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!

How to Store Christmas Lights Without Tangling

At the end of the Christmas season, one of the least enjoyable tasks is taking down and storing your Christmas decorations. 

Chief among these is the perennial challenge of Christmas lights. Improperly stored, they can become a tangled mess, making next year’s decorating more frustrating than festive. 

Fortunately, with a bit of planning and a few clever techniques, you can store your Christmas lights tangle-free and ready for use. Here’s how:

1. Test the Lights Before Storing

Before you pack away your lights, plug them in to ensure they’re all working. Discard any that are beyond repair. This saves you from dealing with faulty lights next year.

2. Choose the Right Tools

Using the right tools can make all the difference in keeping your lights organised. Here are some simple options:

Cardboard or Plastic Reels: Cut a piece of sturdy cardboard into a rectangular shape and cut small notches on either end. Wrap the lights around the cardboard, securing the ends in the notches. Alternatively, you can purchase plastic reels designed specifically for storing Christmas lights.

Hangers: Use a standard clothes hanger to wrap your lights. Start at one end and wrap the strand around the hanger, securing it with a twist tie or clip.

Spools: Empty spools from ribbon or thread work well for shorter light strands. Simply wind the lights around the spool and tuck the plug into the centre.

3. Label Each Strand

If you use multiple sets of lights for different areas (e.g., tree, outdoor decorations, mantel), label each strand with its location. Use masking tape or tags to make it easy to identify next year.

4. Store in a Dedicated Container

Invest in a storage container specifically for your Christmas lights. Clear plastic bins work well because you can see the contents at a glance. You can also find bins with dividers or compartments to keep multiple strands separate.

5. Avoid Overcrowding

When placing your wrapped lights into storage, avoid cramming them into a small space. Overcrowding can lead to tangling and damage. Ensure each strand has enough room to stay in place.

6. Keep Away from Moisture and Heat

Store your lights in a cool, dry place to prevent damage from humidity or extreme temperatures. Avoid storing them in areas like basements or attics unless they’re well insulated.

7. Repurpose Everyday Items

If you’re in a pinch, everyday household items can work wonders for storing lights:

Plastic bags: Coil each strand loosely and place it in a resealable plastic bag. This keeps them separate and prevents tangling.

Paper towel rolls: Wrap the lights around an empty paper towel roll and secure the ends with tape or twist ties.

8. Take Your Time

Rushing through the process of taking down and storing your lights is a recipe for tangles. Set aside some time to do it carefully and methodically. You’ll thank yourself next year!

Final Thoughts

Storing Christmas lights without tangling doesn’t have to be a chore. With these simple tips and a bit of organisation, you can save yourself time and hassle when the festive season rolls around again. Happy un-decorating, and here’s to a stress-free start to next year’s celebrations!