We tested holiday storage to find the best options for protecting your decorations and gift wrap year-round.
There’s nothing quite like the magic of holiday decorating, but the process of cleaning up can often be a headache. Whether it’s a treasured antique or a delicate figurine, storing your holiday decorations safely means you can enjoy them for years to come.
If you’re still using cardboard boxes to store your holiday decorations, consider switching to these storage options. “The biggest benefit is saving your sanity for the next holiday season,” says Liz Jenkins, a professional organizer and owner of A Fresh Space in Nashville. “If decorations aren’t stored properly, they can create a mess next year that’s frustrating and annoying because items can get damaged, tangled, or mixed up.”
If you’re ready to upgrade your vacation storage solutions this year, we’re here to help. We tested 16 vacation storage products in our lab, rating them based on design, durability, storage capacity, and value.
Jewelry can easily break if not handled and stored properly. That’s where having the right storage solution comes in handy. “We’re big believers in purchasing sturdy storage containers when packing special items, rather than just using cardboard boxes,” DeLong said.
This product from Santa’s Bags is designed to protect your fragile jewelry all year round. During our testing, we were impressed by how easy it was to assemble. The cardboard holder features weighted magnets that keep the dividers securely in place. These magnets also help improve the durability of the product; when dropped, the pendant stayed in place with only the top part slightly peeling off. If you’re looking for a way to safely store fragile jewelry, this product is definitely our top pick.
There are three drawers inside with magnetic closures on the sides for easy access. The trays are removable, so you can carry one tray directly to the Christmas tree or lift the entire tray using the rope handles on both sides.
The drawers also allow you to access specific decorative items without having to remove all the dividers. The compartment holds 72 standard ornaments (up to 3 inches in diameter), each with its own individual square divider. Note that any rectangular or oddly shaped ornaments will not fit in this unit.
Jenkins noted that when it comes to storing fragile jewelry, her team makes sure to keep each piece safe in a special storage box. This storage box from Sattiyrch has four layers and a total of 64 compartments to hold standard-sized accessories.
If you have unusually shaped jewelry, simply adjust the size of the dividers to suit your needs. We also recommend wrapping more fragile jewelry in bubble wrap to prevent it from rolling around in the space.
We were particularly impressed by the portability of this storage container, given that it’s a budget option. Even when fully loaded, it’s lightweight, making it easy to lift by the side handles and place on a shelf. However, it was too tall to fit under the bed. We also like that it has a see-through design, allowing you to see what’s inside without having to open it.
To increase the capacity of the box, a card slot is provided on the outside, making it easy to view the contents. Although the plastic material and the external zipper protect against moisture, dust and insects, they are not strong enough to stack several boxes on top of each other.
What’s better than a decorative storage box? A decorative storage box on wheels. This rolling organizer features five large, removable trays. We tested the 100-piece version, but for friends with larger collections, this product is also available in 120- and 150-piece versions.
We found that each decorative compartment can hold one large decorative item, two small decorative items, or several small decorative items. When storing multiple decorations together, be sure to wrap them in tissue paper or bubble wrap to avoid scratches.
We especially like the design and quality of this chest of drawers – and most importantly, it retains its original structure even after the decorative tray is removed. The chest of drawers is equipped with wheels, which makes it easy to move and reduces the labor costs when carrying it. The convenience of this chest of drawers can even be compared to a large suitcase. Moreover, all the decorations are securely held in place during transportation.
Despite the many benefits, it’s important to note that the large size isn’t ideal for those with limited storage space. It’s too big to fit on a shelf, so it’s best placed upright in a closet or in the corner of a basement. However, remember that this is multi-functional storage. The large front pocket can hold everything from garland to a tree skirt.
Keep your Christmas lights organized with Williams-Sonoma’s Holiday Light Boxes. When installing, we simply need to insert the divider into the box and close the lid. Although there are latches inside the box to hold the lights in place, we found that they came undone easily. However, we can easily remove or add colored lights as needed. Although the box is advertised to hold about 12 strings (two strings in each section), we placed four 21-foot strings of lights in each of the six sections. Although this storage box does not have wheels, the built-in handle makes it easy for us to get up and down the stairs. But since there is no device to lock the lid, we think that bugs and dust can easily get inside the box. However, we think this storage box is a better option for storing holiday string lights than a paper box. Dimensions: 12 x 18 x 12 inches | Capacity: 12 sets of colored lights
This is one of the most versatile options we recommend, with multiple compartments to store all sorts of gift boxes, gift bags, ribbons, bows, pens, tape, scissors and more. It has a main compartment with a double zipper, a deep bottom and several side pockets that provide easy access to things thanks to the Velcro fasteners.
