How to Store Seasonal Decor Like a Pro
May 1, 2025
Smart, Simple & Space-Saving Seasonal Storage Tips for Every Home

Whether it's string lights for Christmas, spooky yard inflatables for Halloween, or vibrant fall wreaths, seasonal décor is part of what makes a house feel like home. But when the holidays pass, all those festive pieces can quickly turn into clutter. If you’re tired of tangled lights, broken ornaments, and overflowing closets, it’s time to get serious about how you store your seasonal items.
In this guide, we’re sharing seasonal storage tips from the pros at Goodfellas Storage—helping you keep your holiday decorations organized, protected, and ready to shine year after year.
Why Seasonal Storage Matters
You might only pull these decorations out once a year, but they take up space all year long. Without a smart storage strategy, your décor can get damaged, disorganized, or even forgotten altogether.
Here’s why planning your seasonal storage is worth it:
- Preserves décor quality
- Reduces replacement costs
- Saves time during setup and teardown
- Frees up space in closets, attics, and garages
- Makes decorating a joyful experience—not a headache
Whether you have a minimalist collection or an all-out light show, these seasonal storage tips will help you store like a pro.
1. Sort By Season, Then By Category
Before you pack anything away, start by sorting everything. We recommend doing this immediately after the season ends—while everything is still fresh in your mind and not yet mixed into other storage.
Start with Seasons:
- Spring & Easter
- Summer / Patriotic Holidays
- Fall & Halloween
- Winter & Christmas
Then Organize by Type:
- Indoor vs. Outdoor
- Fragile vs. Durable
- Lights, Inflatables, Ornaments, Table Décor, Wreaths, etc.
By organizing upfront, you’ll make unpacking a breeze next year—and avoid the dreaded “Where’s the other stocking?” moment.
2. Invest in the Right Storage Bins
Not all bins are created equal. Flimsy cardboard boxes and garbage bags just don’t cut it when it comes to long-term décor storage.
What to Look For:
- Clear plastic bins: Easy to see contents without opening
- Latching lids: Keeps dust and pests out
- Stackable design: Saves space in storage units or garages
- Color-coded bins: Red for Christmas, orange for fall, etc.
Label each bin clearly—both the season and contents (e.g., “Christmas – Mantel Décor”). Use a label maker or waterproof marker to ensure it lasts.
3. Protect Fragile and Specialty Items
Ornaments, candles, glass figurines, and holiday ceramics need extra care. Here are a few expert tips:
- Use egg cartons or custom ornament containers for small, delicate items
- Wrap with tissue paper or bubble wrap, not newspaper (which can smudge)
- Store candles flat, and away from heat sources to avoid warping or melting
- Avoid extreme temperatures if you’re storing in a garage or attic
For truly irreplaceable items—like handmade keepsakes or heirloom decorations—consider storing them in a climate-stable environment like a storage unit.
4. Store Wreaths, Trees & Lights the Smart Way
Oversized décor requires special treatment. Here’s how the pros store the trickiest items:
Artificial Christmas Trees
Use a tree storage bag instead of the original box (easier to carry, less risk of crushing)
Disassemble and fluff branches before storing
Wreaths
Hang wreaths on a clothing rack, or store in circular wreath boxes to preserve shape
Place a dryer sheet or cedar block to prevent musty smells
Lights
Wrap string lights around cardboard, plastic reels, or even a coat hanger
Place each wrapped strand in its own plastic bag to avoid tangling
This one step alone can save hours of frustration next year.
5. Use Vertical Space and Shelving
If your décor is taking over your closets and floor space, it’s time to think up.
- Add wall-mounted shelving to basements or storage units
- Use utility hooks for wreaths, garlands, or bundled lights
- Stack clear bins with heavier items on the bottom
- Consider freestanding metal shelves to keep bins off the ground (protects from moisture)
Vertical organization not only saves space, but also helps you access what you need without digging through piles of boxes.
6. Use a Dedicated Seasonal Storage Unit
Want to keep your home clutter-free year-round? One of the best seasonal storage tips is to rent a small, secure self-storage unit.
At Goodfellas Storage, we offer affordable drive-up units perfect for seasonal storage—whether you need space for a few bins or an entire Christmas village.
Why Use a Storage Unit?
- Keeps your home clutter-free during the off-season
- Preserves valuable décor from attic heat or basement dampness
- Easier to organize and access only when needed
- Month-to-month leases for total flexibility
We have locations across the Southeast, and we're expanding nationwide.
7. Make a Seasonal Inventory Checklist
Before packing things away, make a simple inventory list of what you have. This makes decorating next year a breeze—and helps prevent accidental duplicate purchases.
You can use:
- A paper checklist taped to the bin
- A spreadsheet stored in your cloud drive
- Inventory apps like Sortly or HomeZada
Include notes like:
- “Two strands of white lights—only one works”
- “Fall centerpiece slightly chipped—replace next year”
- “New tree skirt—store with tree bin”
This habit saves you time and money year after year.
8. Rotate Out with the Seasons
Every time you bring one season out, use it as a chance to:
- Declutter: Toss anything broken, outdated, or unused
- Clean: Wipe down or freshen up items before packing away
- Replace: Add to your inventory list if something needs to be replaced
Then return the previous season’s items to the back of the unit or higher shelves. It keeps your most current décor front and center.
9. Store Safely & Securely
Especially if you're storing items offsite, it’s important to make sure your décor is protected.
At Goodfellas Storage, all our facilities are:
- Gated and well-lit
- Equipped with security cameras
- Easy-access, drive-up storage for quick in-and-out
- Clean, dry, and regularly maintained
Our team can help you choose the right unit size and guide you on how to store your decorations safely.
Need help finding the perfect unit for your seasonal storage?
Unit Sizes Ideal for Seasonal Storage
Not sure how much space you really need? Here’s a quick breakdown of unit sizes commonly used for seasonal décor:
- 5x5 – Great for a few bins and boxes of holiday decorations
- 5x10 – Perfect for multiple seasons or larger yard inflatables
- 10x10 – Store seasonal décor plus extra household items or furniture
- 10x20 – Ideal if you’re storing lawn gear, furniture, and decorations all together
Final Thoughts: Store Like a Pro All Year Long
Seasonal decorating should be fun—not frustrating. With these seasonal storage tips, you can enjoy the holidays without the hassle of clutter, broken décor, or last-minute store runs. Whether you’re working with a closet or a full-sized storage unit, staying organized makes every season brighter.
At Goodfellas Storage, we make seasonal storage simple, secure, and budget-friendly. With locations across the Southeast and growing, we’re here to help you protect what matters most—year after year.
👉 Ready to declutter and store like a pro?
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Have questions? Reach out to our friendly team: Contact Us

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