Halloween might be over for the year, but that doesn’t mean you should just shove all your decorations back in the attic until next October. Taking the time to store your spooky decor properly will not only extend its lifespan, but make setup much easier next year. Plus, if you use a storage unit, you can free up precious space in your home!
1. Sort and Declutter
Before you start packing away your Halloween decorations, take a good look at what you have. Are there items you didn’t use this year? Are any decorations damaged beyond repair? Now’s the perfect time to declutter and donate or discard any pieces you no longer love. Remember, fewer decorations mean less storage space needed!
2. Clean Before Storing
It’s important to clean your decorations before tucking them away. Dust, dirt, and even candy remnants can attract pests, cause discoloration, or damage your items over time. For fabric decorations, give them a gentle wash or vacuum, while wreaths and artificial plants might just need a light dusting.
3. Choose the Right Storage Solutions
Investing in the right storage solutions can make all the difference in preserving your decorations. Opt for clear plastic bins with lids to keep dust and moisture out while allowing you to see what’s inside without opening them. Use smaller boxes or ziplock bags for tiny accessories or fragile items. Label everything clearly so you can find things easily next year.
4. Protect Fragile Items
For fragile decorations like ceramic pumpkins or glass figurines, use bubble wrap, tissue paper, or old newspapers to protect them from breaking. Consider using egg cartons to store small, delicate items. Layering these items in your bins with padding can prevent damage from any shifting during storage.
5. Organize by Theme or Area
If you have a variety of decorations, it can be helpful to organize them by theme or the area of your house they’ll be used in. This method will make it easier to decorate next year because everything you need for a specific area will be in one place. For example, you could keep all your outdoor decorations in one bin and indoor items in another.
6. Utilize a Storage Unit
If your home is short on storage space, consider renting a storage unit for seasonal decorations. A storage unit offers a secure, climate-controlled environment to keep your decorations in good condition, preventing damage from fluctuations in temperature or humidity. Plus, it frees up space in your home for other essentials.
When using a storage unit, make sure your items are stored off the ground on shelving units if possible. This will help prevent any potential water damage or pest issues. Also, consider visiting your unit occasionally to check on your items and to make adjustments as necessary.
7. Plan for Future Halloween Decor
When you pack away your decorations, leave a little room for future finds. It’s almost inevitable that you’ll add to your collection next year, so saving a bit of space now will save the hassle of rearranging later.
8. Create a Decoration Inventory
If you’re someone who loves organization, consider creating an inventory of all your Halloween decorations. This can be a simple list stored digitally or manually in a notebook. Knowing exactly what you have will make setting up next year a breeze and will prevent unnecessary duplicate purchases.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your Halloween decorations will be in great shape and ready to go for next year. Proper storage not only protects your investment but also makes the process of decorating—and enjoying—next Halloween that much easier. Happy storing!