The Secret to Storing Holiday Decorations in Small Spaces

Before heading to the container store, take a tape measure to your storage space. Whether it’s a storage locker in a new condo building or the expansive basement of a family home, know the square footage you have to work with.

While it may be tempting to take home a couple of supersized, high-capacity containers, remember they won’t be as light once filled up. Smaller, stackable containers are much easier to move than massive, oversized ones. Plus, tiny totes allow you to Tetris them into smaller storage lockers, hall closets or crawlspaces.

Citylife Plastic Storage Bins, Amazon, $40/6 pack.

When that storage locker is stacked to the ceiling and closets are already close to bursting, it’s time to go under… the bed. Flat, under-bed boxes are a smart way to utilize underused space — evict the dust bunnies and move in ornaments instead.

Sterilite ClearView Wheeled Underbed Storage Box, Canadian Tire, $33.

The floor isn’t the only square footage to consider when storing holiday decorations — ceilings can play a part, too. Ceiling mounted racks provide extra places for storage totes and ornament boxes.

Fleximounts Overhead Garage Storage, Amazon, starting at $200.

For ornamental wreaths or garlands, invest in a reusable wreath storage bag with handles or a hook loop. Installing a simple hook inside a hall closet or laundry room provides the perfect place to tuck it away until the next holiday season.

Dimpa Storage Bag, IKEA, $8.

To give your holiday ornaments the best protection possible, look for storage bins with padded, adjustable dividers. Before purchasing any new ornament storage box, measure your largest ornaments first to confirm they’ll fit.

Deluxe Rolling Ornament Chest, Balsam Hill, $500.

When we have limited storage space, we sometimes have to get creative. A garden shed, an uninsulated attic or the corner of a small garage become prime spots for storing holiday decorations. To stave off damp and potential mould damage, make sure the boxes are airtight.

If tablecloths and linens are part of your holiday decor scheme, add small cedar balls to the bins they’re stored in. That’ll help keep those little beasties at bay.

Neatfreak! Natural Cedar Balls, Walmart, $15/set of 50.

If string lights are a big part of your holiday decorating tradition, a handled storage reel not only keeps lights in order but also minimizes the space needed to store them.

Woods Standing Storage Reel, Rona, $24.

One of the key tips for effectively storing holiday decorations in small spaces is getting friendly with a labeller. Having clear, descriptive labels on each storage bin and bag avoids confusion when packing up and taking them out next holiday season.