The holidays leave many of us drowning in bins of decorations but with reliable tips, you can declutter your space and stress less next season. Below is a simple step-by-step list for organizing and storing Christmas décor efficiently (whether at home or in one of our Downtown U-Lok self storage units).
Start with a Purge
Before you stash anything away:
- Sort through your collection, and donate or discard items you haven’t used in 5+ years.
- Sentimental pieces should be preserved thoughtfully, but you don’t need to keep everything.
Gather Like Items Together
Instead of storing by room or by “tree set,” group items by type:
- All ornaments in one pile
- All lights in another
- Wreaths and garlands grouped together
- Larger pieces (trees, inflatables) sorted separately
This makes packing and unpacking much easier.
Use the Right Storage Containers
- Opt for durable, uniform bins to make stacking simpler.
- For fragile items, use bins with dividers (or add your own)—especially for glass or delicate ornaments.
- Clear bins or bins with wheels are especially helpful to see and access items. You can also use different colored bins for organization purposes. For example, you can get a red bin from Canadian Tire for Christmas decorations, a green bin for Easter, etc.
We recommend bins sized to maximize shelf space in our storage units and avoid wasted vertical space.
Use Sliding or Rack Storage Where Possible
Stacking dozens of bins on top of one another leads to frustration:
- Install sliding rack systems so each bin has its own rail you can pull out.
- Simple shelf units can make all the difference. Bin access becomes immediate instead of “dig out from the bottom.”
If you’re renting a storage unit, design the layout so heavier bins stay low and lighter ones up top for safer handling.
Use Labels
Labels make accessing belongings in bins easy.
- Use large, clear labels on the outside.
- Consider using QR code smart labels tied to a quick inventory. You can scan and see what’s inside without opening it.
- Include a simple content list or photo inside each bin to cross-reference later.
Create a Storage Map
If you use a self-storage unit, keep a “map” of where things are:
- Sketch how your unit is laid out (which shelf, which rack, which corner).
- Mark specific bins or items so you can find them without rummaging.
This map becomes especially valuable months later when you forget which bin holds the tree topper.
At Downtown U-Lok Storage, we’re here to help you make the most of your space. Whether it’s recommending the perfect shelf layout, advising on storage unit size, or suggesting storage tools, we’re happy to assist. Contact us for more information!