How to store your Christmas decorations

When the festive season comes to an unwelcome close, knowing exactly how to store away all your decorations can be a challenge many of us face, and with so many things to consider and limited time around Christmas, it’s important to get it right.

To help you store your Christmas decorations correctly and quickly, Vlatka Lake, storage expert at Space Station offers her top festive hacks.

  Christmas tree

“If you store it properly, a good-quality artificial tree should last you many Christmases. Whilst it’s important to check any storage instructions that may come with your tree, in most cases, after disassembling your tree, you should then store it in a closed container to help protect your tree from sunlight and moisture. Ideally, you will have kept the original box it came in, but if not, you may want to consider investing in a tree cover or a canvas bag with handles for easy transportation.

“If you’ve opted for a real Christmas tree, there are a number of ways to safely dispose of them. You may want to check with your local recycling centre, as they may offer a recycling service for your tree. Another option is to repurpose your tree for mulch or composting. You could also consider donating it to your local council, garden centre or nature reserve, who may be able to give it a new purpose.”

Lights

 “Tangled Christmas lights are a problem that most of us face each year, but if stored correctly, no untangling is required. A helpful trick adopted by many avid decorators is to wrap your lights around pieces of cardboard before putting them in storage. Not only is this a great method for keeping organised, but it also gives purpose to those scrap bits of cardboard we all have laying around this time of year. You can also store away your festive garlands using this same method.”

Baubles and delicate decorations

“When it comes to storing away your more fragile decorations, you must take extra care to prevent breakages that will help them to last for years to come. Whilst many people choose to invest in a specialised ornament container, a great DIY and low-cost option is to recycle egg cartons. Designed to comfortably fit around the spherical shape of your eggs, they prove perfect for containing your delicate baubles. Make sure you also remember to wrap them in tissue paper or bubble wrap before placing them in the compartments or fill the empty space around the ornament to limit movement.”

Soft furnishings

“For those of you that like to go that extra mile at Christmas, knowing how to store those festive pillows and blankets is crucial. All soft furnishings should be washed and thoroughly dried before stowing away to prevent mould or mildew. Once you’ve done this, fold them neatly and enclose them within an air-tight container to protect them against changes in temperature.”

Silverware

“Christmas time also often calls for displaying and bringing out our ‘fancy’ tableware. If this is the case for you and your family, when it comes to storing it away again, take extra care to prevent yourself excessively polishing them next year. Store away in tarnish-preventing pouches or anti-tarnish wax and place them in an air-tight container for your next special occasion.”