The Best Holiday Storage, Tested and Reviewed
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Stay neat, organized, and ready for next year’s festivities with these convenient and durable containers.
Real Simple / David Hattan
We may all enjoy the food, mingling, fun, and games of the holidays, but you would be hard-pressed to find someone who claims to enjoy the cleanup. Packing away the artificial tree, baubles, ornaments, lights, and gift wrapping paraphernalia is a whole job unto itself, and unless you’ve got the best holiday storage options in your arsenal, it can turn into a tangled and careless mess fast.
It might not be as fun to shop for as the holiday decor itself, but it will save you a lot of time, hassle, and money in the long run if you’ve equipped yourself with good holiday storage containers to keep everything neat, organized, and ready for next year.
“The main consideration to think through when shopping for the best holiday storage is where you’ll be storing décor during the off-season,” says Amelia Pleasant Kennedy, clutter coach, organizing expert, and the CEO and Founder of A Pleasant Solution. “If you’re storing items during the off season in the garage, attic, or basement, select storage that’s made from heavy-duty airtight plastic. This will ensure that humidity and temperature changes don’t damage items as the seasons shift. If you’re storing items elsewhere in your home, you have a greater range of material choices.”
We tested 16 of the most popular holiday storage options on the market to come up with a list of the best seven, testing each item for durability, convenience, ease of opening/closing, lifting, and carrying, and overall value for money. In addition to Kennedy, we also tapped Jan Arkwright, CEO of Before & After Organizing by Jan LLC, for expert advice on holiday storage shopping.
Best Storage for Ornaments: Sattiyrch Plastic Christmas Ornament Storage Box
What Stands Out
The firm, sheer plastic exterior is flexible enough to pack and unpack ornaments, and its removable dividers accommodate oddly shaped ornaments.
What Could Be Improved
It’s not sturdy enough to stack multiple boxes on top of each other.
The reasonably priced Sattiyrch Plastic Christmas Ornament Storage Box is an easy and efficient way to store up to 64 christmas tree baubles. It has a secure hinge lid and handles on the side for easy maneuverability, and even though it’s semi-transparent so you can see what’s inside, there’s a label pocket on the outside so you can write down exactly what’s in the box. It’s festively decorated, too, so you’ll immediately recognize that this container is packing holiday essentials with just a glance.
During testing, we found that it was super easy to add and remove the ornaments from the box—the basic shape and perfectly fitting cardboard dividers made it easy to get the ornaments out and add them to the box. The dividers were easy to pull apart in case you needed to store longer ornaments, although it would be hard to accommodate large ornaments that were too tall for the level of the container (there are four levels separated by one large piece of cardboard).
As it's on the smaller side, the two handles made it easy to carry the container and lift it overhead (although 64 is not enough ornaments to make the box particularly heavy). The material is durable and thick enough to protect from moisture, dust, and bugs; the plastic feels very sturdy and the zipper is protected, so it closes very securely. The box felt sturdy when we were packing it, too, as the sides held up nicely, stood on their own, and didn’t feel like they would rip.
Price at time of publish: $10
Dimensions: 12 by 12 by 12 inches | Material: Plastic| Capacity: Up to 64 ornaments
Best Storage for Gift Wrap: Zober Premium Wrapping Paper Storage Container
What Stands Out
The thoughtful design with a designated space for a variety of accessories, and the sturdy buckle closures and pockets that secure all items.
What Could Be Improved
The gift-bag pocket can fit small- and medium-size bags but not large ones.
In an ideal world we’d have a designated wrapping station room, but since that’s not the reality for most of us, these Zober Wrapping Paper Storage Containers are the next best thing. Instead of a regular bin where you just toss everything in one main compartment, this gift wrap holder is thoughtfully designed with different sections to accommodate all types of gift wrap accessories.
We found these containers easy to use and roomy, able to store over 20 rolls of wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, gift bags, pens, tape, and scissors. You can lay down the wrapping paper lengthwise in the main compartment and it won't bend or get damaged. The container felt very sturdy and well-made, and we really liked the small Velcro divider that we used to create a small compartment to fit several ribbon rolls.
