When the festive season ends in Helena, Montana, many of us find ourselves packing up our Christmas trees, ornaments, and lights in a hurry—only to discover broken bulbs and tangled strands next year. Given the often-frigid winters and low humidity in Big Sky Country, storing your Christmas décor properly is especially important. Plus, if your home or garage is short on space, a local storage facility like A-Storage can help keep your festive treasures safe and secure until you’re ready to deck the halls again.
1. Sort and Declutter
Before anything goes into a box, sort through your Christmas décor. We all have those strands of burned-out lights or ornaments that have lost their sparkle. Decide what’s worth keeping and what can be donated or recycled. This step not only frees up space in your home, but also saves you time and money when packing—and it means you won’t have to rummage through piles of unused décor next Christmas.
2. Wrap Delicate Items Carefully
Winter in Montana can be harsh, with temperature fluctuations that might stress fragile items in an unprotected environment. Wrapping each ornament in tissue paper, bubble wrap, or even acid-free packing paper helps prevent chips and cracks. For heirloom or sentimental pieces, look for specialized storage containers with individual compartments that keep them cushioned and secure, whether they stay at home or in a climate-controlled unit at A-Storage.
3. Coil and Label Lights
Tangled strands of lights can easily become damaged, especially in Helena’s dry winter air. To avoid the frustration of knotted or broken wires, wrap each strand around a piece of cardboard or an empty wrapping paper tube. Use twist ties or rubber bands to keep them in place. Label each coil—e.g., “tree lights” or “outdoor porch”—so you’ll know exactly where they go when you’re ready to decorate next year.
4. Label and Color-Code Bins
Whether you’re storing your décor at home or bringing it to A-Storage, proper labeling is key. Invest in clear plastic bins or sturdy boxes and mark each one clearly: “Red & Green Ornaments,” “Nativity Set,” “Stockings,” etc. You can even color-code your storage bins—red and green for Christmas, pastel tones for Easter—to quickly spot what you need when the season arrives.
5. Consider Climate-Controlled Storage
Temperature and humidity in Montana can swing dramatically from one season to the next. Fabrics, wooden ornaments, or delicate glass pieces may crack or mildew if left in attics or sheds with no climate control. A-Storage offers climate-controlled units that maintain more stable temperature and humidity levels, protecting your Christmas treasures from mold, mildew, and moisture damage.
6. Stay Organized Year-Round
Finally, when it comes time to tuck your decorations away, be mindful of how you store and stack your boxes. Put heavier items at the bottom and keep fragile items on top. Make sure you leave a path for easy access in your storage unit. Should you need something mid-year—maybe a few strands of lights for a summer party—you won’t have to pull everything out to find it.
With a little extra care and some smart packing strategies, you can keep your Christmas décor in tip-top shape for next year and beyond. If you’re searching for a trusted local facility to store your holiday cheer, A-Storage in Helena, MT, is here to help you safeguard your cherished decorations year-round.