Storage expert shares how to store your Christmas decorations properly

With Christmas a distant memory, many of us are thinking about taking down the decorations with New Year in sight.

And if you're one of those people who bundle the ornamental santas, tree baubles and fairy lights into a box and fling them in the attic, you could have problems next December.

An expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk says that proper storage of your festive trinkets is crucial to preserving your Christmas decorations and ensuring they remain in pristine condition for many years to come.

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And with proper packing away they will be protected from mould, damage, and dust. Cleaning and organising expert Sarah Dempsey has some great tips to make packing up Christmas a breeze.

Thorough Cleaning

Sarah says before storing your Christmas decorations, a thorough cleaning is essential to remove any dirt, dust, grime, or other contaminants that could potentially damage them over time. This initial step will help to preserve the beauty and longevity of your decorations.

Cleaning Delicate Ornaments

For delicate ornaments made of glass, porcelain, or other fragile materials, gentle hand washing is the safest method. Use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge to clean the ornaments. After washing, dry the ornaments thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid using harsh towels or paper towels, as these can scratch the delicate surfaces.

Cleaning Artificial Christmas Trees

Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently remove any dust and debris from the branches and trunk of your artificial tree before putting it in storage.

For stubborn stains, use a mild cleaning solution and a soft cloth to spot-clean the affected areas. Store your artificial tree in its original box or a large, sturdy storage bag to protect it from dust and damage.

Organised Storage

Organising your Christmas decorations effectively can save you both time and frustration when it comes to setting them up next year. By implementing a well-organised storage system, you can ensure that your decorations are protected and easily accessible.

Categorise Your Decorations

Ornaments: Group ornaments by type, colour, or theme. Consider using small, individual boxes or compartments to prevent them from clinking together and breaking. Egg boxes can be helpful for storing smaller, delicate ornaments.

Lights: Coil Christmas lights to avoid tangles and store them in labelled bags or boxes. Use cable ties or twist ties to keep the cords organised. Consider wrapping them around a loo roll insert or a kitchen roll insert to prevent tangles.

Wrapping Paper and Ribbons: Roll up wrapping paper and store it in a designated area. Organise ribbons by colour or type.

Figurines: Wrap fragile figurines individually in tissue paper or bubble wrap and store them in padded boxes.

Utilise Storage Solutions

Storage Boxes: Invest in sturdy, airtight storage boxes to protect your decorations from moisture, dust and pests.

Plastic Bins: Clear plastic bins are a brilliant way to store larger items like artificial trees and wreaths.

Hanging Organisers: Use hanging organisers to store ornaments, garlands, and other small decorations.

Label Your Boxes

Clearly label each storage box and bag with its contents. This will make it much easier for you to find specific items when you're ready to decorate the following year.By following these tips, you can create an organised and efficient storage system for your Christmas decorations, ensuring they're ready to bring holiday cheer year after year.

Choosing the Right Storage Location

The ideal storage location for your Christmas decorations is crucial to their longevity. A well-chosen storage space will protect your decorations from damage, dust, and pests. Consider the following factors when selecting the right storage location. Temperature and humidity is a factor to take into account.

Cool and Dry: Make sure to choose a cool, dry environment to prevent mould, mildew, and damage to delicate materials.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Extreme temperatures, whether it is hot or cold, can negatively impact your decorations.

Protection from Pests

Airtight Containers: Store your decorations in airtight containers to prevent pests like mice and insects from accessing them.

Regular Inspection: Periodically check your stored decorations for any signs of pest infestation.

Accessibility

Easy to Reach: Store your decorations in a location that is easily accessible. This will make it easier to retrieve them when the holiday season arrives.

Organised Storage: Organise your decorations by category and label your storage containers to quickly find what you need.

Sarah has some final suggestions for storing your decorations safely.

Label Your Boxes: Clearly label your storage boxes to easily identify the contents.

Take Inventory: Consider creating a detailed inventory of your decorations to help you keep track of what you have and what you may need to replace.

Rotate Your Decorations: Consider rotating your decorations each year to prevent wear and tear on specific items.

Use Storage Bags for Lights: Store Christmas lights in clear plastic bags to prevent tangles and damage.

Protect Ornaments: Wrap fragile ornaments in tissue paper and place them in individual boxes to prevent breakage.

Compress Artificial Trees: If you have an artificial Christmas tree, compress it and store it in its original box to save space.

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