On the lid, there are two clear plastic packets that work well for storing scissors, ribbon rolls, and gift bags, but we were only able to fit small and medium gift bags here; large ones won’t fit unless you fold them (no, thank you). Once everything’s packed in, there are built-in buckles that keep the wrapping paper from sliding around; even when transporting the closed case, everything stayed in place. There’s a side handle for easy carrying, but even when full, it wasn’t too heavy to lift and store overhead.
Price at time of publish: $25
Dimensions: 14 by 40 by 6 inches | Material: 600D polyester fabric| Capacity: Up to 20 rolls, bows, and ribbons
Best Storage for Gift-Wrapping Supplies: Treekeeper Gift Wrap Craft Station
What Stands Out
Good quality, generous capacity, and lots of compartments to organize items as you see fit.
What Could Be Improved
The zipper doesn't go all the way around, and the kickstand doesn’t hold the container upright when it’s full.
When it comes to convenience, this interesting gift wrap craft station is right up there. It’s made from a durable polyester, finished canvas material that’s far from flimsy (though not too heavy), and it has a secure zipper that keeps it firmly shut and all items inside safe. We managed to fit 20 rolls of gift wrapping paper, 13 gift bags (small and medium), two pairs of scissors, a box of ribbon, loose ribbon, and two strings of lights—and there was still plenty of room for other small bits and bobs.
We loved how accessible this item was. There are lots of different compartments, so you can get creative with how you want to store your items. The handles are sturdy and comfortable, and there are two wheels for easy transport. This craft station felt very sturdy, but for some reason, the zipper doesn't go all the way around, leaving a hole near the bottom that pests could potentially get into.
There are also mesh pockets which are ideal for putting lights in (these would otherwise surely get tangled up during transportation). It sports a kickstand to keep it upright, as well, and although that sounds like a good idea, it didn’t actually do anything, especially when we packed the container to capacity. The item is a little too tall to fit under a bed, and we also wish there were more zippered see-through pockets.
Price at time of publish: $160
Dimensions: 14 by 10 by 42 inches | Material: Polyester| Capacity: Up to 14 (40-inch) rolls, 6 XL size ribbon rolls, multiple pens and scissors
Best Storage for String Lights:: ZOBER Christmas Light Storage
What Stands Out
Its sturdy riveted handles, and plastic X dividers that prevent lights from tangling.
What Could Be Improved
There’s no snap or zipper closure on the lid; it just sits on top of the box and is not airtight.
Although the Zober Christmas Light Storage boxes are specifically designed for Christmas lights, thanks to the added plastic X dividers that you’re meant to wrap the lights around, you can remove these dividers and store a whole manner of other holiday decorations inside instead. The box comes in either red/black, green/black, green/red, or gray snowflake designs, and it has carry handles, a lid, and a label pocket.
This lightweight storage box allows you to easily add and remove items from storage. It's an easy process because the lid comes on and off effortlessly and opens up to reveal one big empty space. Other than the four included X-shaped dividers, there are no other inserts. Although these are undoubtedly helpful, wrapping Christmas lights around anything—whether it’s a DIY tube, or these Xs—is arduous and time consuming.
During testing, we found that the items inside felt relatively secure, and the handles felt like they were stitched on well. The unit is easy to transport when closed up, and the lid is secure enough. It's easy to lift up and overhead since it is fairly small in size. Its material is a lightweight fabric that's covering a thicker cardboard, and it’s not a sealable box, so you can't prevent bugs, dust, or moisture from getting in.
Price at time of publish: $25
Dimensions: 12 by 10 by 17 inches | Material: 600D polyester fabric| Capacity: 240 feet of light strand
Best Storage for Gift Bags: ProPik Christmas Storage Organizer
What Stands Out
It offers generous capacity, is durable, has a high-quality construction, and the large main compartment is versatile for a variety of storage needs.
What Could Be Improved
It could use a more thoughtful design for the organization of other items, and the exterior Velcro pockets don't protect the contents as well as the zippered parts.
