^{This post was originally posted in January 2023 and has been updated.}

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January is here—and if your holiday decorations are still up, you’re not alone! After the whirlwind of December, the last thing we want to do is tackle clean-up. But if you’re tempted to toss everything into bins “just to get it over with,” consider this: you’re making next year’s decorating more stressful than it has to be.

What if you could make setting up for Christmas next year simple, efficient, and even enjoyable?

Here’s the key: Pack one room at a time.

Why My Room-by-Room Storage Method Works

When you unpack all your holiday boxes at once, things quickly become overwhelming. You might have to open three boxes just to find the garland for your mantle—or end up with half-decorated rooms and glitter-covered chaos.

Instead, try organizing your storage by room or display area rather than by similar items. This simple shift allows you to decorate (and un-decorate) one space at a time, with everything you need in its own bin. It’s efficient, stress-reducing—and next Christmas, it’ll feel so rewarding!

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Setting up this room-by-room system now as you take down your decorations will make the holidays later this year so much easier!

Step 1: Prep Your Storage Supplies

Before you begin, gather what you’ll need:

• Sturdy plastic bins – Avoid cardboard if storing in damp or unheated spaces.
• Large zip-style plastic bags – Ideal for glittery or small pieces.
• Packing paper or extra tissue – Reuse gift wrap tissue to cushion breakables.
• Labels or tags – For easy reference later.
• Extra large shrink storage bags – Better for soft items like pillows and blankets.

Tip: Using red or green bins make Christmas easy to spot in storage.

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2. Tackle One Room or Area at a Time

Start with one space—like your living room or entryway. Leave your tree for last.

Before you start packing, snap a few photos of your setup—you’ll be so glad you did next year when you want to recreate that cozy fireplace or festive table. Just save them on your phone. The date stamp makes them easy to find later!

Group decorations by that room or the area they were used. For example, store your mantle garland, wreath, pinecones, and light cords all in one wreath bag or bin. (See photos below)

Label the bin or bag clearly so you know what room to put the bin for unpacking next year.

Be sure to include the electrical cords you used in that area—you already know they worked, so no guessing next year!

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Step 3: Take Inventory

This might sound old-school, but it’s a game-changer: Create a physical inventory list for each bin. Use index cards or a printable checklist to tape to the bin lid. Include:

• Everything that is inside that bin. Yes, even the ornament hangers.
• Notes like “replace broken ornament hanger” or “need new candles for windows”

When you open it next year, you’ll know exactly what to do, buy, or replace. As you pack up next time, update the list by adding any new purchases and crossing off anything you’ve donated.

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Step 4: Designate a “Miscellaneous” Zone

Not every item fits neatly into a specific room. That’s okay! Just choose a central spot (like your kitchen table) to gather all the small or stray pieces. Then assign:

• One bin for scattered shelf, bathroom or bedroom décor
• One storage bag for soft items, like linens, towels, stockings and blankets

Use shrink bags to keep textiles clean and contained. Add them as you wash and prep each one—no more searching for missing towels next year! And remember not to store candles in your attic, keep a spot downstairs for those.

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Two Ways to Get Started Today

1. Start Small, Finish Fast
   Pick just one space—like your entry— and complete the whole storage process from sorting to labeling. The success will motivate you to do the next space.
   
2. Create a Holiday Storage Kit
   Put your zip bags, tags, markers, and inventory cards in a small caddy or pouch. Next year, you’ll already have everything ready when it’s time to decorate or pack away again.

Next Year, You’ll Thank Yourself

Packing away Christmas isn’t usually the fun part—but with a little planning now, your future self will be so grateful. By organizing your décor room by room, you’ll avoid next year’s decorating dread. You’ll know what you have, where it goes, and how to set it all up again with ease.

So pour yourself a warm cup of coffee, grab a few leftover holiday treats, and give your future self the gift of a calm, clutter-free holiday season.

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