The holidays are over, and now it’s time to put all of the decorations away again. It probably seems like you just got them out. You may have even received a few more collectible ornaments as gifts, and now you need to find a place for those too. It can seem a bit overwhelming. But whether your collection has reached monumental proportions or you’re just starting out, there are plenty of easy ways to store your treasures to make sure they last a lifetime.
PREPARING YOUR ORNAMENTS FOR STORAGE:
Even though your decorations have only been up a matter of weeks, they may still have accumulated some dust and grime. Carefully clean and dust each one before putting them away for the season. This will help protect delicate finishes as well as reducing the potential for scratches from even the smallest particles.
Always use a soft, lint free cloth. Cotton swabs can be useful for nooks and crannies. Use water or other liquids only on surfaces you are certain are sealed and non-absorbent. If you do use liquids make absolutely certain the piece has dried completely before putting it away.
STORAGE OPTIONS:
There are a wide variety of storage options for your ornaments and collectibles. You can find common favorites everywhere from home décor stores to home and gardening stores, discounters, and auction and holiday-related web sites. You can also check with other collectors for unique solutions, especially for those odd-shaped items.
There are also many ways to make your own containers using supplies you probably already have or that can be acquired inexpensively. But no matter where you get your container, it is most important to make sure it is clean and that your entire ornament fits securely inside.
STORE-BOUGHT CONTAINERS
Boxes with dividers have been a staple in ornament storage for decades. They typically come in just a few sizes and may hold only a few dozen to well over 100 ornaments. Early versions were made of heavy cardboard and that style is still available today.
The plastic container industry has also gotten into the market, so it is now just as common to find the old stand-by style in sturdier plastic editions. Many of these come in holiday red and green to make identification of contents easy and logical.
NEW STORAGE SOLUTIONS
There are also a couple newer variations on the market for those who are tired of the same old thing. The first is a drawer system which is essentially a cardboard version of a tool chest. The “chest” contains a number of drawers that pull out individually. The main benefit to this style is that decorators can take out one drawer at a time, instead of having to drag an entire ornament-laden box down from a shelf. Several companies offer these “chests” online.
A second variation is good for serious collectors or those who may have heirloom ornaments. Many people may know the term “acid-free” from scrapbook or photography suppliers, but it appears that it now applies to ornament preservation too. Acid-free boxes and wrapping supplies can also be found online for those who want to take extra steps to make sure their ornaments last for several generations. Acid-free supplies are said to help prevent fading and discoloration that may be caused by other materials including plastic and cardboard.
MAKE IT YOURSELF
If you don’t want to spend the money for boxes, there are a variety of inexpensive, do-it-yourself options. Some of these options also work well if you have unusually shaped ornaments, figurines, and the like.
First, take a look at your ornaments. Compare their size and shape to other common products. Pieces roughly the size of tomatoes or apples can fit well into the spaces of fruit and vegetable crates. Check with your local grocery store. They probably throw out such containers by the truckload. Tall and skinny; think wine or beer bottle cases. Miniature and delicate; don’t throw out that egg carton after breakfast! Simply look around your home. Several small boxes inside a larger box can be just as effective as those that come with dividers.
WRAP IT UP
Second only to making sure the ornament fits in the box, is making sure it is wrapped or cushioned appropriately. You’ll want to keep each ornament from crushing, bending, shifting, and knocking against others. There are quite a few options here too.
Use old standbys like bubble wrap, tissue paper and paper towel. Newspaper is not the best idea because ink can get on your fingers and then cause smudges on your ornament.
Loose packing is good especially around odd-shaped ornaments or ones which have thin, delicate parts that can snap as a fishing pole, tree limbs or outstretched arms or legs. Try styrofoam peanuts, shredded, or wadded paper.
Finally, take another look around the house again. Slip decorations into old socks and shirt sleeves or wrap in any clean but worn-out piece of clothing, towel, or rag and cut to fit.
LEST YOU FORGET
DO make sure all container lids fit as snugly as possible to keep bugs and humidity out.
DO keep containers off the floor whenever possible. Even if your area is not prone to floods, a washing machine overflow could potentially cause serious water damage to boxes on the floor.
DON'T expose ornaments to extreme temperature fluctuations or excessive humidity. Attics, garages and basements are often too hot, cold, or damp to be the best place to keep ornaments. A dry interior closet is usually best.