The ProPik Christmas Storage Organizer initially feels a little flimsy, but once we started to fill it with holiday knick knacks, it gained and retained its structure and was easier to stay upright and fill up. We liked its Velcro pockets in the front that made it easier to add and remove items. The zippered compartments were convenient for smaller bits and easy to access and open or close. Once full with wrapping items, the storage was not very heavy.
The box has a top handle and two side handles, so there are plenty of options to carry it comfortably. We found that the way this box is designed makes it perfect for storing gift bags. Even larger bags (up to 20 inches in height) could be stored in it upright safely. Although it isn't meant for ornament storage, you could totally use it for that.
That said, there's no organization or structure inside to keep your stuff from shifting around during transportation, so anything you put into it will have to be already fairly protected already with bubble or plastic wrap. The box comes in four different colors and is reasonably priced for what it offers.
Price at time of publish: $20
Dimensions: 20 by 20 by 10 inches | Material: Polyester| Capacity: Assorted gift boxes, gift bags, ribbons, bows, pens, tape, scissors
Best Rolling Storage: Balsam Hill Deluxe Rolling Ornament Chest
What Stands Out
It’s easy to transport, thanks to its wheels and handles, and keeps its structure even when the ornament trays are removed.
What Could Be Improved
It’s very large, so it’s not suitable for people with limited storage space, and it’s expensive.
The Balsam Hill Deluxe Rolling Ornament Chest is an effective (albeit expensive) storage solution for anyone with loads of holiday decor. It has five large, removable trays that easily go in and out when you lift them up, and there’s a metal frame on the inside that holds the organizer up so it doesn't go limp once you remove the trays. Each slot for ornaments holds one large ornament, two smaller balls, or a handful of tiny ornaments. In testing, oddly shaped ornaments nestled well inside, too.
Once we filled up the organizer (with over 150 ornaments) and zipped it up, it was pretty easy to move around despite being so full and heavy. This was thanks to the container’s extendable handle in the back, and its wheels which glided around smoothly and easily (similarly to a large suitcase). Everything felt very secure inside, and when moving the organizer around, nothing was loose.
Since it’s so big, it won’t fit under a bed and would need to be stored on a large shelf. Surprisingly, it wasn’t too difficult to lift overhead, even when it was completely full. The organizer also has an extremely large front pocket that we were able to fit two bunches of string lights and a tree skirt. After moving it around and dropping it multiple times, the string lights did not move around much at all. Overall, it’s a solid, high-quality organizer that feels smart, practical, and innovative.
Price at time of publish: $269
Dimensions: 23.5 by 18.5 by 24 inches | Material: 600D polyester fabric| Capacity: 100 ornaments
Best Storage with Drawers: Santa’s Bags 3 Drawer Ornament Storage Box
What Stands Out
Its magnetic closures at the side that make it easy to access ornaments, and weighted magnets that keep the cardboard inserts more secure.
What Could Be Improved
It only fits standard-size, round ornaments.
If you are committed to safekeeping sentimental ornaments that are not shatterproof, Santa's Bags 3-Drawer Christmas Ornament Storage Box is a great find with additional features. Although assembling any Tetris-like ornament cardboard holders is usually a pain, this one was surprisingly a breeze to put together. We love this box’s cute and convenient design that has a single compartment for safely storing 72 ornaments.
There are three drawers that easily slide in and out, and the side has a magnetic closure for easy access. We appreciated that the cardboard compartments have an innovative weighted magnet to help them stay in place. Only standard-sized, globe and other round-shaped ornaments fit the honeycomb enclosures, so your other special ornaments would likely need a box of their own. Anything wider than the standard-sized ones would disrupt the closing of the storage box.
This storage box was sturdy and didn't feel at all flimsy. The cardboard was thicker than some other options we tested, and this helped keep the box’s shape and sturdiness. When we drop-tested the box—yes, filled with ornaments—the ornaments did not fall out of place, and only the top of the box came off slightly. It’s a little more expensive than your standard box storage, however, the design, dividers, and magnet closing make it great value.
