Professional organizers share the ultimate trick for storing festive decorations

The Art of Storing Christmas Decorations Without the Glitter Mess

As the festive season comes to an end, many of us are left with the daunting task of storing our glittery decorations. While these items add a magical touch to our homes during the holidays, they can quickly turn into a mess if not stored properly. Fortunately, with a few expert tips and tricks, you can keep your home glitter-free for the entire year.

Why Glitter is a Storage Challenge

Glitter is a common feature in most holiday decorations, from wreaths and ornaments to lights and gift wrap. However, its fine particles can easily spread throughout your home, making it difficult to clean up later. Professional organizers often face this issue when helping clients store their decorations, as even the smallest amount of glitter can cause problems over time.

Tracy McCubbin, CEO and founder of dClutterfly, shares her experience: “I hate glitter! After dealing with clients' donations for years, my car, our truck, and our warehouse are forever covered in glitter.” To prevent this, she recommends that any item with glitter must be placed in a plastic bag before being transported or stored.

Cathy Orr, cofounder of The Uncluttered Life, agrees. She explains, “Glitter gets everywhere and into everything. You can put your holiday decorations away in December or early January and find it in nooks and crannies in March.” This highlights the importance of proper storage techniques to avoid future cleaning headaches.

Wrapping Techniques for Glittery Items

One of the most effective ways to store glittery decorations is by wrapping them. Cathy suggests using the Handy Laundry Christmas Wreath Storage Bag, which helps keep branches in place and minimizes glitter loss. These bags come in various sizes and are ideal for storing wreaths and other decorative pieces.

Another option is using clear storage boxes, such as Sterilite Storage Boxes. Di Ter Avest, professional organizer and founder of Diisorganized, recommends these because they allow you to see what's inside without opening the box. However, she emphasizes that even if you're using a bin, it’s essential to place the item in a plastic bag first to contain the glitter.

Storing Fragile Ornaments

For fragile, glitter-covered ornaments, Allie Licata, owner and lead organizer at The Curated Home Company, suggests using ornament boxes with individual compartments. These boxes, such as the Stack and Carry 2 Layer Christmas Ornament Box, help keep each ornament separate and protected. She advises wrapping delicate items with tissue paper or paper towels to prevent the glitter from spreading.

Once the Christmas tree is taken down, the same principles apply. Allie recommends shaking or vacuuming any loose glitter or needles before placing the tree in a zippered storage bag. This helps contain the glitter and makes cleanup easier next year.

Labeling and Organization

Labeling is another crucial step in the storage process. Di Ter Avest emphasizes the importance of labeling to make future retrieval easier. Instead of generic labels like “Christmas,” she suggests being specific, such as “Tree Décor – Red and Gold” or “Outdoor Lights.” Adding labels to the front and top of bins allows for quick identification.

She also recommends keeping all holiday décor in one dedicated zone, such as a shelf, closet, or basement section. This ensures everything is organized and easily accessible, reducing the need for extensive searching and cleaning.

Recommended Products for Storage

Several products are designed to make holiday decoration storage easier:

• Christmas Tree Storage Bag: A durable and flexible bag that provides structure and enough space for the tree. It features handles for easy transport.
• ZOBER Christmas Wreath Storage Container: Made of waterproof plastic, this container protects decorations from moisture and pests while preventing glitter from spreading.
• HOLDN’ STORAGE Premium Wrapping Paper Storage Container: Ideal for storing wrapping paper and accessories, this sealed bag keeps glitter contained and makes access easy.
• IRIS USA Ornament Storage Box: Stackable and convenient, these boxes have hinged lids for quick access to ornaments.
• IRIS USA Plastic Storage Bins: BPA-free and transparent, these bins allow for easy visibility of contents.
• VENO Wreath Storage Bags: Made from sustainable materials, these bags are durable and water-resistant, ensuring long-lasting use.

Final Tips for a Glitter-Free Home

By following these expert tips, you can ensure that your holiday decorations are stored efficiently and neatly. Whether you're using plastic bags, clear storage boxes, or labeled bins, the key is to contain the glitter and keep everything organized. With a little planning, you can enjoy your festive decorations without the hassle of cleaning up glitter well into spring.