Why Properly Storing Christmas Ornaments Matters
Christmas ornaments are deeply sentimental decorations that commemorate important memories and milestones. Many Christmas ornaments have been passed down for generations or represent beloved traditions. Therefore, properly storing these treasured items is crucial. Improper storage can lead to breakage, tarnishing, or loss. Investing time into organized, protective storage will preserve ornaments and ensure they last for years to come.
Storing Ornaments by Material Type
Christmas ornaments come in a wide variety of materials, each requiring particular care. Here are tips for storing some common ornament types:
Glass Ornaments
Glass ornaments are festive yet fragile. Use newspaper or ornament tissue paper to gently wrap each ornament before packing. This prevents scratches or chips. Avoid packing glass ornaments too tightly or letting them touch. Store glass ornaments in plastic bins or ornament storage boxes with dividers. Keep bins stored flat, never on edge. This helps prevent shifting and damage.
Wood Ornaments
Protect wooden ornaments like hand-carved nativity scenes with a thin layer of bubble wrap. Avoid applying tape directly to wood finishes. Store wrapped wooden ornaments in dividers inside bins or boxes. Placing a dessicant packet inside storage containers will absorb excess moisture and prevent warping or cracking over time.
Ceramic Ornaments
Ceramic ornaments require padding between each ornament to prevent chips and cracks. First wrap in tissue paper, then layer carefully in storage bins or boxes with dividers. Avoid overpacking. Store lidded ceramic ornaments upside down so lids stay secure. Use storage containers with sturdy yet cushioned bottoms to prevent pressure points.
Fabric Ornaments
Prevent wrinkles in fabric ornaments by storing flat, not hung on hooks. Place acid-free, ink-free tissue between layers. Use sealable plastic storage bags for extra moisture protection. Store out of direct sunlight which can cause fading. Consider keeping vintage or heirloom fabric ornaments in archival boxes for added support and protection.
Wreaths and Garlands
Carefully remove all ornaments and decorative embellishments from wreaths and garlands before storing. Roll or fold wreaths and garlands loosely to prevent creasing or damage. Store them flat in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, moisture, and pests. Consider placing wreaths and garlands in sealable plastic bins or garment bags.
Choosing Storage Containers
The right storage containers help keep Christmas ornaments organized, protected, and easily accessible season after season. Consider these factors when selecting ornament storage solutions:
Material
Plastic, wood, and cardboard are common storage container materials. Plastic bins keep contents visible while protecting from pests and dust. Wooden crates allow airflow to prevent moisture buildup. Acid-free cardboard is an affordable option. Avoid containers with lids or bases that can damage ornament edges or surfaces.
Size
Select containers that comfortably hold layered, wrapped ornaments without crowding or pressure. Containers should close securely but not require force. They should be easy to carry when full. Match container sizes to the quantity of ornaments being stored.
Dividers
Storage containers or boxes with adjustable dividers cushion ornaments and keep them from touching. Dividers made of foam, padded fabric, acid-free cardboard or felt provide protective barriers between ornaments.
Lid or Cover
Lids help keep stored ornaments clean and dust-free. Some containers have sealed snap-on lids while others use removable tops. Make sure lids close securely in place. Clear plastic lids allow viewing contents without opening.
Portability
Look for storage containers with handles or designed to stack for easy transport. Wheeled storage totes allow convenient mobility when retrieving or replacing ornaments. Choose portable, sturdy containers for decorating in multiple locations.
Climate Control
Some specialized ornament storage boxes feature ventilation, insulation or added barriers against humidity. These help protect antique or heirloom ornaments. Consider climate-controlled storage for fragile, irreplaceable collections.
Ideal Ornament Storage Locations
Choosing the right storage location helps keep Christmas ornaments safe and organized over the off-season. Here are factors to consider when identifying storage areas:
Cool and Dry
A cool, dry spot avoids heat and humidity damage. Attics, basements, and climate-controlled storage units often provide suitable conditions. Avoid storing ornaments in garages or sheds subject to extreme temperatures.
Darkness
Keep ornament storage away from sunlight, which can fade colors and damage materials over time. Choose areas without windows or direct light exposure.
