Halloween decorations have changed considerably over the years.
For many households, it is no longer just a pumpkin by the front door.
There are giant spiders.
Skeletons.
Outdoor lights.
Inflatable decorations.
Costumes.
Masks.
Cauldrons.
Artificial cobwebs.
Graveyard props.
Party decorations.
Boxes of accessories collected over several years.
And then, on 1 November, all of it has to go somewhere.
If your Halloween collection has grown from one small box into a substantial amount of seasonal equipment, storing everything properly can make next year’s celebrations much easier.
It can also stop decorations consuming valuable cupboard, loft and garage space for the other eleven months of the year.
SecureStore provides flexible personal self storage across Bury, Manchester, Failsworth and Salford, giving households additional space for suitable seasonal belongings that they want to keep but don’t need every day.
2-Week Flash Offer: First Month’s Storage for Just £1
With Halloween approaching, this could be a useful time to organise your seasonal belongings.
SecureStore currently has a limited 2-week flash offer, giving eligible customers their:
FIRST MONTH OF STORAGE FOR JUST £1
Suitable decorations, costumes, props and other household belongings can be organised and stored without taking over your home.
Promotional terms, eligibility and availability apply.
Call 0161 470 0288 or email info@securestoreselfstorage.co.uk to enquire.
Why Halloween Decorations Accumulate So Quickly
Halloween collections often grow gradually.
The first year you buy a few decorations.
The following year you add outdoor lights.
Then somebody buys a skeleton.
The children need costumes.
You host a Halloween party.
A large decoration is discounted on 1 November.
Before long, Halloween has its own section of the garage.
Because most items are reusable, throwing everything away after one night makes little sense.
The challenge is organising it properly.
Start by Taking Everything Out
Before Halloween this year, gather your existing decorations together.
You may be surprised by how much you’ve accumulated.
Check:
- Cupboards
- Garage
- Loft
- Shed
- Under beds
- Spare room
- Storage boxes
The aim is to see everything together before buying more.
Don’t Buy Another Skeleton Until You’ve Found the First One
Seasonal belongings are particularly easy to forget.
If decorations are scattered across the house, you may buy replacements for things you already own.
Create an inventory before heading to the shops.
It doesn’t need to be complicated.
A simple list on your phone is enough.
Sort Decorations Into Categories
Instead of having one enormous box labelled HALLOWEEN, divide everything into useful groups.
For example:
Indoor Decorations
Banners, table decorations and suitable ornaments.
Outdoor Decorations
Weather-resistant decorations designed for exterior use.
Costumes
Reusable clothing, hats and accessories.
Props
Larger decorative pieces.
Lighting
Suitable decorative lights and related accessories.
Party Equipment
Reusable plates, bowls, serving items and decorations.
This makes everything much easier to find next year.
Check Decorations Before Storing Them
Don’t automatically pack everything away on 1 November.
Inspect each item first.
Ask:
Is it still usable?
Is it damaged?
Do we actually like it?
Will we use it again?
If the answer is no, keeping it for another year simply creates unnecessary storage.
Remove Disposable Decorations
Some Halloween decorations are designed for one use.
Others deteriorate after being outside.
Don’t mix rubbish with reusable decorations.
Dispose of unwanted items appropriately and check local recycling guidance where necessary.
You can find your local council through:
GOV.UK – Find Your Local Council
gov.uk/find-local-council
Clean Outdoor Decorations Before Storage
Anything that has spent several weeks outside may have accumulated:
- Mud
- Leaves
- Dirt
- Rainwater
- General garden debris
Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions for the item.
Suitable decorations should generally be clean and thoroughly dry before being packed away.
Never Pack Wet Decorations Away
This is particularly important with fabric items.
Putting damp decorations into closed boxes for eleven months can cause problems.
Allow suitable items to dry completely in accordance with their care instructions before packing.
Large Halloween Props Need a Plan
A life-size skeleton is entertaining in October.
It’s considerably less useful in February.
Large props may include:
- Skeletons
- Tombstones
- Witches
- Giant spiders
- Decorative figures
- Large pumpkins
- Animatronic decorations
These items can consume a surprising amount of garage or loft space.
