How to Take Down and Store Christmas Decorations
Taking decorations down is less fun than putting them up, which is why so many people end up stuffing everything into a box and facing a tangled mess the following December. A little organization at the end of the season saves a lot of time next year. Work room by room, sort as you go, and set aside anything broken or no longer used. Store lights so they cannot knot, protect fragile ornaments, and label every container with what is inside and where it goes. This guide walks through a simple order of operations, storage tricks that cost little or nothing, and a quick inventory you can make so next year's shopping list is easier.
Practical tips
- Pick a date and put it on the calendar so the job does not drag into February.
- Test light strands before packing and discard ones that no longer work.
- Wrap lights around a piece of cardboard or an empty paper towel tube to prevent tangles.
- Store fragile ornaments in egg cartons, divided boxes, or wrapped in tissue.
- Label each bin by room or category, such as tree, mantel, outdoor, and kitchen.
- Make a short list of what broke or ran out so you can buy replacements on post-holiday sales.
- Donate decorations you did not use this year to free up storage space.
Frequently asked questions
When should Christmas decorations come down?
There is no single rule; many people take them down after New Year's Day, and some wait until Epiphany on January 6.
How do I store a real wreath or garland?
Fresh greenery does not keep, so compost it or check whether your area offers a holiday tree and greenery pickup.
What is the best container for ornaments?
Hard-sided bins with dividers protect best, but egg cartons and small boxes inside a larger bin work well too.
How do I store an artificial tree?
Remove any ornaments, separate the sections if possible, and place them in a bag or box kept in a dry spot away from heat.