Make future holidays merrier by properly packing seasonal decorations. Here are some tips from our expert movers and packers on how to do so.
- Hanging garment bags provide good storage for wrapping paper rolls. Use outside pockets for gift tags, cards and tissue paper.
- To protect used rolls of paper, cut an empty wrapping paper tube from end to end and slide it over the roll.
- Ribbons and bows can be saved and reused. Pack them loosely so they keep their shape.
- Wrap holiday candles individually in cellophane and store in a cool place so they do not melt together.
- Pack an “open first” box. Place the decorations you use first in here with essentials such as extension cords.
- Use a “wardrobe box” to hang and store seasonal clothing that you only wear once or twice a year, like that special snowman sweater from your mother-in-law or that flashing Christmas tie. This way, you can find it easily, wear it and store it away back on a hanger without frantically searching around for it.
- If you haven’t used a decoration in a few years, donate it. If it is damaged, get rid of it.
- Take special care if you are storing your items in a damp area, like your basement. Don’t store boxes near sources of heat and moisture.
- The most important tip is to label every box. The more detailed the description the easier it will be to find things the next year. Use different colours to distinguish different holidays. For example, use orange for Halloween, brown for Thanksgiving and red or green for Christmas.
- Take a digital photo of special care items like snow globes or wreaths, print them off on regular paper and tape the photo to the outside of the box as an easy description of what’s inside.
When packing up and storing your holiday decorations, it pays to plan ahead.