If your collection has become substantial, self storage can provide somewhere for suitable props between seasons.
Keep Original Boxes Where Practical
Some larger decorations are easiest to store in their original packaging.
The packaging may provide:
- Protection
- Correct sizing
- Support for delicate components
- Easier identification
If you have room to retain useful packaging, it may make packing the item away considerably easier.
Photograph Complicated Displays
If you’ve created an elaborate Halloween display, take photographs before dismantling it.
Next year, you’ll have a reference showing:
- Where decorations went
- How items were assembled
- How lighting was arranged
- Which pieces worked together
You can then recreate the display much faster.
Keep Assembly Instructions
Some modern Halloween decorations are surprisingly complicated.
If an item has:
- Poles
- Frames
- Connectors
- Fixings
- Electronic components
keep the instructions.
If you’ve lost the paper copy, check whether the manufacturer provides instructions online.
Label Small Components
Never create a random bag containing every screw and fixing from every Halloween decoration.
Instead use individual labelled bags.
For example:
GIANT SPIDER – FIXINGS
GRAVEYARD ARCH – BOLTS
INFLATABLE – PEGS AND GUY LINES
Future you will appreciate the extra two minutes spent labelling them.
Halloween Lights Need Careful Packing
Decorative lighting can become tangled very easily.
Before packing lights away:
- Follow manufacturer instructions.
- Check for obvious damage.
- Remove unsuitable or damaged items from use.
- Organise cables carefully.
- Label where each set was used.
Do not use damaged electrical decorations.
Electrical Safety First provides consumer guidance about electrical safety:
Electrical Safety First
electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk
Be Careful With Batteries
Many modern decorations use batteries.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding batteries during longer-term storage.
Do not store damaged, leaking or swollen batteries.
If you’re unsure about safe disposal, check appropriate local recycling guidance.
Inflatable Decorations Can Take Up Less Room — If Packed Properly
Large inflatable Halloween decorations look enormous when displayed but may pack down relatively small.
Before storing them:
- Follow manufacturer instructions
- Make sure they’re clean
- Ensure they’re completely dry
- Check for damage
- Keep relevant components together
Don’t lose the power equipment or fixings required to use them next year.
Costumes Deserve Their Own Storage System
Children’s and adult Halloween costumes can accumulate almost as quickly as decorations.
You may have:
- Witches
- Vampires
- Superheroes
- Skeleton costumes
- Masks
- Hats
- Capes
- Wigs
- Accessories
Don’t throw everything into one bag.
Check Whether Children’s Costumes Will Still Fit
Children grow quickly.
A costume that fitted perfectly this Halloween may be far too small next year.
Before storing it, consider whether:
- A younger sibling could use it
- Another family member might want it
- It could be donated
- It could be sold
There’s little benefit in storing children’s costumes nobody will ever wear again.
Clean Costumes Before Putting Them Away
Check care labels.
Some costumes may be washable.
Others may require more careful handling.
Don’t assume every costume can go into the washing machine.
Clean suitable costumes according to their care instructions and make sure they’re properly dry before storage.
Keep Accessories With the Costume
There’s nothing worse than finding the vampire costume next October but discovering the cape and accessories have disappeared.
Keep complete costumes together where appropriate.
A labelled bag or container can make this easier.
Masks Can Lose Their Shape
Don’t crush masks underneath heavy boxes.
Some masks and costume accessories can deform if stored badly.
Pack them appropriately and avoid unnecessary pressure.
Wigs Need Care Too
Halloween wigs can become tangled or damaged if thrown into a box.
Follow any relevant care instructions and pack them so they’re ready to use again.
Create a Dressing-Up Box for Children
Not every costume needs to disappear for eleven months.
Children may enjoy using old Halloween costumes for ordinary dressing-up play.
Keep favourite everyday costumes at home.
Store only the items that genuinely won’t be used until the following Halloween.
What About Halloween Party Equipment?
If you regularly host Halloween parties, you may have reusable equipment such as:
- Serving bowls
- Plastic decorations
- Table accessories
- Signs
- Reusable cups
- Party games
Keep reusable equipment together.
