Create a free account to access exclusive content, play games, solve puzzles, test your pop-culture knowledge and receive special offers.Already have an account? Login
First For Women has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!
You came. You unwrapped. You Christmas-ed. And now, it’s time to put it all away. You could throw all of your décor in the basement as is, or you could keep things nice and organized — not to mention safe from damage! — with these clever Christmas storage finds. Trust us: It will pay off come next holiday season!
Christmas Storage Made Easy
Most Christmas storage can be broken down into four easy categories, with allotted stowage for your tree, lights, ornaments, and wrapping paper. Read on for a few tips for how to best store each one.
Christmas tree: You’ll want to follow your artificial tree manufacturer’s instructions to determine whether it will keep best in pieces or simply as is. Before storing, disconnect any plugs you connected for pre-lit lights. If you’re separating your tree into sections, you should work your way from the top to the bottom. As you go, carefully fold in all your branches. You can also Saran wrap them to avoid any unnecessary damage. Store your tree in a durable, safe container or bag ($79.99, Amazon) in a dry, temperature-controlled area that’s out of the way.
Christmas lights: Storing Christmas lights involves more than just plucking them off the tree and tossing them in a bin. For one thing, you’ll want to check for any broken bulbs, replacing them as you go so that you won’t need to worry about it in the coming year. From there, you can either string your strands around a light reel ($27.89, Amazon) or a piece of cardboard before placing them in a storage box ($17.99, Amazon) for safe-keeping.
Christmas ornaments: Ornaments are treasured keepsakes you — and your family — will cherish for years to come, with some even being passed down to future generations. Needless to say, you’ll want to take good care of them. Tissue paper is a good idea for wrapping delicate glass or ceramic ornaments. You can also use old egg cartons or apple containers for some extra padding in an ornament storage box ($29.99, Amazon).
Christmas wrapping paper: Instead of stuffing wrapping paper away in the back of a closet, where it will likely get squished and crinkled, keep it neat and organized with a wrapping paper holder ($31.99, Amazon). Here, you can also stow your ribbons, bows, scissors, and tape, so they’ll be ready to go whenever you need them next.
Ready for clean-up? Keep scrolling for FIRST for Women’s picks for the most clever Christmas storage finds around.
We write about products we think our readers will like. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the supplier.
Keep your tree pristine for years to come with the help of this Covermates bag. Available in four size options with or without rolling wheels, this cover, which is made with a durable, moisture-resistant material, will not only keep your tree safe from the elements, it will withstand wear and tear from any rogue branches. It comes with a three-year warranty.
For garlands — or any other miscellaneous décor — that don’t fit within your other storage spaces, these aptly-named “Santa bags” are just the thing. They have clear windows at the top, so you won’t forget what you stowed away, and reinforced carrying handles to boot. Customers say they’re large enough to fit multiple wreaths and they collapse down when they’re not in use.
No one likes sorting through a tangled mess of lights. Save yourself the trouble next year with this reel set, which comes complete with a storage bag and three light reels. Each reel safely stores up to 125 feet of mini lights. They can also hold extension cords (up to 150 feet) and can be nestled side-by-side into the dust-and-moisture prevention cover.
Whether you need it to wrap up a gift box like a pro or are a regular crafter, you can keep all your ribbons of varying lengths and widths well-organized with this see-through box. It comes with an adjustable divider for spools, plus a shallow tray for scissors, glue, or pins.
Stow away two to three wreaths in these handy storage bags, which come in a set of two and fit even large models (up to 36 inches). They’re moisture-resistant to ward against any potential water damage, and customers say they also work well for garlands.
Of all the ornament storage boxes we perused, this one offered the most bang for your buck, with room for a whopping 112 ornaments! Removable cardboard inserts are included to separate out pieces, and a zipper closure keeps them safe from dust and pests. This box flattens down when it's not in use.
Short on room? Not to worry. With this festive under-bed ornament storage box, you can easily tuck away up to 64 ornaments under your bed. It has cardboard dividers to prevent scratches or dings and a dual-lift top for easy access. There's also has a five-year warranty, ensuring no pests, moisture, or dirt will penetrate.
You’ll never have to search for another ornament hook again thanks to this genius hook and storage set. Coming with 201 or 280 hooks in your choice of five shades, this convenient box will have you plenty prepared to un-deck the tree — and to dress it again next Christmas.
Keep your wrapping paper nice, neat, and in one place with this Zober premium organizer. It rolls up to 40 inches tall (a standard measurement) and has a sleek and slim design to fit under a bed or at the top of a shelf. There’s a Velcro divider to separate things out, plus two clear vinyl pockets for wrapping accessories (i.e. bows, ribbons, ect).
If you’re the type that can’t be bothered to separate out your decorations, these large storage bins are for you. Simply place them all — up to 32 gallons worth — inside, snap the lid on securely, and forget about it for the next 365 days! With a red top and a green bottom, these bins will be easily identifiable from the rest of your lot. There are also four-way handles that make them easily transportable.
You got a million great cards from friends and family this year. Now, where to put them all? If you want to keep them around for awhile, why not display them with this adorable handmade card display holder? It’s got pins for 25 to 30 cards and is currently on sale for 50 percent off.
Where to buy: $49.99 (Originally $68.99), Hayneedle
Simplify your tree storage with this upright storage bag, which allows you to wrap it up without taking it apart — or even taking off the lights or ornaments. It holds trees up to 9 feet tall and is made from a durable, cleanable fabric.
If you have a lot of bulbs to store, this Zober light box just might be your best bet. It houses four strand holders with room for 200 bulbs each, so you can separate your multicolored, white, or single-colored lights with ease. Strong, oxford fabric will keep them safe from mildew, water, and more, while a clear exterior card slot lets you label your lot.
SAVE NOW: Use coupon code REFRESH20 at checkout to save an extra 20 percent through Dec. 31.
How cute is this hard-side pull-out ornament drawer? Acting almost as a decoration in and of itself, this charming box has three tiers of storage with room for up to 54 ornaments. A cheery red-and-green color scheme and a water-resistant finish make it extra special.
Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.
Use right arrow key to move into submenus.
Use escape to exit the menu.
Use up and down arrow keys to explore.
Use left arrow key to move back to the parent list.
