Comments on: How to Store Christmas Decorations

on 12/6/2007 The Only thing I would add is to check and replace all burnt-out bulbs (that have been separated and labelled) so that they can be ready to use next year. There is nothing more frustrating than getting ready to string the lights and having missing or burn-out bulbs and nothing to put in their place!

on 2/3/2007 I have a Word document filed in "Christmas" that is an inventory of each of my 6 numbered plastic bins. Here I list everything that is in each bin. Once you do it the first time, it is easy to modify year after year. It helps you know what goes, (fits,) in which bin when putting it all away! It also helps me "remember" what new things I bought after Christmas sales and what things I got rid of because I was tired of it, or because it broke. I don't list every ornament...just "ornaments." I do list "12 cloth napkins." I also list, Nativity (Gift from Lisa 1987) That way it is an instant history for posterity.

on 11/22/2005 Store small, delicate ornaments in egg cartons. And if you receive boxed fruit for Christmas, the boxes are perfect for larger ornaments, as they have dividers. Then place the cartons and boxes in a large box(es) and put away.

on 11/22/2005 I make sectioned divider trays from cardboard for my plastic bins. Some sections are larger for any larger ornaments. I use a glue gun to hold them together. I also make "I"s from cardboard to use as spools for lights and keep them in gallon zipper bags.

on 11/22/2005 Use large, opaque plastic containers that stack. It's easy to tell what's in a container. I also have a separate box for things I need early (xmas cards, table linens, mantle decorations etc.) I can find it early in Dec. The Advent calendar is on top.

on 11/22/2005 I save those plastic bags from the grocery store. When I take down the tree, I put one string of lights in each bag, then put the bags into a Rubbermaid container. ... They're never tangled when I get them out the next year!! It's so simple!

on 11/22/2005 I store my decorations by the order in which I put them up - ie., the bannister is a 2-day effort so the garland/ lights/cherubs/bows and
extension cord all get put away together. This works for pillows/linens and other seasonal items.

on 1/9/2008 I purchased large, red Rubbermaid containers and store Christmas stuff in these. This way, I can tell very easily which ones they are, by their color.

on 11/22/2005 There are some Christmas items that I want to use first - before getting all my 20 boxes out. So I mark one box, "Open Me First." It contains decorations for my homemade doorknocker, decorative towels, magnets, tree waterer, etc.

on 11/22/2005 Hang two large bicycle hooks down from basement rafters. Hang a discarded broom handle between them. Thread rolls of Christmas lights over the handle between the hooks. Protect from dust by feeding a garbage bag with both ends open over rolls of lights.

on 11/22/2005 Lighthouse of Broward, a non-profit organization assists blind or people with vision disabilities by recycling used Christmas or any occasion cards to make new cards that can be sold to help the org. Mail to: 5785 W. Sunrise Blvd., Plantation, FL 33313.

on 11/22/2005 I store decorations in large Rubbermaid containers in the basement. Each is labeled: "Inside Decorations" or "Tree Decorations" ... etc. Containers are durable, waterproof and easy to locate.

on 11/22/2005 Don't store decorations that include candles in the attic. It gets too hot and the candles bend and melt. Store any items with candles in a separate box in the basement or a closet.

on 11/22/2005 Instead of cardboard boxes, invest in plastic storage boxes. Get enough of the same size. They are easily stacked, easy to find more, and can be reused every year.

on 11/22/2005 I save the tubes from the wrapping paper and wrap the strings of lights around the tube. A small slit on the ends of the tube allows me to stick the plug inside the tube. Easy to plug in to check and doesn't tangle when putting on the tree.