8 Holiday Decoration Storage Tips for Lancaster County Homeowners
Here are our top eight tips for Lancaster County homeowners looking for holiday decoration storage solutions that truly work. Locations in Mt. Joy & Elizabethtown!
The holiday season in Lancaster County is magical. However, it can also turn your home into a maze of holiday décor, gift bags, guest bedding, and half-open storage tubs. One minute you’re pulling out twinkle lights, and the next you’re wondering where on earth you’re supposed to put everything.
Smart, safe holiday decoration storage can help. With the right storage system, or a convenient self-storage unit, you can keep your home feeling calm, organized, and ready for whatever the season brings. No more tripping over bins in the hallway or digging through packed closets.
Tip #1: Create a Holiday Wrapping or Decorating Station
When the holiday season is in full swing, create a dedicated spot for wrapping gifts or prepping décor. It doesn’t have to be fancy. A rolling gift-wrap cart, a small table in the corner, or even a repurposed shelving unit works beautifully.
Keep bows, paper, tape, tags, ribbon, and scissors all in one place so you’re not hunting through drawers every time you need something. Doing this also makes it much easier when it’s time to put away your wrapping supplies for next year.
A simple “seasonal prep zone” reduces clutter and saves you time in the long run.
Tip #2: Declutter Before You Store Your Holiday Decorations
When the season ends, declutter before you pack anything. It’s tempting to shove everything into boxes and deal with it next year, but that’s how clutter (along with broken lights and forgotten decorations) keeps returning.
Do a quick sweep, and ask yourself, “What didn’t make it onto the tree this year? What feels outdated or too worn to keep?”
Decluttering before packing everything away makes holiday decoration storage so much more efficient. The fewer unnecessary items you store, the easier it becomes to unpack, decorate, and enjoy the season next time around.
Tip #3: Sort and Label Your Holiday Décor
One of the easiest ways to save yourself time (and frustration) next season is to sort and label everything before it goes into storage. Group and sort your décor: lights in one bin, wreaths in another, inflatables in their own spot, and ornaments stored safely together.
Using clear containers makes a huge difference because you can see what’s inside at a glance, and descriptive labels eliminate the guesswork entirely.
Tip #4: Use the Right Containers and Materials to Protect Your Decorations
Not all storage containers are created equal, especially when it comes to protecting sentimental items or delicate holiday pieces.
- Sturdy plastic bins with tight-fitting lids keep dust and moisture out.
- Ornament dividers prevent glass bulbs from knocking together and breaking.
- Bubble wrap adds an extra layer of cushioning to protect fragile items.
- Garment bags are perfect for protecting garlands, oversized décor, or fabric items.
- Wreath boxes can keep branches full and uncrushed.
Choosing the right container and packing material dramatically extends the life of your holiday decorations. Investing in the proper supplies always pays off.
Tip #5: Store Lights, Garland & Trees the Smart Way
If there’s one thing Lancaster County families agree on, it’s that crumpled branches and tangled holiday lights can test anyone’s patience. Here’s how you can make it a little easier to manage:
- Wrap light strands around cardboard, a spool, or even a spare hanger to keep them neat and tangle-free.
- Coil garlands gently and store them in long bags (like garment bags) to maintain their shape.
- Use an upright rolling tree bag to store your artificial tree and keep its branches from collapsing.
Lights, garlands, and artificial trees are items many families use year after year. Storing these holiday decorations in a way that keeps them safe and more easily accessible will make setup noticeably faster and less frustrating each season.
DO Store smart
- Wrap light strands around cardboard, a spool, or a spare hanger.
- Coil garlands gently and store them in long bags to keep shape.
- Use an upright rolling tree bag to protect branches.
- Label bins by room (tree, porch, mantle) for faster setup.
X Avoid this
- Tossing lights loose in bins (guaranteed tangles).
- Crushing wreaths/garlands under heavy tubs.
- Storing electronics in damp basements or uninsulated attics.
- “Mystery bins” with no labels or categories.
Tip #6: Protect Valuable Décor with Climate-Controlled Storage
Lancaster County weather can be unpredictable, and temperature swings can take a real toll on your holiday décor. Candles can warp, fabrics can mildew, wood pieces can crack, and electronics don’t hold up well in damp basements or uninsulated attics.
Climate-controlled holiday storage protects decorations from heat, cold, and humidity, keeping sentimental and
valuable items safe year-round.
Tip #7: Use Self-Storage to Stay Organized During the Holidays
When the holidays roll in, space seems to disappear overnight. Suddenly, the garage is overflowing, the closets are packed, and the spare room you thought was empty now needs to become a guest bedroom. That’s why so many Lancaster County homeowners turn to self-storage for holiday decorations.
Moving off-season items into a storage unit instantly frees up room for guests, gatherings, and all the décor that makes the season feel festive. It also keeps your decorations safe and out of the way until you’re ready for them again. Garber Self Storage offers secure, accessible units that make storing your holiday decorations simple and stress-free.
Tip #8: Keep an Inventory So You Always Know What You Have
Nothing’s worse than buying new holiday lights only to discover three unopened boxes in storage. Keeping a simple inventory can fix that.
Snap photos of what you’re storing or keep a quick list on your phone, whatever feels easiest. This small habit helps Lancaster County homeowners prevent unnecessary purchases and stay organized before and after the holiday season each year.
It also keeps your holiday decoration storage system running smoothly, since you always know exactly what’s packed away and what needs replacing before the next celebration rolls around.
Why Garber Self Storage Is the Best Choice for Safe Holiday Decoration Storage in Lancaster County
Holiday Décor Inventory (Quick List)
Snap a photo of this list, print it and keep it with your bins, or use it as inspiration to create your own label.
