or a cable reel.

Store each set in a separate bag or box.

Label them so you know which set is for the tree, outdoor use, or indoor displays.

6. Label Everything

Once everything is sorted and stored properly, label each box clearly. Use a permanent marker or printed labels with details like “Tree Decorations – Fragile” or “Outdoor Lights”. This makes setting up next Christmas much easier!

7. Create a Christmas Inventory

If you really want to stay on top of things, create a simple inventory of what you have and where it’s stored. A quick note in your phone or a list on a piece of paper can save you from unnecessary purchases next year.

8. Store in a Logical Place

Keep your Christmas items in a dry, cool, and accessible location, such as a loft, garage, or cupboard. Make sure the most frequently used items (like tree decorations) are easy to reach, while bulkier or less-used items (like outdoor inflatables) can go further back.

9. Plan for Next Year

As you pack things away, think about how you can make next Christmas even easier. Consider writing a list of what you might need to replace or purchase in the sales.

By taking a little time to declutter and organise your Christmas storage now, you’ll save yourself stress and hassle when the festive season rolls around again. Happy organising!