Price at time of publish: $40
Dimensions: 20 by 14 by 9 inches | Material: 600D polyester fabric| Capacity: 72 ornaments
Final Verdict
Since they’re all designed for different purposes, there wasn't just one clear winner on our list of the best holiday storage options. If you need of the best holiday storage for christmas ornaments, opt for the durable and roomy Sattiyrch Plastic Christmas Ornament Storage Box, but if you’re in desperate need of organizing your gift wrapping paper and supplies, you’ll love the convenient ZOBER Wrapping Paper Storage Containers as well as the West Elm Gift Wrap Craft Station.
Our Testing Process
To come up with our list of the best holiday storage options, we tested 16 of the most popular storage containers on the market over a period of a couple of weeks. We performed several tests to evaluate each container’s effectiveness, durability, ease of use, ease of opening/closing, convenience, and overall value for money. We took into consideration how many items each container could store, tested out all zippers, buttons, and other inside storage compartments (like pockets) to test the ease of opening and closing.
We carried the storage unit around the lab space determining how easy it is to carry and transport, lift up and down stairs, lift up to/bring down from higher storage shelves, as well as the comfort of any handles. We evaluated how well each item stayed closed and rolled any storage with wheels around the Lab to test how well they moved. We considered how easily each item lifted and carried up and down a flight of stairs. We tested low-profile items under beds evaluating the ease of doing so, as well as bringing them back out again.
For gift wrap storage we considered any other storage capabilities the item had, such as a place for pens, tape, scissors, etc., and tested out these features using props. For lighting storage, we took out two strings of lights one at a time and considered how tangled or untangled they were when removing them. Finally, we dropped each container when full to see how well the storage fared, and how well the items inside were protected.
How to Shop for Holiday Storage Like a Pro
Size
Storage containers for holiday items come in all shapes and sizes, from small boxes for your more delicate ornaments to large-capacity boxes for Christmas trees and all their accessories. “Think backward from where you’ll be storing items long-term to the size of the needed container,” Kennedy says. “This will inform the size and shape of the container you’ll want to purchase. If the storage boxes have to go up and down stairs, into an attic area, or fit onto a particular set of shelving, you’ll want to think through these potential obstacles.”
She also suggests keeping in mind that storage can get heavy if the container is too big, so it might be better to get a couple of smaller options and share the contents between them so that they’re easier to maneuver. “Be mindful not to stack items too high because the weight can damage even the strongest containers and make retrieval difficult,” Kennedy says.
Arkwright emphasizes the need for correct measuring before buying holiday storage. “Measure twice, buy once,” she says. “Know what types of items you are shopping for, and have dimensions in hand. The container itself should be the right size, not too big so the items roll around nor too small so the items are stuffed in and the lid barely closes. That same mantra goes for the space where the containers will be kept. Knowing how many will fit on a shelf, how many hooks there is space for, how high items can be stacked, etc., prevents having to return items that don’t work.”
Material
Holiday storage containers come in an array of materials. There are hard boxes which are typically made from plastic that is durable, waterproof, and potentially air-tight to protect against dust and other nuisances like mold. Softer, bag-type storage containers could be made from canvas or 600D polyester fabric.
“Before you shop, knowing where you plan to store the items (garage, basement, or attic) determines the type of material the storage container should be made of,” Arkwright says. “If the containers will be housing delicate items and will be stacked, stay with sturdier products such as those made of heavier plastic vs. cardboard which is easily crushed.”
If you’d like to be able to easily see your holiday items so you know what you have, storage that’s made from a clear plastic is easily stackable and airtight with a well-fitting lid is your best option. “If seeing items isn’t a key factor, weather-proof vinyl or canvas bags (or structured boxes) will create a uniform look,” Kennedy adds. Overall, she suggests selecting “storage that holds its structure well, has individual compartments to protect items and keep them from bumping or scratching one another, and can be stacked to save space.”
Capacity
Again, there are many sizes of holiday storage containers available, from small to extra large. Choosing the best size and capacity for your needs will depend on not only what you need to store, but also whether you can safely handle them once they’re full.
