With the holiday season finally behind us, you’ll want to take down the holiday decorations and declutter your home. Luckily, by renting a storage unit, you can prevent the trees, wreaths, and decor from taking up any square footage inside the house. Use the following guide to ensure your items are safe and organized from spring to fall.

A Guide to Putting Christmas Decorations in the Storage Unit

1. Artificial Trees

After the presents have been opened and the wrapping cleared away, prep your artificial tree for storage by folding up the branches—ends toward the top. Once the tree has been slimmed down, encircle it with shrink wrap. This will prevent it from taking up too much space in the storage unit, as well as protect the branches and prevent the needles from falling off.

2. String Lights

Before throwing all those string lights into a bin, test them after you take them down from your home’s exterior, and throw at those with broken bulbs or frayed wires. Then, cut out small squares of cardboard from discarded gifts or produce boxes. Wrap the strands around these squares and tape them in place, then stand them vertically in a plastic bin.

3. Ornaments

If you have multiple sets of the same ornaments, organize them in clear plastic bags or boxes, so you can pull out those sparkly blue ones when preparing for the holidays next year. If you have an extensive collection of personalized, mismatched ornaments, fill the storage bins with plastic solo cups. Then, use each cup as a separate storage compartment for an individual ornament to prevent scratches or breakage.

4. Wreaths

If your windows and doors are all decked in wreaths, you’ll need an efficient way to store them. Add a wardrobe organizer to your storage unit—a rod that extends out from a wall or cabinet—which is normally used for extra clothes. Then, slide the wreaths one by one onto the rod so they’re hanging just as they did in your house and won’t get squished under other boxes or on shelves.

If you’re looking for a reliable storage unit to keep your Christmas decorations, turn to Affordable Lock Box of Texarkana, AR. Since 2000, they have been providing secure spaces for clients with electronic entry codes and 12-hour gate access. They also offer truck rentals and moving supplies, so you have everything you need to move your decor back home. To learn more about their offerings, visit the website, or call (870) 773-7606 to speak with a staff member.