Overview

How to Make Packing Holiday Decorations Easy and Stress-Free

If you’re preparing for a move, you might be wondering what to do with your holiday decorations. Whether you're decorating your current home one last time or packing them away for a fresh start in your new place, it's important to protect your cherished decor. The following tips will help you with packing holiday decorations safely and efficiently, minimizing damage and keeping you organized for the next season.

Gather the Right Supplies for Packing Holiday Decorations

Success begins with having the right packing materials, and enough of them, to keep your decorations protected during your move. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Packing paper (or old newspapers/magazines)
• Moving boxes or sturdy plastic tubs
• Bubble wrap
• Packing peanuts or shredded paper
• Clear packing tape (1.5"–2" wide)
• Permanent marker
• Cardboard pieces (optional)

Pro Tip: Check with local liquor stores for extra-sturdy boxes, they're often free and perfect for breakable items like ornaments.

If this list feels overwhelming or time-consuming, consider using our professional packing services. We have the materials, experience, and techniques to pack fragile or oddly shaped decorations with care, so you don’t have to.

Sort and Organize Before Packing Holiday Decorations

Before you start wrapping anything, take a moment to sort your decorations. Group them by holiday and then by type, for example:

• Ornaments
• Garland
• Lights
• Indoor decor
• Outdoor inflatables or lights

This extra step makes packing holiday decorations more efficient and helps you stay organized when it’s time to decorate in your new home.

Safely Pack Ornaments and Fragile Items

For delicate ornaments and breakables, wrap each piece individually in packing paper or bubble wrap, depending on how fragile it is. Use ornament boxes if you have them, these provide extra protection and keep items from shifting during the move.

Gently place the wrapped items into boxes, filling any empty space with packing peanuts or shredded paper to prevent movement and damage in transit.

Pro Tip: Don’t rush! Taking a few extra minutes to wrap each item carefully will save you the heartbreak of opening a box full of broken keepsakes.

Tangle-Free Tips for Lights and Garland

String lights and garland can quickly become a frustrating mess if not packed properly. To prevent tangling:

• Wrap lights and garland around flat pieces of cardboard
• Use twist ties or zip ties to secure loose ends
• Place them in a separate box labeled clearly

Pro Tip: If you’re short on cardboard, use paper towel tubes or even old coat hangers to wrap string lights.

Label Boxes Clearly and Strategically when Packing Holiday Decorations

Once a box is packed, clearly label all sides with its contents. Use a permanent marker and be specific: “Holiday – Indoor Ornaments – Living Room” is more helpful than just “Decorations.” If you know where the box should go in your new home, include that location on the label.

You might also consider color-coding your moving boxes. For example, red tape or a red label could indicate holiday items.

Pro Tip: Don’t tape a box shut until all decorations are packed, you’re likely to find a stray ornament or hook that needs a home.

Finish Strong: Seal and Stack with Care

Once you’ve double-checked that each box is full, seal the top and bottom securely with clear packing tape. Then, group all your holiday boxes together in a corner or a dedicated storage area so they’re out of the way but easy to find when needed.

Pro Tip: This is a great time to evaluate what you want to bring into your new space. If there are decorations you no longer use, consider donating them before the move.

Celebrate a Job Well Done of Packing Holiday Decorations

Congratulations! You’ve finished packing your holiday decorations in a way that ensures they’ll arrive safely and be easy to find next season. With a little planning and care, you’ve taken one more step toward a smooth, organized move, and made next year’s decorating a breeze.

For More Moving Tips, Read These Articles.