You’ve been there before. The holidays end, and you’re left staring at a pile of festive chaos that once made your home sparkle. Now? It’s a glittery mess. But the joy of the season doesn’t have to fade with the decor. With a few smart storage hacks, you can neatly pack everything away and be ready to bring the cheer back next year—minus the tangled lights and missing ornaments. Here’s how to get organized post-holiday season.

Sort Before You Stash

Before packing up, take time to sort through your holiday decor. Did you use everything this year? Are there broken ornaments hiding in the pile? Be honest and ruthless: if it’s broken, toss it; if you didn’t use it, donate it. Clearing out the clutter now saves you the hassle next year.

Label Everything

Clear bins are great, but labels are your real lifesaver. Be specific—“tree ornaments,” “wreaths,” or “string lights” are better than vague “holiday decorations.” Trust me, your future self will thank you when it’s time to deck the halls again.

Wrap Your Lights and Garlands

Tangled lights can dim anyone’s holiday spirit. Avoid this by wrapping them properly before storing them. No fancy tools required—cardboard and old paper towel tubes do the trick.

• DIY Light Organizer: Cut a square or rectangle of cardboard and neatly wrap your lights around it.
• Garland Storage: Roll garlands and tuck them into plastic bags before placing them in bins to keep them tangle-free.

Protect Your Ornaments

Ornaments are often the most fragile decorations, so they need extra care. Fancy storage boxes are an option, but simple DIY solutions work just as well.

• Egg Cartons: Perfect for small, delicate ornaments.
• Wine Boxes: Repurpose boxes with dividers to safely store larger items.

Hang Your Wreaths

Squished wreaths? No thanks. Keep them in shape by hanging them in a closet or storage area.

• Use a Hanger: Place the wreath on a clothing hanger and cover it with a garment bag to protect it from dust. This keeps it fresh and ready to go next season.

Keep Essentials Accessible

Some items—like your favorite tree topper or that inflatable snowman—make an appearance every year without fail. Store these priority items in an easy-to-reach bin so you don’t have to dig through everything to find them.

• Create a “Priority” Box: Store your go-to decorations in one box and keep it at the front of your storage space.

Store Wrapping Supplies Like a Pro

Post-holiday, wrapping paper, ribbons, and bows can quickly turn into a jumbled mess. Keeping them organized ensures they stay in good condition for next year.

• Garment Bag Hack: Store wrapping paper rolls upright in a garment bag to keep them unbent and tidy.
• Plastic Bin for Ribbons and Bows: Use a compartmentalized bin to keep small items like ribbons, bows, and gift tags sorted and easy to find.

Don’t Forget Outdoor Decorations

It’s easy to focus on indoor decor and overlook your outdoor displays. From lights to inflatables, outdoor items need proper storage to stay in good condition.

• Large Storage Bins: Deflate inflatables and store them in plastic bins to protect against dirt and moisture.
• Outdoor Lights: Use the same cardboard wrapping hack and store them in a bin labeled “outdoor lights” for easy access.

Make a Holiday Storage Checklist

The ultimate hack for staying organized year after year? A holiday storage checklist. It’s a simple way to track what you have, what needs replacing, and where everything is stored. Next year, you’ll be ready to dive into decorating without the stress.