Christmas decorations can transform your home into a festive space, but once the celebrations are over, finding somewhere to put everything can be a challenge.
From large artificial Christmas trees and delicate glass baubles to outdoor lights, wreaths and festive ornaments, decorations can take up a surprising amount of room.
Many households find themselves squeezing boxes into lofts, overcrowded garages or spare bedrooms, only to discover broken decorations and tangled lights the following December.
The good news is that with the right organisation and storage methods, you can keep your Christmas decorations protected and ready for next year.
At SecureStore Self Storage, we help households across Bury, Manchester, Failsworth and Salford find extra space for belongings they don’t need throughout the year.
Here’s our practical guide to packing, organising and storing your Christmas decorations properly.
Why Proper Christmas Decoration Storage Matters
Christmas decorations are often used for only a few weeks each year.
For the remaining months, they need somewhere safe and suitable to be kept.
Poor storage can lead to:
- Broken baubles and ornaments
- Tangled or damaged Christmas lights
- Crushed artificial tree branches
- Dusty or damaged decorations
- Lost accessories and replacement bulbs
- Overcrowded cupboards and lofts
- Unnecessary spending on replacements
Taking a little extra time when packing decorations away can save considerable effort when the next festive season arrives.
1. Sort Your Decorations Before Packing
Before putting everything into boxes, spread your decorations out and decide what you actually want to keep.
Separate them into categories such as:
- Christmas tree decorations
- Indoor lights
- Outdoor lights
- Wreaths and garlands
- Table decorations
- Window displays
- Artificial Christmas trees
- Outdoor figures and ornaments
This is also a good opportunity to identify anything that’s broken, damaged or no longer wanted.
There’s little benefit in storing decorations you know you won’t use again.
2. Use Strong Storage Boxes
Cardboard boxes are convenient, but they can become damaged if exposed to moisture or excessive weight.
For many ordinary decorations, sturdy plastic storage containers with secure lids can provide practical protection.
Choose containers that are easy to lift and stack safely.
Avoid overfilling them.
For fragile or valuable decorations, use packaging specifically suited to the item.
3. Protect Fragile Christmas Baubles
Glass baubles and delicate ornaments need extra care.
Ideally, use compartmentalised bauble storage boxes that keep individual decorations separated.
You can also use suitable protective wrapping for less valuable ornaments.
Avoid placing heavy decorations on top of fragile ones.
If you own particularly valuable or antique decorations, consider specialist archival packaging and appropriate environmental conditions.
4. Keep Christmas Lights Tangle-Free
One of the most frustrating jobs every December is untangling Christmas lights.
Before storing them:
- Unplug the lights.
- Check for visible damage.
- Remove batteries where appropriate.
- Wind the cable loosely around a suitable reel or organiser.
- Secure it without putting pressure on the wiring.
- Label the set.
Avoid tight bends or pulling the cables excessively.
Damaged electrical decorations should not be reused.
For electrical safety guidance, visit Electrical Safety First.
5. Label Indoor and Outdoor Lights Separately
Outdoor lights may have different specifications from indoor sets.
Keep them clearly labelled.
For example:
LIVING ROOM TREE LIGHTS
OUTDOOR GARDEN LIGHTS
STAIRCASE FAIRY LIGHTS
WINDOW DISPLAY LIGHTS
This makes decorating much easier the following year.
6. How to Store an Artificial Christmas Tree
Artificial Christmas trees can be one of the bulkiest festive items.
Before packing your tree away:
- Remove all decorations.
- Disconnect lights where applicable.
- Check the branches and fittings.
- Follow the manufacturer’s dismantling instructions.
- Fold branches carefully.
- Use a suitable storage bag or box.
- Keep the stand and fittings together.
Avoid forcing a large tree into packaging that’s too small.
Doing so can damage the branches or supporting structure.
7. Consider a Christmas Tree Storage Bag
Purpose-made Christmas tree storage bags are available in different sizes.
Some are designed for dismantled trees, while others accommodate particular assembled or partially assembled models.
Check the dimensions before purchasing.
A suitable bag may help protect the tree from dust and make it easier to transport.
8. Store Wreaths Without Crushing Them
Christmas wreaths often contain delicate artificial foliage, ribbons and ornaments.
Avoid placing heavy boxes on top of them.
For suitable artificial wreaths, a dedicated wreath storage container may help maintain their shape.
Ensure the wreath is clean and dry before packing.
Natural wreaths may not be suitable for long-term storage and can deteriorate.
