Storage Solutions for Winter and Holiday Decor
Every year, the same thing happens. You're staring at boxes of ornaments, tangled lights, and winter decorations, wondering where it's all going to go. Then, come next November, you'll be digging through the garage trying to remember which box has the good serving platters.
There's a better way to handle seasonal items. With some smart storage planning, you can keep everything organized, protected, and actually easy to find when you need it.
The Real Problem with Seasonal Storage
Most people don't have a storage problem. They have an access problem.
You have the space, it's just in the attic, or the back of the garage, or that closet under the stairs. But getting to it is a pain. So things get shoved wherever they fit, and then you can't find them next year.
Good storage isn't about cramming more stuff into tight spaces; it's about making what you have easy to use. That might mean better shelving, dedicated zones for seasonal items, or just organizing what you already have in a way that makes sense.
Photo courtesy of Wellborn Cabinet, Inc.
Built-In Storage That Works Year-Round
If you're planning a renovation or building new, this is the time to think about seasonal storage.
A mudroom or utility room can have cabinets specifically for holiday items. Upper cabinets that reach the ceiling provide space for items you use only once or twice a year. Pull-down shelving systems make those high spaces usable without a ladder.
Garage storage is another option. Wall-mounted cabinet systems keep everything off the floor and organized. You can label sections by season, so you don't have to dig through everything to find what you need.
The key is having designated spots. When holiday decor has its own shelf or cabinet, it doesn't end up mixed with camping gear or tools.
Closet Systems Aren't Just for Clothes
A lot of people don't realize that closet systems can work in other spaces.
That coat closet near your front door? It could have adjustable shelving for winter accessories and seasonal items. A hall closet can become organized storage instead of a catch-all. Even a small linen closet can be set up to hold holiday linens, serving pieces, and decorations if it's designed right.
We work with closet systems that let you adjust shelf heights and add components as your needs change. So if you need more space for decorations one year and less the next, you can adapt without replacing everything.
The Right Containers Make a Difference
Even with good storage spaces, you need decent containers.
Clear bins let you see what's inside without opening everything. Stackable containers make better use of vertical space. Bins with secure lids protect things from dust and moisture.
For specific items:
Ornaments do better in divided storage or wrapped individually
String lights should be wound around something (cardboard, reels, or hangers made for this)
Table linens stay in better shape if they're not crushed under heavy items
Wrapping paper and gift bags need tall, narrow storage to prevent crushing
You don't have to buy fancy organizing systems, but taking a little time to pack things properly saves you from having to replace damaged items every year.
Attic and Basement Considerations
A lot of seasonal storage ends up in attics or basements, which is fine as long as you consider the conditions.
Attics get hot in summer and cold in winter. Extreme temperature swings can damage some items: candles melt, adhesives fail, and delicate decorations can crack. If you're storing things in the attic, stick with items that can handle temperature changes.
Basements can have humidity issues. Moisture damages cardboard, causes mildew, and ruins fabrics. Use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes, and consider a dehumidifier if your basement tends to be damp.
Labeling Actually Helps
This sounds obvious, but most people don't do it well.
"Holiday decorations" on a box doesn't tell you much when you have six boxes labeled the same way. Be specific:
"Christmas tree ornaments"
"Halloween outdoor decor"
"Thanksgiving serving dishes"
If you have multiple item types in one box, make sure to include the typical location of the items and whether they are heavy or fragile. For example, “Christmas kitchen - fragile.”
If you're using clear bins, you can skip some of this. But for boxes stored in the back of a closet or stacked in the garage, clear labels save you from unpacking everything to find what you need.
Some people take it further and keep a list of what's in each box. That's probably overkill for most situations, but if you have a lot of seasonal items, it can help.
Photo courtesy of Wellborn Cabinet, Inc.
Vertical Space Is Your Friend
Most storage spaces don't use vertical space well.
In a garage, wall-mounted systems get things off the floor and out of the way. In closets, adding a second rod or more shelves can double your storage. Even in a pantry or utility room, going vertical with shelving makes a difference.
If you have high ceilings, consider overhead storage racks for items you rarely access. Just make sure you can safely get things down when you need them.
Plan for What You Actually Use
As you're packing things away this year, pay attention to what you didn't use. If decorations have been in a box for two years without coming out, you probably don't need them. Donate them or get rid of them.
The less you store, the easier it is to organize what you keep. And you'll have room for new things you actually like.
Let's Talk About Your Storage Needs
If you're tired of fighting with seasonal storage, we can help. We design closet systems, mudrooms, and garage storage that make organization easier. And if you're planning a bigger project, we can work storage solutions into the design from the start.
Come by our showroom at 172 Charlotte Street in Asheville, or give us a call at 828-252-1022 to schedule an appointment with one of our design experts. We'll help you figure out what makes sense for your space and how you actually live.
Let’s Talk!
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