Once Christmas has wrapped up, the house suddenly feels quieter. The lights are still twinkling, the decorations have done their job, and now there’s just one task left that everyone tends to put off for as long as possible.
Packing everything away can feel like a chore, especially after a busy December, but it doesn’t have to be rushed or miserable. Done properly, it can actually be one of those oddly satisfying jobs that clears the space, resets the home and makes next Christmas far easier before you’ve even started thinking about it.
Step 1: Sort Before You Store
Before anything goes back into storage, it’s worth taking a few minutes to lay everything out. It might feel like an extra step, but it saves a lot of time and frustration later on.
Now’s the moment to bin or recycle any broken decorations, untangle lights while they’re still out and working, and get rid of anything that didn’t survive the season. Grouping items by type rather than by room also makes a big difference, keeping similar decorations together and easier to find them next year.
This approach naturally lends itself to using different basket sizes for different items, with smaller baskets for delicate pieces and larger ones for bulkier decorations.
Step 2: Protect the Fragile Stuff
Once everything’s sorted, it’s time to think about keeping delicate decorations safe. Baubles and ornaments are far less likely to break when they’re properly supported, rather than rattling around together in one big box.
Lined baskets, shallow trays or smaller baskets placed inside larger ones work well here, helping to keep pieces separate and stable. Wrapping fragile items in tissue or a soft cloth adds an extra layer of protection without much effort.
There’s no need for specialist packaging or plastic inserts. A bit of care now goes a long way towards making sure everything comes out in one piece next December.
Step 3: Tangle-Free Lights (Finally)
Fairy lights have a habit of turning into a mess the moment they’re packed away without care. Left loose, they almost guarantee frustration when you come to use them again.
Taking the time to wind lights around cardboard, tubes, or even folded fabric keeps them neat and manageable. Placing each set into its own basket stops them from tangling with anything else, while keeping plugs and wires tidy and separate.
It’s a small habit, but it makes next year instantly easier and saves you from starting December with a knot of wires and a bad mood.
Step 4: Keep “Next Year Essentials” Together
One simple trick that makes decorating next year far smoother is setting aside a dedicated Christmas basket or trunk for your essentials. These are the items you always reach for first, yet they’re often buried at the bottom of several boxes.
Keeping the lights, the tree topper, hooks and fasteners together in one place means everything you need to get started is easy to find. When December comes around again, you can decorate straight away without rummaging through multiple boxes or cupboards to track things down.
Step 5: Label Once, Thank Yourself Later
It doesn’t take much to make a big difference. Adding labels to your baskets now can save a lot of time and frustration when you come to unpack everything next year.
Handwritten labels tied to basket handles work perfectly well and don’t need to look fancy. Clear descriptions of what’s inside mean you’ll know exactly where everything is without opening every basket.
It’s a small step, but one you’ll be very glad you took next December.
Where to Store Everything
Once everything’s packed away properly, choosing the right place to store it helps keep decorations in good condition. Lofts, spare rooms and cupboards all work well, depending on the space you have and how often you need access.
Sturdier baskets and storage trunks tend to cope better with long-term storage, especially in places like lofts where temperatures can change. They’re less likely to bend, crack or collapse compared to flimsier alternatives, keeping your decorations protected until they’re needed again.
A Smarter Alternative to Plastic Boxes
Plastic storage boxes might seem convenient, but they’re often a short-term fix. Over time, they crack, warp or end up stacked awkwardly in places you’d rather not see.
Baskets and storage trunks offer a more durable, reusable alternative that still looks good when stored around the home. Whether they’re in a spare room, cupboard or tucked under a bed, they don’t feel out of place once Christmas is over.
Rather than being used for a few weeks and forgotten, they work as a long-term storage solution you can rely on year after year.
Packing Christmas away properly might not be the most exciting job, but it pays off. A bit of care now means decorating next year is quicker, easier and far less stressful.
