Storing Holiday Decorations

Simple planning and packing tricks to wisely store lights, ornaments, and more.

Year-to-Year Strategies

Problem: You end up tossing loads of wrapping paper and other packaging materials. 
Solution: Instead of throwing away used gift wrap and tissue paper, run it through a paper shredder and use the fluffy strips as packing filler when you're putting away your decorations, suggests Sandy Stuckey, a former director of special events and entertainment at Gaylord Opryland, in Nashville.

Problem: You've finally perfected your decorating scheme, and you don't want to forget it. 
Solution: Label each string of lights, segment of garland, or ball of mistletoe with a marker and masking tape as you take it down so you'll always know which item to hang in the entryway and which is just the right size for the mantel.