Arkwright suggests asking yourself these questions for determining what size holiday storage to opt for: How many items can be accommodated? Will the person or people handling these bins be able to do so safely (i.e. are the containers too heavy or too large for them?) If not, consider using several smaller containers or relocating the containers to a location that is easier for them. If the items will be up high, will you need a stepstool? And even with a stool, will the items be too awkward or bulky to be retrieved easily? Items with handles may be called for in those situations.
More Holiday Storage Options to Consider
Primode Wrapping Paper Storage Container: This option has a thoughtful design with straps to secure wrapping paper rolls, and a removable organizer to accommodate taller rolls. There are handles on the front and side for easy handling and clear compartments in the lid for smaller bits. It was very easy to move things around, take them in and out, and then strap them in for support. We really liked the clever security buckles that strap around the rolls of wrapping paper to hold them in place, making them feel secure and well-protected. The downside was that the gift bag pocket didn’t manage to secure the contents very well; the bags kept sliding out of the pockets as we packed them, and after the drop test, they shifted around a bit. Although it’s well-priced, we found it to be a little flimsy, and it only maintained structure when it was completely full.
Zober Christmas Ornament Storage Box: This large box can home 80 ornaments with plenty of room for other things. It’s priced reasonably, and we also liked the festive design options. However, we ultimately found its lack of structure inconvenient—it's basically just a bag that takes the shape of whatever is inside it. Each ornament had enough room to move slightly, but not so much that we were concerned about damage. Larger round ornaments could also fit in, albeit quite snuggly. We were able to add and remove items from the unit pretty easily, but the cardboard dividers were a little annoying and could easily fall apart if we didn’t take them out a certain way. Once full, it was hard to lift overhead, and it also can’t slide under a bed due to its height. It survived our drop test without any of the ornaments inside breaking.
Questions You Might Ask
What is the best way to store holiday decorations?
“The goal for storing decorations is to make sure the items are protected from dust, breakage, and the elements, and that they are stored in an organized way to make putting them up and taking them down as easy as possible,” Arkwright says. “Whatever containers accomplish these goals within your space and budget are the best way for you.”
Aim to select a storage area that’s cool and dry, Kennedy adds. “Be mindful to place lighter, delicate items separately or on a top shelf to prevent crushing,” she says. “Clearly label the outside of the container for easy retrieval next year.”
Beyond that, holiday storage containers will differ depending on the category or type of item—Arkwright and Kennedy give us their best tips.
Speciality decorations: Specialty decorations (those that have been handed down to you or that you’d like to pass on) will be best preserved when delicately wrapped and stored in archival-quality paper. Specialty ornament boxes or plastic storage bins work nicely for these. After you’ve wrapped the item, place it in bubble wrap or crinkle-cut shredded paper to create a cushion before storing it in your longer-term box.
Standard ornaments: These can be placed in a container with layered dividers or drawers. If the ornaments are breakable, ornament boxes with dividers work great to keep them protected. Another option is wrapping them in plain tissue paper or bubble wrap and then stacking them in sturdy plastic containers. These can be clear or colored, but whichever you choose, labeling is key. If storing vintage ornaments, use acid-free paper and/or acid-free storage boxes.
Lights: While holiday lights aren’t necessarily large, they can be cumbersome to store, not to mention annoying if they become tangled. These can be stored tangle-free by wrapping them carefully around a tube or cylinder reel (a paper towel or wrapping paper tube), then placing them in a hard container so that they won't be at risk of getting crushed by heavier items stacked on top. Storage bags with reels allow you to wind up each strand separately. Next year, unwrap them tangle-free. Typically, several reels will fit in a bag. Another option is a specialty light storage box which provides slots to hold numerous sets separately.
Christmas trees: Artificial trees can be stored in a few ways. Purchasing a tree storage bag is a great investment as these bags are large, made with sturdy materials, and do a great job keeping the trees dust-free. Some even have wheels at the bottom to make moving the tree easier. A DIY option if storage space isn’t a problem is to purchase a large, thick plastic drop cloth, cut a hole in the top, and drape it over the tree. A DIY option if space is tight is to use shrink wrap to roll the tree up tight and either stand or lay flat.