Next year, you’ll know exactly what you already have before buying more.
Don’t Store Food
Halloween sweets, opened food and other perishables should not be placed into ordinary self storage.
Use your storage unit for suitable permitted belongings, not leftover trick-or-treat sweets.
Avoid Storing Candles or Questionable Items Without Checking
Certain items may have restrictions depending on their composition.
If you’re unsure whether a decoration, fuel, aerosol, chemical or other item is permitted, speak to SecureStore before bringing it into a unit.
Never assume something is suitable simply because it’s part of a decoration.
Halloween Can Take Over the Garage
Large seasonal displays often end up in the garage.
Then Christmas decorations join them.
Then garden furniture.
Then camping equipment.
Eventually the garage contains everything except the car.
If your seasonal collection has reached that stage, dedicated storage can help you separate long-term seasonal belongings from equipment you use regularly.
Create a Proper Seasonal Rotation
Instead of repeatedly moving boxes around the house, organise belongings by when they’re required.
For example:
AUTUMN / HALLOWEEN
CHRISTMAS
SPRING
SUMMER
The next season’s belongings should be easiest to reach.
Halloween Comes Before Christmas
This sounds obvious, but it matters when organising a storage unit.
If Halloween decorations are buried behind Christmas items, you’ll have to move everything to reach them.
Think about the calendar when arranging your unit.
After Halloween, Christmas items may move forward while Halloween goes towards the back.
Keep a Digital Inventory
Take photographs of your boxes and their contents.
You could create a simple album on your phone called:
Halloween Storage
Photograph:
- Decorations
- Costumes
- Props
- Lighting
- Boxes
Next October, check the album before buying anything new.
Number Your Boxes
For larger collections, number the containers.
For example:
Halloween 1 – Indoor Decorations
Halloween 2 – Costumes
Halloween 3 – Outdoor Decorations
Halloween 4 – Lighting
Halloween 5 – Party Equipment
It makes retrieving specific items much easier.
Don’t Make Boxes Too Heavy
It’s tempting to use the largest container available.
But a huge box filled with dense decorations can become difficult to lift safely.
Use manageable containers and don’t attempt to lift anything beyond your capabilities.
Put Fragile Decorations Higher Up
Don’t put delicate ornaments underneath heavy props.
Plan how belongings are stacked.
Heavy, sturdy items should not crush fragile decorations.
Sell Decorations You No Longer Want
If your Halloween style has changed, someone else may want your older decorations.
Suitable items could potentially be sold through:
eBay UK
ebay.co.uk
Facebook Marketplace
facebook.com/marketplace
Vinted UK
vinted.co.uk
Check each platform’s current rules and describe the item’s condition accurately.
Donate Suitable Costumes and Decorations
Good-quality reusable items may also be suitable for donation depending on the charity’s current requirements.
British Heart Foundation
bhf.org.uk
Oxfam
oxfam.org.uk
Check what your local shop accepts before arriving with large quantities.
Buy Second-Hand Before Buying New
Halloween is ideal for reusing items.
A costume may only have been worn once.
A decoration may have been displayed for a few weeks.
Before buying everything new, consider second-hand options.
It can reduce cost and give existing products another life.
Think Before Buying Enormous Decorations
That three-metre Halloween decoration may look fantastic in the shop.
Before buying it, ask:
Where will this live from November until next October?
Storage should be considered before purchase, not afterwards.
Measure Large Props
If you’re buying substantial decorations, check:
- Display dimensions
- Packed dimensions
- Weight
- Storage requirements
Something that looks manageable in a large shop can feel enormous once it’s inside your house.
Don’t Forget Doorways
Large rigid props may not dismantle.
Before buying one, think about whether it will fit through:
- Front door
- Garage door
- Hallway
- Storage access
Measure first.
Use Halloween as an Annual Clear-Out Point
Because you handle the collection once every year, Halloween is a perfect opportunity to review it.
Every November ask:
What didn’t we use this year?
If a decoration hasn’t been used for several Halloweens, consider whether it really needs to be kept.