We love that this product has a top handle and two side handles for easy portability. Even when fully loaded, it’s lightweight, so you can easily carry it to a shelf or up and down stairs.
The outer polyester material is waterproof and tear-resistant, resistant to dust, moisture, insects and mildew. Available in red, green, gray and black, it will perfectly match your style.
This is one of the taller items on our list, but its narrow design makes it easy to store. However, it is important to note that if the item is not completely filled, it may be fragile. This means that if the capacity of the items is not sufficient, the protection of the packed items will be reduced and they will be more difficult to squeeze or bend.
Size: 20 x 20 x 10 inches | Capacity: Various gift boxes, gift bags, ribbons, bows, pens, tape, scissors.
Large rolls of wrapping paper can be difficult to store. Storing them in a special storage box can prevent them from being crushed or damaged. Depending on the size of the wrapping paper rolls, this Zober gift wrap storage box can hold up to 24 rolls of wrapping paper.
We love its custom design. You can add or remove the adjustable Velcro dividers depending on the length of the roll, and the dividers also serve as attachment points for ribbons and bows, preventing them from unraveling over time. Adjustable straps and strong buckles keep the roll securely in place during transport.
The lid of the container has a clear pocket for easy access to other packing materials. The pockets can hold small to medium-sized gift bags, but not large ones. If you want to keep all your packed items in one place, consider placing a large gift bag on the roll of the main compartment. One of the best features of this bag is its slim and compact design, which means you can store it on an overhead shelf, under your bed, or in other tight spaces.
Dimensions: 40 x 6 x 14 inches | Capacity: 18-24 standard rolls, bows, ribbons, tape, scissors, pens, bags.
Gift wrap lovers will love this storage box with its compartmentalized design. The double-sided storage box has multiple compartments for 14 rolls of wrapping paper, 6 large rolls of ribbon, scissors, pens, tape, bows and more. An additional pocket on the front is perfect for storing gift bags and tissue paper.
We were in two minds about this project. We like that it has two wheels for easy portability and a large, sturdy handle for easy movement up and down stairs. Plus, the high-quality material holds its shape and protects the items inside.
However, we found that the bracket is not very useful when the container is full. If the weight is too much, the unit will tip over. During testing, the product seemed sturdy, but when zipping it up, we noticed a hole at the bottom. This creates an opportunity for insects and pests to enter. We were unable to fit it under the bed, but its slim design would fit nicely in the corner of a closet.
Dimensions: 14″ x 42″ x 10″ | Capacity: 14 standard rolls, 6 rolls of jumbo ribbon, gift bag, bow, pen, ribbon, scissors.
For ornaments, we recommend the Santa Sack 3-Drawer Box. It holds 72 ornaments, is magnetic, durable, and easy to assemble, making it a favorite on our list. Additionally, the Sattiyrch Plastic Christmas Ornament Storage Box is also an affordable choice. The clear plastic base allows you to see the contents without unpacking them. For gift wrapping, the ProPik Gift Bag and Accessory Organizer features a spacious main compartment and multiple side pockets to store various gift wrapping supplies.
We tested 16 vacation storage units in our lab and rated them for capacity, design, durability, and value. First, we checked the capacity by adding the recommended number of items to each storage unit. We noted whether the storage unit was short on space or could accommodate more items. At this point, we also checked all zippers, buttons, and other interior storage compartments.
Once the storage unit was fully packed and closed, we took it out for a spin to evaluate its overall design and ease of transport. For the storage units on wheels, we rolled them around and assessed how easily they could be moved up and down stairs. We also assessed whether the storage units could be easily lifted onto shelves or stored under beds where applicable.
To store the lights, we removed two strings at a time and observed how the strings tangled as we removed them. To store the gift wrap, we considered other storage options, including ribbon, tape, scissors, and other packaging materials. To assess durability, we performed a knee-height drop test and inspected the packaging for broken or damaged parts. Finally, we looked at the price tags on each item and decided whether they were worth the money.
“The key to making sure all of your Christmas decorations last for years is choosing the right storage method for each one,” Fuqua said. For decor, Fuqua and DeLong recommend using rigid boxes with dividers to safely stack decorations. These boxes are also great for storing strands of garland on spools, keeping them neatly organized and tangle-free.
