Now that it’s officially January, many of us are standing in front of our Christmas decor wondering what comes next. Before reaching for storage bins, it helps to take a moment and assess what made sense in your home this season.

Pay attention to what you gravitated toward daily and what stayed untouched. The ornaments that felt personal, the pieces that added warmth, and the decor that supported how you lived during the season are usually worth keeping. Items that felt like clutter, required constant adjusting, or never quite fit into your space can often be let go without regret.

Edit Before You Store

The post-holiday moment is one of the best times to edit your decor. Instead of automatically packing everything away, separate items into three categories: keep, donate, and let go. Decorations that still feel meaningful or versatile belong in the keep pile. Pieces that are in good condition but no longer feel aligned with your style can be donated so they have a second life elsewhere.

Editing before storage saves space and prevents frustration next December. It also allows your holiday decor to evolve alongside your home rather than accumulating year after year.

How to Store Christmas Ornaments Properly

Ornaments often hold the most sentimental value, which makes storing them correctly especially important. Wrapping each ornament individually helps prevent chips, cracks, and fading. Acid-free tissue paper or soft fabric works well, especially for delicate or vintage pieces.

Ornament storage boxes with individual compartments offer structure and protection, but sturdy boxes with dividers can work just as well. Labeling containers clearly ensures that unpacking next year feels organized rather than overwhelming.

For ornaments tied to specific memories or trips, consider grouping them together so they’re easy to find when decorating again.

Protect Decorations From Damage

Christmas decor is often stored for eleven months at a time, so choosing the right environment matters. Avoid places with extreme temperature changes or excess moisture, such as garages or basements, when possible. Closets or climate-controlled storage areas help preserve materials and finishes.

Wreaths and garlands benefit from hanging storage or dedicated containers that prevent crushing. Lights should be wrapped carefully and stored separately to avoid tangling and broken bulbs.

Keep What Can Work Beyond December

Not all holiday decor needs to disappear completely. Neutral greenery, candles, ceramic pieces, and textured throws often transition seamlessly into winter. Leaving a few of these items out allows your home to feel comfortable without holding onto a fully seasonal look.

This approach keeps the home feeling layered and intentional rather than empty once everything comes down.

Make Next Year Easier for Yourself

One of the best reasons to be thoughtful now is to make next December simpler. Storing decor in clearly labeled bins, grouping items by room, and keeping an inventory of what you own removes unnecessary stress later.

Taking the time to edit, store, and preserve your decor ensures that when the holidays return, the pieces you love will be ready to use and still feel special.

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