The holiday season is coming to a close, and with it comes the daunting task of packing away your decorations. It’s certainly not as fun as putting them up, but with a little planning, you can make boxing up those lights and ornaments less of a chore each year. Use these storage tips to keep your items organized and easy to find so you can enjoy every moment of decorating next year.

How to Make Storing Your Holiday Decorations Easier

1. Repair or Replace Broken Items

The first thing you should do is take stock of anything that broke during the holidays this year. Repair what you can, and take advantage of post-Christmas sales to replace what you can’t fix. Doing this now saves you money, and you won’t have to scramble next year when it’s time to decorate.

2. Use Colored Bins or Totes

Cardboard boxes are cheap, but they won’t hold up as well as a plastic bin or tote. Additionally, if you color-code your containers, you can more easily find the decorations you need next year. For example, use orange bins for Halloween or Thanksgiving and red or green for Christmas.

3. Heavy-Duty Bags Are Great for Trees & Wreaths

If you have an artificial tree or wreath, you can store it in a heavy-duty bag, which will protect it from damage. If your wreath has any fragile components, you may want to consider a plastic storage container instead. In some cases, you can store an artificial tree without dismantling it, making next year’s set up even easier.

4. Label Light Strands & Keep Them Tangle-Free

To avoid any holiday catastrophes, only use your indoor and outdoor lights where appropriate. It’s easy to forget which lights are for the interior and exterior of your home, though. Simply use masking tape and a permanent marker to label each strand. Then, wind the lights around heavy-duty plastic reels to keep them tangle-free.

5. Consider a Storage Unit Instead of Your Basement or Attic

Lugging all of those holiday decorations up and down the stairs is a hassle. A storage unit is a perfect alternative. It frees up space in your home for the stuff you use year-round and provides secure storage with easy access for the once-a-year decorations. Plus, if you have an open-bed truck, you can easily transport your tree.

For all your storage needs, turn to Ship Creek Storage in Anchorage, AK. They offer units in an array of sizes and at a variety of price points. Whether you need indoor storage for your holiday decorations and seasonal clothing or a place to keep your RV or boat during the winter, they have an option to suit you. Visit their website to learn more about the affordable storage facility, or call them at (907) 276-4107 to ask about their availability.