Don’t Store Broken Decorations for Another Year
The broken animatronic witch is unlikely to repair itself while sitting in a box.
If you genuinely intend to repair something, set it aside and do so.
Otherwise, dispose of it appropriately.
Don’t pay to store rubbish.
Keep Valuable Everyday Space for Everyday Belongings
Cupboards, wardrobes and garages are useful.
But they’re most useful when they contain things you actually need regularly.
A box opened once every twelve months doesn’t necessarily deserve the most convenient cupboard in the house.
Suitable self storage allows rarely used seasonal belongings to move elsewhere while your everyday storage remains available.
Removal + Storage for Larger Props
Large Halloween decorations can be awkward to transport.
SecureStore provides Removal + Storage for suitable belongings.
If your Halloween collection includes bulky permitted props or other household items, speak to our team about moving and storage options.
Use SecureStore’s £1 First-Month Flash Offer
If your Halloween collection has grown beyond a couple of boxes, our current promotion could make this a useful time to get organised.
For two weeks only:
GET YOUR FIRST MONTH OF STORAGE FOR JUST £1
Subject to SecureStore’s terms and suitability, storage could potentially help with:
- Halloween decorations
- Costumes
- Large props
- Artificial pumpkins
- Party equipment
- Suitable decorative lighting
- Seasonal household belongings
- Other permitted items
2-WEEK FLASH OFFER – FIRST MONTH’S STORAGE £1
Promotional terms, eligibility and availability apply.
How to Book Your Unit With SecureStore
Getting your Halloween collection organised is straightforward:
- Gather your decorations together.
- Check what you already own.
- Remove broken or unwanted items.
- Clean and dry suitable reusable decorations.
- Sort costumes, props, lighting and party equipment separately.
- Label boxes clearly.
- Create a simple inventory.
- Contact SecureStore and ask about our 2-week flash offer – first month’s storage for £1.
- Choose a suitable storage unit.
- Ask about Removal + Storage if larger suitable props need moving.
2-WEEK FLASH OFFER: FIRST MONTH’S STORAGE FOR £1
Call: 0161 470 0288
Email: info@securestoreselfstorage.co.uk
Visit: 574 Manchester Road, Bury
Locations: Bury | Manchester | Failsworth | Salford
No deposit required in many cases; same-day move-in may be available.
Contact SecureStore for promotional terms, eligibility and current unit availability.
Enjoy Halloween Without Giving It a Permanent Room in Your House
A good Halloween collection can be reused for years.
That’s part of the fun.
But decorations used for a few weeks shouldn’t necessarily occupy your best household storage space throughout the year.
Sort them.
Clean them.
Label them.
Get rid of what you no longer use.
Keep costumes and accessories organised.
And store suitable belongings so they’re easy to retrieve when October comes around again.
SecureStore provides flexible personal self storage and Removal + Storage across Bury, Manchester, Failsworth and Salford.
And for a limited period, your first month of storage is just £1 with our 2-week flash offer.
Call 0161 470 0288 or email info@securestoreselfstorage.co.uk to discuss your storage requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep Halloween decorations in self storage?
Suitable permitted Halloween decorations can be stored subject to SecureStore’s terms and availability. Clean and thoroughly dry appropriate items before storage and follow manufacturer instructions.
Can Halloween costumes be stored?
Suitable clean and dry costumes may be stored. Check garment care instructions before cleaning or packing them away.
Can I store Halloween lights?
Suitable electrical decorations may be permitted, but they should be checked and stored according to manufacturer guidance. Do not use or store obviously damaged electrical equipment without appropriate advice.
Can food and Halloween sweets go into a storage unit?
Perishable food should not be placed into ordinary self storage. Speak to SecureStore if you’re unsure whether a particular item is permitted.
Can SecureStore help with large Halloween props?
SecureStore provides Removal + Storage for suitable permitted belongings. Speak to our team about the size and type of items you need moving.
What is SecureStore’s current flash offer?
For a limited two-week period, your first month of storage is £1, subject to promotional terms, eligibility and availability.