Elevated and Secure
Storing boxes on shelves, racks or pallets keeps them off the floor and safe from pests or water damage from leaks. Make sure storage is stable and secure from tipping or falling.
Accessible
Store ornament containers somewhere convenient to access each holiday season. Create visible labels for quick identification. Avoid cluttered spaces lacking room to remove bins.
Fireproof
For important antique or irreplaceable ornaments, consider fireproof storage such as a safe, bank deposit box, or fireproof file cabinet. This protects against loss from fire, smoke or water.
Archival
Delicate heirloom ornaments benefit from archival storage materials. Look for acid-free, lignin-free boxes and tissue. Controlled temperature and humidity also helps preserve.
Organizing Ornaments for Storage
A strategic approach to sorting, wrapping and boxing ornaments makes storing and finding them easier. Here are tips for organized storage:
Sort by Category
Group ornaments into logical categories before packing, such as:
- Glass
- Wood
- Fabric
- Wreaths/garlands
- Tree toppers
- Sentimental
- Fragile
Label Clearly
Use permanent marker or printed labels to identify each bin and its contents. Include category and description (e.g. “Red Glass Ornaments”). Number boxes for multi-container sets.
Wrap Carefully
Wrap ornaments using recommended protective materials like tissue paper before packing in storage containers. Layer gently with adequate padding between each ornament.
Distribute Weight Evenly
Prevent concentrated weight from damaging bottom ornaments. Distribute bulky and heavier ornaments throughout box layers. Pack so weight is even.
Designate Locations
Give sentimental or heirloom ornaments designated storage spaces, separate from general decoration items. This makes them easy to find.
Inventory List
Keep a master list detailing storage box contents and locations. Update when adding new ornaments or reorganizing. Include photos of unusually fragile or sentimental pieces.
Inspecting Ornaments Before Storing
Before packing away ornaments after the holiday season, take time to carefully inspect each piece. This ensures any issues can be addressed before storage.
Check for Damage
Look for cracks, chips, peeling paint, corrosion, loose parts, fraying, or missing pieces. Make repairs now before damage worsens. Discard broken items that cannot be fixed.
Clean Thoroughly
Remove any dirt, grime, sap, or bugs. Wash glass ornaments with mild soap and water. Dust fabric, wood, and ceramics. Cleaning now prevents staining or deterioration in storage.
Test Electronics
Ensure lights, music boxes, motors, and power cords are working properly on ornamental electronics. Replace batteries as needed.
Assess Hooks and Hangers
Check that ornament tops, hooks, strings, ribbons, and cords are still secure and can support the ornament’s weight. Fix or replace as needed.
Note Changes
If an ornament has become damaged, faded, or lost pieces, update your inventory log. This helps ensure replacement or repairs when decorating next season.
Evaluate Heirlooms
For antique, vintage or heirloom ornaments, consider professional appraisal or repair for valuable pieces. This protects both monetary and sentimental value.
Safe Methods for Accessing Stored Ornaments
When the time comes to take those treasured ornaments out of storage, follow these safe practices:
Use Proper Equipment
Use sturdy stepladders or stools to safely reach high shelves. Retrieving heavy bins from high storage can cause falls. Take care when lifting and loading boxes.
Slide, Don’t Pull
Slide storage bins out horizontally to access contents. Pulling boxes straight down or tipping them risks spilling and breaking fragile ornaments.
Open Carefully
Remove lids gently rather than lifting and flipping boxes. Open ornament wrappings slowly to avoid stress cracks from temperature changes.
Inspect Condition
Unwrap each ornament and inspect thoroughly for new damage before displaying. This ensures repairs or replacements can be made.
Check Inventory
Confirm all ornament categories and specialty pieces removed from storage match your packing inventory list. Report any discrepancies immediately.
Repack Promptly
After decorating, follow original packing guidelines closely when returning ornaments to storage. Place in original designated locations right away.
Creative Ornament Storage Solutions
Beyond basic boxes and bins, there are many creative ways to store Christmas ornaments. Get inspired by these innovative storage ideas:
Hanging Bags
Mesh hanging bags provide breathable compartments to store delicate ornaments. Hang bags in attics, closets, or garages to save space.
