Decorating is one of the best parts of the holidays, but taking them all down at the end of the season can be daunting. However, it helps to have a well thought out packing plan, so your ornaments will be neatly and safely stored until you need them again next year. One of the most convenient places to keep ornaments is in a self-storage unit, where they will be kept organized and out-of-the-way until the next holiday season.

How to Pack Your Decorations for Self Storage

1. Clean & Seal Linens

If you have special Christmas linens, take care to wash all of them once the holidays are over. This will get rid of dirt and prevent any stains from setting in. When they are dry, place them in a colored, plastic bin with a tight-sealing lid. This will keep out damaging moisture and protect against light damage. Your self-storage unit should also have climate control to prevent material degradation.

2. Use Ornament Trays

Protect your glass ornaments from damage by using special storage trays or dividers that keep the items from bumping against one another. Purchase trays in the same size so they can be easily stacked inside bigger boxes. For very fragile pieces, wrap them in tissue paper to protect against jostling. If you have a lot of smaller pieces, consider using an egg carton for tighter protection.

3. Wrap Lights Around Cardboard

Keep lights from getting tangled in your self-storage unit by wrapping them around a sturdy piece of cardboard. Use a box cutter to cut a piece of heavier cardboard into a rectangle shape and to cut a single notch into one side. Wrap the lights around the cardboard, and when you get to the end of the strand, add another notch to tuck in the end. Finally, wrap tissue paper around the lights before stacking them neatly in a box.

If you need a place to keep your holiday decorations until next year, contact Downing Company about their selection of self-storage units. Since 1980, this family-owned and -operated company rents apartments, storage units, trucks, and trailers to Kearney, NE. They offer both non-climate and climate-controlled storage unit rentals in a variety of sizes. Call them today at (308) 236-6431 to speak with one of their associates about your budget and size needs. Visit their website to learn more about pricing.