Wreaths: Wreath boxes are great for larger wreaths. The boxes allow for stacking, which is great when storing on shelving in garages or basements. Although plastic containers are more expensive than their cardboard counterparts, they typically last longer, seal tighter, and usually have a handle for easy carrying. If there is wall space, consider installing heavy-duty hooks and placing each wreath on a hook, or a pole and hanging them from sturdy wooden hangers. Either way, cover with plastic to keep dust off. A sturdy coat rack with locking wheels is a great option if there are numerous wreaths and other long-hanging outdoor decorations, such as garlands. Place in a garage or a shed, roll out, and decorate!
Blankets: Holiday blankets and throws can be stored in handled blanket storage bags or vacuum-sealed bags. However, avoid storing these types of containers in damp basements or garages that are subject to temperature changes. For those areas, opt for heavy-duty air-tight lidded bins. Vacuum-sealed space-saver bags are great when storage is limited as long as not kept in areas that get too hot as the plastic can melt into the items.
Other items: Silver menorah can be wrapped in a silver storage bag to prevent tarnishing, and candles can be laid flat within a box. Large, zippered storage bags work well for items like garlands or trees, and smaller, softer felt padded bags work well for other candle holders. Don’t forget that many lightweight items can be hung on hooks rather than stacked, but be mindful that the bag or storage solution isn’t too heavy for the hook.
What is the best storage for oddly shaped ornaments?
“The best storage for oddly shaped ornaments is a larger, airtight plastic bin that can be filled with paper or bubble wrap to help protect the ornaments,” Kennedy says. “Be sure to wrap ornaments individually to pad and secure them. Then nestle multiple ornaments within the larger box with filler to protect the collection.”
For those ornaments that don’t fit the grid layout inserts in ornament boxes, one option, Arkwright says, is to remove the cardboard inserts and line the bottom with bubble wrap. “You can also use spare plastic containers you already own,” she says. “Place the ornaments inside, wrapping delicate ones in white tissue paper or thin bubble wrap. Another option is to make cardboard dividers (cut-up liquor boxes are great for this), place them in between the ornaments, and bend them as needed. This method also works well for taller decorations.”
If the ornament came with specialty packing, sometimes it is best to leave the ornament in the original box as it was designed specifically to hold it. “Metal holiday tins and plastic shoe boxes are also great for odd-sized ornaments, especially smaller items that can get lost in a larger box,” Arkwright says. “Egg cartons are another option to corral small items. For kids’ homemade craft ornaments, zipper storage bags work well for flatter items. As with all ornaments, always store the heavier ones at the bottom with lighter ones on top.”
How do you store large outdoor Christmas decorations?
“Utilize all-weather, large specialty storage bags (like the ones made for covering outdoor furniture or trees) to keep outdoor Christmas decorations dirt- and dust-free,” Kennedy says. “Look for ones that have wheels. Be sure to carefully keep any electronic or wiring components dry and to check for wear before safely storing for the season. If components can be disassembled, consider storing items in larger, heavy-duty plastic tubs that can be stacked on garage shelving, overhead storage, or moved to another location.”
Arkwright adds that,similar to specialty ornaments, sometimes the original packaging is the best way to go. She also suggests looking up. “If space and budget allow, adding a ceiling-mounted overhead rack takes advantage of underutilized space while freeing up the floor,” she says.
For large inflatables, Arkwright suggests that once these are cleaned and dry, they can be rolled and stored in plastic bins or heavy-duty bags. Make sure all cords are tied up so they don’t become tangled with each other. If any parts go with the inflatable, place them in a zippered storage bag and label which decoration it goes with if there are several. “If you have outdoor decorations that are especially large, oversized rolling duffle bags or storage boxes on wheels with a handle make moving these items much easier,” she says.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over 10 years of commerce-writing experience. Kat is also the commerce editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this article, we tested and reviewed 16 holiday storage options in our Lab, taking into account the container’s size, material, style, durability, ease of use, and overall value for money. Kat also spoke to clutter coach, organizing expert, and CEO and Founder of A Pleasant Solution, Amelia Pleasant Kennedy, and Jan Arkwright, CEO of Before & After Organizing by Jan LLC.
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