Deck the Halls…and Then Store it All
Posted on Wed, Dec 28, 2011
Jingle bells, mistletoe, garland and lights may deck your halls, but where do they go come January? Whether you’re a retailer or a homeowner, your festive adornments can be kept safe and secure in storage.
How you store your holiday decorations is just as important as where you store them. We’ve put together some tips and tricks to help you pack your decorations for next year’s enjoyment.
Wrapping Ornaments & Other Delicate Items
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Use ornament boxes and lots of bubble wrap. You can create makeshift ornament holders by cutting cardboard into grid patterns and layering cardboard between layers.
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When a box is packed, fill the remaining crevices and gaps with packing peanuts and additional paper. If you can hear clunking noises when you gently move the box, then your items are not yet secure. Close and tape the box firmly to prevent unintended spilling or box breaking.
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Clearly mark the outside of the box “fragile” so you know to take extra care when placing the box in storage with your other decoration. When loading the boxes into a vehicle, be sure not to stack heavy items on top.
Storing the Synthetic Holiday Tree
After the holidays, the largest and bulkiest item to put away is usually your synthetic tree. To disassemble the tree, clear it of ornaments and remove the sections from the top down. Once each section is removed, gently shape the branches back toward the center to make them smaller.
Wrap the tree’s sections with twine to keep the branches in place and prevent damage. If you still have them, place the protective caps on the end of each section’s center pole.
Once disassembled, place each section in the original box, or use a tree storage bag. Storing the tree in a box or bag prevents dust, pests or moisture from damaging the synthetic materials or lights. Be sure the storage environment has a manageable humidity and temperature level to best protect the tree.
Packing Up Santa’s Suit
Use a padded hanger and cover the suit in a garment bag. Or, for more storage space, place the costume in a wardrobe box. If you prefer to box the costume, find an appropriately-sized storage container with an airtight lid. Carefully fold the costume, layering acid-free tissue paper between the folds, and place cedar in the container to ward off pests.
Launder the suit before placing it in storage and spritz it with fabric freshener to keep it smelling fresh until its next holiday event.
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