Christmas brings joy, lights, and special moments… but also boxes, ribbons, ornaments, and decorations that seem to multiply when it’s time to put everything away. The good news? I am here to say: you don’t have to deal with the famous “post-christmas chaos.” And this post is about to help you with all that. With a simple plan and a few smart tricks, you can store everything without stress and get your home ready to start the new year feeling easily organized.

Here’s a practical method to wrap up the season without losing time or patience.

1. Sort everything by category before storing

Before you start filling boxes, separate things into groups. This makes the process faster and makes it easier to find everything next year.

You can classify it like this:

● Tree: ornaments, hooks, ribbons, tree topper

● Lights: indoor, outdoor, special

● Textiles: pillows, blankets, stockings, table runners

● General decor: figurines, table pieces, vases, candles

● Outdoor: wreaths, signs, yard decorations

**Sorting them out helps keep things from getting mixed up and lets you identify anything that’s missing, extra, or needs repair.**

2. Check item by item and decide what won’t come back next year

Taking things down is the perfect time to declutter. Ask yourself:

● Is it broken or missing pieces?

● Does it no longer match your style?

● Did you skip using it this year?

● Do you still like it?

**If the answer is no, donate it, recycle it, or throw it out depending on its condition. Keeping decor you no longer enjoy just takes up space and makes next season harder.**

3. The lights trick: wrap them so they don’t tangle

Lights are the queens of chaos… but only if you store them without a plan.

Try one of these:

● Rectangular cardboard: Wrap the lights around it and secure the ends.

● Empty hangers: Easy, cheap, and keeps their shape.

● Reusable plastic reels: Great if you have lots of lights.

**The key is keeping them from being loose in the box. Your “future December self” will be so grateful.**

4. Store ornaments and fragile pieces with simple but effective protection

You don’t need special supplies. You can use:

● Tissue paper

● Napkins or reused wrapping paper

● Recycled magazines

● Egg cartons for small ornaments

● Scraps of kraft paper

**The trick is layering: one layer of ornaments, one layer of paper… and repeat.**
**If you have ornaments with sentimental value, place them in a separate box labeled “fragile.”**

5. Label everything clearly and nicely

Labels are the difference between opening a box and knowing what’s inside… or turning into a detective.

Keep it simple:

● Living Room Decor – Christmas

● Lights – Indoor

● Textiles – Seasonal

You can use white stickers, hanging tags, or even a permanent marker. It’s not about perfection—just clarity.

If you want it to look nicer, try:

● Color-coded ribbons

● Kraft labels

● Clear boxes for items you use every year

6. Store things in order of use

What you’ll need first next year should go on top or be the easiest to reach.

For example:

Outdoor lights
Outdoor decor
Tree and main decorations
Small details and textiles

This logic saves time and helps prevent unnecessary messes.

7. Take a moment to check the space where everything will be stored

Before putting boxes in the closet, attic, or storage area:

● Check for humidity

● Make sure boxes close properly

● Dust the shelves

● Reorganize if something no longer works

This helps you avoid unpleasant surprises next December.

Important note

Remember to remove the batteries from all decorations that use them and store them properly.

Storing Christmas decor doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With clear categories, mindful decluttering, a few practical tricks (like wrapping your lights), and a good system of boxes and labels, you can end the season with a sense of order and peace. And if you do it while listening to your favorite music and maybe having a warm drink, it's more fun!

If you want to invest in storage and organization items, here is a link to Amazon with some options.

https://www.amazon.com/shop/yourorganizingstudio?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_GX6N8D99N1Q666SJ0WZF

Check this out too:

https://www.yourorganizingstudio.com/blog/the-art-of-organizing-toys-after-christmas-how-to-teach-your-kids-to-become-little-organizers