How to Store Your Christmas Decorations Properly
The Christmas decorations are coming down, and now comes the part nobody loves — packing everything away. But how you store your Christmas decorations makes a huge difference to how they look next year. Store them well and they'll come out looking as beautiful as the day you bought them. Store them badly and you'll spend next December untangling lights and discovering broken ornaments. Here's how to do it properly.
Start with a Decoration Audit
Before you pack anything away, do a quick audit. Ask yourself: Did I actually use this? Do I love it? Is it still in good condition? If the answer to any of these is no, now is the time to let it go rather than storing it for another year. Less clutter in storage means less chaos next Christmas.
Store Fragile Items with Care
Fragile decorations like ceramic pieces, glass ornaments, and delicate figurines need proper protection. Wrap each piece individually in tissue paper or bubble wrap before placing it in a box. Never stack heavy items on top of fragile ones.
Our Animated White Christmas Bear 110cm (AUD $495.00) is a premium piece worth protecting carefully — store it in its original packaging if possible, or in a large, padded box to keep it in perfect condition for next year.
Label Everything Clearly
This sounds obvious, but most people don't do it — and then spend 20 minutes next December opening every box trying to find the tree lights. Label each box clearly with its contents. Even better, colour-code your boxes by room or category (tree decorations, mantle pieces, outdoor lights, etc.).
Store Lights Without Tangling
Tangled lights are one of the great frustrations of Christmas. Avoid it by wrapping lights around a piece of cardboard, an empty wrapping paper tube, or a dedicated light reel before storing. Never just throw them in a box — you'll regret it in December.
Keep Metal Pieces Dry
Metal decorations like our Christmas Eve Metal Sign (AUD $39.95) should be stored in a dry environment to prevent rust or tarnishing. Wrap in a cloth or tissue paper and store in a sealed box away from moisture.
Store Candles Carefully
Candles can warp or melt if stored in a hot environment — like a garage or shed in the Australian summer. Store unused candles like our Christmas Pine Candle 120G (AUD $24.95) in a cool, dark place indoors to keep them in perfect condition.
Create a Christmas Storage System
Invest in a dedicated set of storage boxes or containers that are used exclusively for Christmas decorations. Keep them all together in the same spot so next year's setup is quick and stress-free. Future you will be very grateful.
Shop Quality Christmas Décor at Emerson's On Main
Quality decorations that are stored properly last for years — making them a genuinely worthwhile investment. Browse our full Christmas collection at Emerson's On Main in store and online, and build a festive collection you'll love bringing out year after year.