Stress-Free Holiday Prep & Smart Storage Tips for a Merrier Season! 

By Tracey Winikoff

Ahhh, the most wonderful time of year! Crisp air, a crackling fire, mugs of hot chocolate, and the aroma of freshly baked cookies. 

Everything feels magical—until you find yourself tangled in lights that somehow tied themselves in knots or wrestling the inflatable snowman while tripping over bulky boxes of holiday decor.

Hello, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation!

Sound familiar? 

With just a few simple holiday prep and storage tips, say goodbye to stress and hello to a season filled with peace and joy.

Holiday Prep Hacks to Make the Season Bright

Start with a holiday command station to keep everything in one place with streamlined organization.

• Create a supply hub for the essentials—tape, ornament hooks, twine, tools, batteries, and don’t forget a ladder or step stool.
• Designate a gift-wrapping zone with paper, gift bags, ribbon, scissors, tape, and tags (bonus points for keeping it hidden from little eyes).
• Simplify Christmas tree decorating by placing the ornament boxes, tree topper, skirt, stand, and lights right where your tree will go.
• And for all you bakers, gather your recipes, ingredients, and tools so you’re ready to whip up those delectable holiday cookies when cravings strike.

Smart Storage Tips for Organizing Your Holiday Decor 

With holiday décor coming in all shapes and sizes, figuring out how to store it all can feel like a puzzle. A few smart solutions will keep everything safe, organized, and easily accessible for years to come.

• Use clear, labeled storage tubs so you can instantly see the contents and group décor by room or theme.
• Cushion fragile or sentimental ornaments in divided containers or soft tissue.
• Store wreaths in protective containers to preserve their décor and shape.
• Keep all your wrapping supplies—paper, bags, ribbon, and tags—together in a portable caddy or under-bed bin.
• Wrap Christmas lights around reels, spools, or even sturdy pieces of cardboard to prevent tangles while preserving your sanity!

Bonus Tip: Looking for ways to make your décor dazzle without breaking the bank? Check out our Family-Friendly Holiday Decorating on a Budget with Stress-Free Storage Solutions for creative, family-friendly ideas that spread cheer without the extra cost.

Benefits of Using a Storage Unit for Holiday Décor

Running low on garage or attic space? Don’t let large or bulky décor take over your home. 

• A storage unit provides a dedicated, clean space for seasonal rotations of holiday décor.
• Stack similarly sized tubs neatly and label them clearly to make everything easy to find.
• Bulky items like lawn displays, oversized wreaths, and artificial Christmas trees have room without crowding your home.
• Best of all, post-holiday clean-up becomes a breeze when everything is organized and has its place.

Wrapping up the Season 

With these easy holiday prep and organization tips, you’ll soon be curled up with your softest blanket, watching your favorite holiday movie, and sipping cocoa in your fabulously festive home—without all the muss and fuss.

Who knows? With your new organizational skills, Hallmark might just come knocking for advice!

Ready to make this your most stress-free holiday yet? Visit our Arroyo Grande or Santa Maria storage locations to find the perfect space for your seasonal décor and gear—consider it your storage home away from home.