Store as much as you like for as long as you like
Store as much as you like for as long as you like
The thing about seasonal decorating is that the time that your decorations are displayed is dwarfed by the time they spend in storage. You might love to decorate whatever the occasion, or maybe you just can’t get enough of Halloween. For lots of people, Christmas provides the perfect excuse to get carried away with a theme! We’ve all opened a box of decorations to discover that they’re just not quite how we remember putting them away, though. But it’s unlikely that there are gremlins bent on destroying your fun. From Halloween frights to Christmas delights, proper storage is essential to maintain beauty and longevity in seasonal decorations.
Seasonal decorations are an integral part of our homes, bringing joy and a festive spirit to every corner. From pumpkins in October to twinkling lights in December, each season has its unique charm. However, this also means a variety of items to store, each with its own set of challenges.
Seasonal goods are hugely varied in size, shape and material. We all have our unique collections and this makes one-stop solutions tricky. Halloween costumes, Christmas lights, birthday banners—these are just a few examples of decorations that can be a challenge to store. Christmas, in particular, often involves a plethora of ornaments, from delicate glass baubles to artificial trees and wreaths. Storing these items requires careful consideration to prevent damage and loss.
While Christmas might take centre stage, other events like Easter egg hunts and spooky Halloween nights also contribute to the seasonal décor collection. Each occasion adds to the storage challenge, making it essential to develop a strategy for keeping everything organised and accessible.
We mentioned the gremlins above, and it can genuinely feel like they’ve got into the decorations box sometimes. But as storage experts, we can promise that we’ve never seen these little terrors in the flesh. There are, however, some very real things that can go wrong with incorrectly storing decorations.
One of the most common issues with storing decorations is impact damage. Stacked boxes and cramped spaces can lead to crushed ornaments and broken lights. Fragile items, especially glass and ceramic decorations, need adequate protection against bumps and jostling.
Pest damage is another concern. Mice, insects, and other critters find stored decorations an inviting habitat, particularly if they’re tucked away in cellars, lofts, or garages. Chewed wires and nibbled fabrics can ruin beautiful decorations and pose a safety hazard.
Mould and dampness can wreak havoc on your cherished items, leaving them stained and unusable. Poor ventilation and fluctuating temperatures in storage areas can encourage mildew growth, especially on fabric decorations. Musty smells are often the first sign of a moisture problem, alerting you to the need for better storage solutions.
Here’s the main problem with storing seasonal decorations, and it all stems from the psychology of celebrating. We pack away our decorations at the end of a celebration, festival or season, and so the process is overshadowed with sadness. So we tend to try to do it as quickly as possible, taking shortcuts and not thinking long term. By packing away conscientiously, you’ll reap the benefits next year!
One of the simplest yet most effective tips is to untangle and coil festive string lights before storage. Use a piece of cardboard or a dedicated reel to wrap them neatly. This not only saves frustration next season but also extends the life of the lights by preventing wire damage.
Always remove batteries from electronic decorations before storing them. Leaving them in can lead to corrosion, which could damage your decorations beyond repair. This small step can save you from buying replacements next season.
An inventory list is invaluable when storing seasonal decorations. Note down what you have and where it’s stored, making it easier to locate items when needed. This is particularly useful for larger collections, where decorations might be spread across multiple boxes or storage areas.
Organise decorations by the date they’re required, placing those needed first (like Halloween) at the front and Christmas items towards the back. This makes it easier to access the right decorations without disturbing the rest of your storage.
Make sure you have enough space to store your decorations without cramming them. Overloading storage areas increases the risk of damage and makes it harder to find and retrieve items. Consider investing in additional storage solutions if needed, such as shelving units, stackable boxes, or even a storage unit rental.
No matter how extensive your collection of seasonal decorations, there is a storage unit option that will fit for you. While a storage unit won’t detangle your Christmas lights for you, it will provide you with the year round benefits of clutter free space in your home.
One of the main benefits of using a storage unit is the extra space it provides. This can relieve pressure on your home storage areas, allowing you to organise decorations more effectively and reduce clutter. The space within your storage unit means that you’ll find it easier to locate the items that you want.
Storage units often offer climate control, which is ideal for preserving delicate decorations. Controlled temperature and humidity levels prevent mould and mildew, ensuring your items stay fresh and ready for the next occasion.
Storage units also provide a secure environment for your decorations, protecting them from theft, pests, and accidental damage. Knowing your decorations are safe and sound offers peace of mind, especially for those with valuable or sentimental items. Storing seasonal decorations doesn’t have to carry risk. With the right approach and a bit of planning, you can keep your decorations in top condition year after year. From untangling lights to choosing the perfect storage unit, these strategies can help you maintain the festive spirit in your home. Contact us at Blue Box to start planning a storage unit that works for you.