Sheet Protectors
Sheet protectors or binder sleeves help organize sentimental paper ornaments and prevent creasing. File in binders for easy viewing.
Clear Shoeboxes
Plastic shoeboxes stack neatly while keeping ornament contents visible. Mark lids with category labels.
Fishing Tackle Boxes
Plastic tackle and tool boxes with adjustable dividers are ideal for sorting and separating ornaments. Portable handled size available.
specs to the assistant: The following table shows creative Christmas ornament storage solutions and key benefits of each. Please add this table to the article.
| Storage Method | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Hanging bags | Saves space, breathable, protects delicate ornaments |
| Sheet protectors | Prevents creasing of paper ornaments, allows viewing, keeps organized in binder |
| Clear shoeboxes | Stackable, contents visible, affix labels for categories |
| Fishing tackle boxes | Adjustable dividers, handles for portability, variety of sizes |
Metal Toolbox
A metal toolbox with custom padded inserts helps protect fragile glass ball ornaments while saving closet space.
Ornament Carousels
Rotating carousels store multiple ornament hooks in a small footprint. Spin to conveniently view selections.
Wall Storage Racks
Decorative wall racks with hooks allow visible storage and access without taking up floor space. Group into themes.
Holiday Tins
Vintage holiday cookie tins are nostalgic and stackable. Ideal for storing small ornament collections or tree toppers.
Helpful Tips for Easier Ornament Storage
Utilize these extra pointers to help holiday ornament storage and organization run smoother:
Start with a Clean Slate
Don’t just pack away existing ornament storage messes. Start fresh by sorting and purging items, then packing using a complete organizational system.
Photograph Sentimental Ornaments Before Storing
Pictures help you remember and identify meaningful ornaments in storage. Photos also provide records in case of damage or loss.
Store Ornaments in Same Room as Artificial Tree
Having everything in one place saves hassle. Just make sure the room meets optimal storage conditions.
Group Delicate Items Separately
Pack vintage glass, paper mache, fabric, and other fragile items with extra care in clearly marked lightweight bins.
Invest in Quality Storage Materials
Acid-free tissue, archival boxes, tightly sealed bins, and padded dividers better protect your investment in ornaments.
Think Like a Curator
Approach storage strategically as if curating a fine collection. Proper care preserves ornament legacy for generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about Christmas ornament storage:
Should ornaments stay stored in their original boxes?
It’s best to repack ornaments for storage rather than using potentially damaged or unsuitable original packaging. Ensure adequate padding and support. Original boxes may hold associations or details worth retaining.
How should wooden ornaments be stored?
Wrap each wooden ornament in tissue paper before packing loosely in storage bins with dividers. Avoid overcrowding. Keep bins in cool, dry places to prevent warping or excess moisture damage.
Do Christmas lights need special storage?
Coil light strands gently without tangling or kinking, securing loose ends with twist ties or reusable ties. Place coils inside resealable plastic bags before packing inside bins or boxes. Keep out of hot attics.
Should rare or antique ornaments receive special handling?
Use archival tissue, acid-free boxes and specialty padding materials when storing delicate antique or one-of-a-kind ornaments. Consider a professional appraisal first. Climate controlled storage provides ideal conditions.
Can Christmas ornaments be stored in the attic?
Attic storage works well as long as the space remains cool, dry and dark. Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations. Pad boxes underneath as well since attics floors can be uneven. Monitor for pests or wildlife.
How densely should ornament storage boxes be packed?
Aim for approximately 2/3 full when packing ornament storage bins. Overstuffed boxes risk breakage while too loose risks shifting and damage. Wrap pieces individually with ample cushioning between. Distribute weight evenly.
Conclusion
With proper strategies for packing, storage location, container selection, and organization, precious Christmas ornaments will remain protected during the off-season. Follow material-specific handling guidelines. Invest in archival storage and padding to preserve heirlooms. Utilize labels, lists, and photos to stay organized. With some thoughtful effort, cherished ornaments can safely decorate the tree year after year.