“We always recommend against using cardboard boxes when storing items in the attic or basement because they harbor bugs and mice, and Christmas trees are no exception,” DeLong said. The duo recommends storing large outdoor decorations in large, collapsible bags. “That way, it’s easy to put large items in there and then zip them up to protect them the rest of the year,” Fuqua added.
When it comes to storing your belongings for the holidays, size may not be the first factor you think of, but it’s crucial. “We try to pack everything into boxes, keeping in mind that even the smallest person might need to get them off a shelf or move them around the house,” Jenkins said. “All the boxes are the same size (width and depth), which makes them easy to stack.”
She adds that choosing dumpsters of the same type/brand, as well as the same size, can be very helpful. It’s also important to consider the space available in your storage unit before choosing a container size. Narrow attics and closets may require a smaller width, while an open garage may have more room for larger dumpsters. When choosing a size, focus on one that makes the most use of the space.
Capacity determines the future weight of a storage unit. Larger capacity items may be convenient, but they tend to be heavy once filled. “We always go with several smaller boxes instead of several large ones because no one wants to carry a big, heavy box out of the attic or basement,” Fuqua said. She suggests separating jewelry into items that are easier to load and having a separate, labeled container for each category.
Compartments are especially useful for storing “little things” like bows, ribbons, scissors, tape, pens, and gift bags. Dividers are widely used in gift wrap storage, including our recommendations for the best gift wrap storage , the best gift wrap storage under the bed , and the best gift wrapping stations . Jewelry storage boxes with compartments can help protect fragile items, like our top recommendation for the best jewelry storage box, the Santa Sack 3-Drawer Jewelry Box , which features 72 individual compartments and three tiers of drawers for maximum protection and storage.
Zober Multi-Purpose Christmas Ornament Storage Box: This storage box has a large capacity and plenty of outside pockets that can hold not only ornaments but other items as well. However, unlike our top picks, there are no drawers, so if you want to access a specific decorative item, you’ll have to remove each divider.
Primode Wrapping Paper Storage Box: This is a great option for those with a large collection of wrapping paper. It can hold up to 24 rolls, making it the roomiest on our list. However, we found it to be more prone to warping than other products we tested.
Before you take down your decorations, Jenkins recommends taking photos of your Christmas tree, mantel, and other areas you plan to decorate the same way next year. Using reference photos can speed up the process of decorating your home for the holidays.
Next, Jenkins suggests grouping decorations into themes or designated areas. For example, “if you always decorate your living room mantel with a certain wreath, stockings, and candles, group them together and call them ‘living room mantel,’” she says. “If you always use them together, you won’t have to store them all separately.”
Jenkins recommends that as you pack, you should throw away any items that are damaged, no longer functional, or no longer meet your needs. Save valuable storage space for items you love and will use next year. Once everything is packed, be sure to provide detailed labels. “I like to use keywords like color, theme, and type of item, as well as location if applicable,” says Jenkins. “For example, ‘green decor, family room.’ Provide as many details as possible to help you.”
Jenkins recommends storing holiday decorations in the attic or garage, as long as they’re not flammable or meltable. “For more delicate items or those that need to be kept clean, we often use closets in guest rooms or storage areas in guest rooms,” she adds. “But for Christmas trees, outdoor decorations, and garland, the attic or garage is usually sufficient.”
“Storing jewelry can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you have a large collection,” says DeLong. “Using storage boxes with compartments makes it a lot easier because each piece of jewelry has its own compartment, keeping it safe.” For added protection, DeLong recommends wrapping particularly fragile pieces in a layer of tissue paper before placing them in a storage box. Jenkins adds that hooks should be removed before storing to avoid scratching the jewelry or damaging the covers.
Addie Morton is a writer for Southern Living who specializes in home decor and lifestyle content. To create this list, we tested 16 of the best storage products on the market and rated them on design, durability, storage capacity, and value. Morton spent a lot of time poring over lab test results and researching the products that made the cut. She also interviewed three professional storage experts: Ea Fuqua, Meg DeLong, and Liz Jenkins. Sisters Fuqua and DeLong are co-owners of The Tidy Home Nashville, a home organization company that aims to make home organization easy for everyone. Liz Jenkins, owner of A Fresh Space in Nashville, and her team have been creating beautiful, clean spaces for homes since 2005. Southern Living shopping writer Moriah Mason also contributed to this roundup.