Once the holidays endOnce the holidays end, most of us are ready to pack everything up and reclaim our space. But rushing through cleanup often leads to broken ornaments, tangled lights, and missing décor next year. A little extra care now can make a big difference when it’s time to decorate again.Here’s how to store your holiday decorations the smart way, so next year’s setup is quick, easy, and stress-free.Step 1: Sort before you storeBefore you begin packing, take a few minutes to go through your decorations.What to do• Donate what you did not use this year. If something remained in the box again, it is likely time to let it go. • Repair or toss broken pieces. Do not hang on to things you will never fix. • Group similar items together. Keep ornaments, lights, wreaths, and other decorations in their own groups.Taking this step now saves time and space later and helps you keep your storage area neat year-round.Step 2: Pack carefully to prevent damageHoliday decorations can be delicate, so how you pack them matters.How to pack• Use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes to protect against humidity and pests. • Wrap fragile items in tissue paper, bubble wrap, or soft cloths. • Store ornaments in egg cartons or divided containers, so they do not shift. • Coil and label each strand of lights to avoid tangles.Label each bin clearly with names like “Ornaments” or “Front Porch Decor.” When the next season arrives, you will know exactly where everything is.Step 3: Protect items from heat and humidityAlthough the holidays only last a few weeks, your decorations spend most of the year in storage. Keeping them in a climate-controlled unit helps prevent damage from temperature changes and moisture, which can cause discoloration, cracking, or mildew.If you store decorations at home, choose a clean, dry area away from sunlight or excess heat.Step 4: Keep it organized year after yearMake next year easier by setting up a simple system now.Tips for long-term organization• Store bins by category or room, such as “Living Room Decor” or “Outdoor Lights.” • Keep a short checklist in the first box you open next year as a quick decorating guide. • Add one or two empty bins for new decorations so you are ready for the next season.A little organization now saves a lot of time next year and helps your holiday traditions start off smoothly.Stay organized beyond the holidaysHoliday decorations take up more space than most of us realize. A storage unit keeps them organized, protected, and out of the way until next season.When you are ready to clear some room and keep your décor in great shape, Yellow Door Storage is here to help. Find a clean, secure unit that fits your needs and start the new year feeling lighter and more organized.