9. Protect Christmas Garlands
Garlands can become tangled or flattened.
Store them loosely in an appropriately sized container.
Avoid excessive compression.
If the garland includes electrical lights, follow the manufacturer’s storage guidance.
10. Organise Outdoor Christmas Decorations
Outdoor decorations can be particularly bulky.
You may have:
- Illuminated reindeer
- Outdoor Santa figures
- Decorative lanterns
- Festive signs
- Large light displays
- Outdoor garlands
Clean and dry suitable items before packing.
Check that electrical components are disconnected and safe.
Some outdoor decorations may need to be dismantled according to manufacturer instructions.
11. Remove Batteries Before Storage
Batteries left inside decorations for long periods may leak and damage the item.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidance and remove replaceable batteries where appropriate.
Store batteries safely and separately, and check SecureStore’s restrictions before bringing any batteries into a storage unit.
Damaged batteries should be handled and disposed of through appropriate routes.
12. Store Christmas Table Decorations Together
Table decorations are often overlooked.
You might own:
- Festive table runners
- Decorative centrepieces
- Napkin rings
- Artificial candle arrangements
- Christmas-themed serving accessories
- Place-card holders
Keeping these items together can make next year’s table preparation much easier.
Ensure textiles are clean and completely dry before storage.
13. Keep Decorations Away From Moisture
Damp conditions can damage decorations.
Cardboard, fabric, wood and certain electrical components can be particularly vulnerable.
Before choosing a storage location, consider whether it is suitable for the materials involved.
Sensitive or valuable decorations may require specialist environmental conditions.
14. Don’t Overload Your Loft
Lofts are commonly used for Christmas decoration storage.
However, not every loft is designed to support significant stored loads.
Heavy boxes can also be difficult to move safely through loft hatches.
Before storing items in a loft, consider structural loading, access and temperature conditions.
If you’re unsure whether your loft is suitable, seek professional advice.
15. Avoid Overcrowding Your Garage
Garages often become the default storage space for seasonal belongings.
But when decorations are added to bicycles, tools, gardening equipment and household items, the space can quickly become difficult to use.
If your garage is already overcrowded, it may be worth reviewing what needs to remain there.
Self storage could provide an alternative for suitable seasonal belongings.
16. Create a Christmas Decoration Inventory
An inventory can help you keep track of what you’ve packed.
For example:
| Box | Contents | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas 1 | Glass baubles | Storage |
| Christmas 2 | Indoor lights | Storage |
| Christmas 3 | Outdoor decorations | Storage |
| Christmas 4 | Wreaths and garlands | Storage |
| Christmas 5 | Table decorations | Storage |
You could also photograph the contents of each box before closing it.
This makes it easier to find particular items without opening everything.
17. Use Clear Labels
Every box should have a clear description.
For example:
CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATIONS – FRAGILE
OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
CHRISTMAS TABLE ACCESSORIES
ARTIFICIAL TREE FITTINGS
Labels are particularly useful when several family members help put decorations away.
18. Keep Small Accessories Together
Small items are easily lost.
These might include:
- Tree stand fittings
- Replacement ornament hooks
- Spare non-electrical fixings
- Decorative clips
- Ribbon
- Display accessories
Place suitable small items into labelled bags or containers.
Avoid mixing them with fragile decorations.
19. Store Decorations by Room
Another useful method is to organise decorations according to where they’re displayed.
For example:
LIVING ROOM
DINING ROOM
HALLWAY
BEDROOMS
GARDEN
This can make decorating faster because everything needed for each area is already grouped together.
20. Store Decorations by Theme
Some households enjoy changing their Christmas colour scheme.
You might have red and gold decorations one year and silver and white the next.
If you own several collections, store them separately.
This allows you to reuse decorations without having to purchase an entirely new set.
21. Don’t Keep Broken Electrical Decorations
If a set of lights has damaged wiring, cracked plugs or other visible defects, don’t simply pack it away for another year.
Have it assessed or dispose of it through an appropriate electrical recycling route.
Electrical decorations should only be used in accordance with their manufacturer’s instructions.
22. What About Real Christmas Trees?
Real Christmas trees are not suitable for long-term self storage.
After Christmas, arrange disposal or recycling through an appropriate local service.
Some councils offer seasonal Christmas tree collection or recycling arrangements.
Check your local council’s guidance.
23. When Should You Take Christmas Decorations Down?
There is no single date that every household must follow.
Some people take decorations down shortly after New Year’s Day.
Others follow the tradition of Twelfth Night.
