How to Pack and Store Holiday Decorations in Montgomery, TX

The Montgomery Self Storage team recommends that you take a few minutes to read this blog before you start “undecking” your halls!

Properly packing and storing holiday decorations in Montgomery, Texas and Conroe, TX requires protection against our extreme heat and humidity, which can damage delicate items, warp plastics, and cause mold. The best approach is to use durable, sealed containers and store them in a climate-controlled environment if possible.

General Preparation and Packing Suggestions

• Declutter First: Before packing, sort through your decorations and get rid of anything that is broken, outdated, or no longer used.

• Clean and Inspect: Wipe down items to prevent dust or sticky residue from building up. Inspect all lights and cords for damage and remove batteries from electronic devices to prevent corrosion.

• Use Quality Containers: Ditch cardboard boxes, which attract pests and are vulnerable to moisture. Invest in sturdy, moisture-resistant plastic bins with tight-fitting lids. Clear bins are helpful for easily identifying contents, but opaque, color-coded bins (e.g., green for Christmas) also work well.

• Label Everything: Label each container clearly with its contents (e.g., “Ornaments,” “Outdoor Lights,” “Living Room Mantel”) which will save time and frustration next year.

Holiday Decorations That Need Special Care in Southeast Texas

• Fragile Items/Ornaments: Wrap each item individually in acid-free tissue paper or bubble wrap to prevent chips and breaks. Use specialized ornament storage boxes with dividers or repurpose egg cartons or plastic cups within a larger bin to keep them secure.

• String Lights: Prevent a tangled mess by wrapping each strand of lights around a cord reel, a piece of cardboard, or a plastic spool. Even the cardboard tube from a roll of wrapping paper works. Store them in a separate, padded box or a dedicated light storage organizer to protect the bulbs.

• Artificial Trees and Wreaths: Store artificial trees in a specialized tree storage bag or a sturdy, wheeled bin instead of the original cardboard box, which can deteriorate. Store wreaths in a flat, circular wreath storage box or hang them on a hanger and cover them with a breathable fabric bag to maintain their shape.

• Candles and Linens: Store candles in a cool place, wrapped in cellophane or tissue paper to prevent melting or color bleeding. Ensure linens are clean and completely dry before storing them in sealed bins to avoid mold and mildew.

Where Should You Store Holiday Decorations in Montgomery or Conroe?

The best rule of thumb to go by is that if the decorations are used in inside, they need to be stored inside in a climate controlled environment. Outdoor decorations have more options, such as non-climate controlled storage.

• Ideal Locations: The best places for storage are inside your home in a cool, dry, and climate-controlled area such as a closet, a spare room, or under a bed. If you do not have space inside your home for your indoor decorations, consider self storage as an alternative.

• Locations to Avoid (If Possible): Avoid storing delicate decorations in the attic, garage, or outdoor shed. These areas experience significant temperature fluctuations that can warp plastic, fade fabrics, damage electronics, and attract pests. Outdoor inflatables and other exterior decorations may be the exception here, depending on the materials they are made from.

• Moisture Protection: Regardless of the location, add silica gel packets or other moisture absorbers to your storage bins to help mitigate humidity and prevent mold growth. Also, just as if you were storing furniture, placing the containers on a plastic tarp, drop cloth or plastic sheeting rather than directly on concrete will help.

By following these tips, you can be confident that your decorations will remain in good condition and be ready for use for many seasons to come.

Montgomery Self Storage is Here to Help

Taking a few extra steps to pack and store your decorations can make a big difference when you’re ready to use them next year. If your home cannot accommodate storing your decorations, we offer units in a variety of sizes and our professional property managers can help you determine the right storage solution for your needs. Contact one of our seven convenient locations today.