Storage Q&A: Boxing Holiday Decorations

Holiday Decor Storage

Q: Whew! The holidays are finally over. How should I store my holiday decorations until next year?

A: Think of your seasonal décor as heirlooms, and protect them from the forces of nature--sunlight and water. Here's how to safely store holiday trimmings in boxes:

• Use boxes in good condition, without tears or loose seams, saving any original ornament boxes.
• Wrap loose ornaments in tissue paper (avoid newspaper, which can transmit ink to delicate pieces).
• Place heavy items at the bottom of each box, stacking lighter ones on top.
• Store neatly wound garlands, lights, and dried wreaths in separate containers.
• Label each box.

Keep your holiday decorations in a dry environment not subject to extreme temperatures. (Glass ornaments can break when moved from a freezing attic to a warm living room. Fabric-covered ones can mildew in a damp basement.) High interior closet shelves make good hiding places because you use holiday items rarely.

From Simply Perfect® Storage™ Magazine.