The important thing is to allow enough time to pack everything carefully rather than rushing.
24. Consider Storage for Large Christmas Displays
Some households create elaborate festive displays.
These might include large artificial trees, outdoor figures, illuminated decorations and multiple sets of lights.
If your display grows each year, storage requirements may increase significantly.
A separate storage unit may be worth considering for suitable decorations, provided the items are permitted and the storage environment meets their requirements.
25. Choosing the Right Storage Unit
The amount of space required depends on how many decorations you own.
A few boxes of baubles will require less room than several large artificial trees and outdoor displays.
Before booking:
- Count your boxes.
- Measure bulky decorations.
- Check whether items can be dismantled.
- Identify fragile belongings.
- Consider how often you’ll need access.
- Confirm environmental suitability.
- Check that all items are permitted.
SecureStore can discuss available unit sizes to help you find a suitable option.
26. Keep Heavy Boxes at the Bottom
When arranging boxes, place heavier, sturdy containers low down.
Keep fragile decorations protected from pressure.
Avoid unstable stacks.
Leave sufficient space to retrieve belongings safely.
27. Consider Insurance
Some Christmas decorations can be expensive to replace.
SecureStore offers storage insurance options.
Speak to the team about the nature and value of your belongings.
Check whether your existing home contents insurance covers items stored away from your property.
28. Removal + Storage for Bulky Decorations
Large artificial trees and decorative displays can be awkward to transport.
SecureStore provides Removal + Storage for suitable belongings.
Contact the team to discuss dimensions, weight and handling requirements.
29. Why Self Storage Can Be Useful for Seasonal Belongings
Christmas decorations are only needed for a relatively short period each year.
Keeping them in your home throughout the remaining months may not always be practical.
Suitable self storage can help you:
- Reclaim cupboard space
- Reduce garage clutter
- Keep decorations organised
- Separate seasonal belongings
- Protect suitable items from accidental damage
- Make it easier to find decorations next Christmas
The right choice depends on your belongings, budget and storage requirements.
Ask About SecureStore’s Introductory Offers
SecureStore previously introduced a limited two-week flash promotion offering eligible customers their first month of storage for £1.
If you’re considering additional storage space, ask whether this promotion or another introductory offer is currently available.
All offers are subject to eligibility, availability and applicable terms.
How to Book Your Unit With SecureStore
If you’re running out of space for seasonal decorations, getting started is straightforward.
- Sort your Christmas decorations.
- Remove damaged or unwanted items.
- Clean and dry suitable belongings.
- Pack fragile decorations carefully.
- Organise lights and accessories.
- Label your boxes.
- Measure larger items.
- Contact SecureStore to discuss available unit sizes.
- Ask about Removal + Storage if required.
- Confirm current prices, terms and introductory offers.
SecureStore Self Storage
Call: 0161 470 0288
Email: info@securestoreselfstorage.co.uk
Visit: 574 Manchester Road, Bury
Locations: Bury | Manchester | Failsworth | Salford | Walkden
Our team can discuss available units, permitted belongings and suitable storage arrangements.
Make Next Christmas Easier With Better Storage
Putting Christmas decorations away might not be the most exciting part of the festive season, but organising everything properly can make a real difference.
Instead of opening boxes of tangled lights and broken ornaments next December, you can enjoy decorations that are clean, organised and ready to use.
By protecting fragile items, labelling containers and choosing appropriate storage conditions, you can reduce unnecessary clutter and make decorating easier year after year.
If your home, garage or loft is running out of space, SecureStore can help you explore flexible storage options.
Contact SecureStore today on 0161 470 0288 or email info@securestoreselfstorage.co.uk to discuss your storage requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store Christmas decorations in a self storage unit?
Yes, suitable Christmas decorations may be stored, subject to SecureStore’s terms and the suitability of the storage environment. Check any electrical or battery-powered items before bringing them to the facility.
How should I store an artificial Christmas tree?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, remove decorations, carefully fold or dismantle the tree and use an appropriately sized protective bag or container.
What is the best way to store Christmas baubles?
Use compartmentalised storage boxes or suitable protective packaging. Keep fragile ornaments separated and avoid placing heavy objects on top.
How do I stop Christmas lights getting tangled?
Wind lights loosely around suitable cable organisers, label each set and avoid tight bends or excessive pressure on the wiring.
Does SecureStore offer storage for large Christmas decorations?
SecureStore offers a range of storage options for suitable belongings. Contact the team with the dimensions of your decorations to discuss unit availability and any restrictions.
