The festive season's end often brings a daunting task for Canadians: packing away decorations without creating a future headache. We consulted professional organizers and event planners who specialize in efficient, space-saving storage to transform this chore from a back-breaking mess into a streamlined process for the 2026 holiday season.
Smart Storage Solutions for Every Decoration
Experts agree that the right containers are the foundation of a stress-free pack-up. Lifestyle expert and designer Peter Som emphasizes the importance of clear, stackable containers for maintaining visual calm. He recommends options like the Hefty 72-quart clear storage bins with locking lids, available for $13 at Walmart, which allow you to see contents instantly.
For the centerpiece of your decor, professional organizer Erica Dunn suggests an upright Christmas tree storage bag from Holdn’ Storage. This durable, vertical cover with a drawstring closure, starting at $10 on Amazon, comes in sizes for trees from three to nine feet tall to keep your artificial tree dust-free.
Home cleaning expert Sara Aparacio highlights a specific $23 ornament storage box from Amazon for safely housing baubles. She notes its excellent value and sturdy construction, though it may be limiting for unusually sized ornaments.
Tackling the Tangle: Lights, Paper, and Inflatables
One of the most universally dreaded jobs is dealing with holiday lights. Interior design expert Melissa Denham recommends wrapping lights around old wrapping paper tubes or empty Pringles cans to prevent tangling. For a more dedicated solution, the Whitmor Christmas light box at Walmart for $17 includes four spools to neatly store up to 800 lights.
Organizer Christian Pfeiffer tackles leftover wrapping supplies with a clever $15 storage container from The Container Store. This organizer can hold up to 24 rolls of paper and various accessories in interior pockets, saving money and clutter for next year.
For bulky outdoor items, organizer Diana Cooke recommends large, waterproof vinyl storage bags, available in a three-pack for $17 on Amazon. With a bottom diameter of 12 inches and height up to 21 inches, they are ideal for inflatables and feature a label panel for easy identification.
Protecting Sentimental Items and Maximizing Space
Designer Savannah Monet advises carefully storing sentimental keepsakes, like children's handmade ornaments. She uses soft holiday items like towels and rugs to cushion breakables in storage boxes. For extra protection, a 100-foot roll of bubble cushion from Target ($22) provides a reliable barrier for precious items.
Peter Som also champions sustainable, multi-use options. He suggests reusing cardboard boxes or fabric bags to avoid single-use plastic. Products like Joyin’s large canvas Christmas gift bags ($24 on Amazon) serve dual purposes as festive wrapping and subsequent storage for non-fragile decorations.
For those with limited space, especially in urban areas like major Canadian cities, Som recommends furniture that "works overtime." A stylish, faux leather round storage ottoman from Amazon ($88) offers hidden storage without sacrificing aesthetics.
Investment Pieces for Long-Term Storage
For serious decorators, professional organizer Renee Flenner endorses a heavy-duty garland duffle bag from Covermates ($53 on Amazon). Made with durable polyester and reinforced handles, it can hold up to 25 feet of garland while keeping out dust and moisture.
Erica Dunn also recommends a professional-grade Christmas ornament storage box from Holdn’ Storage ($38 on Amazon). It features removable trays and adjustable dividers to securely organize up to 72 ornaments.
At the higher end, property management expert Marta Pawlik insists on specialized bags for artificial trees, like the TreeKeeper "super" duffle bag with wheels ($120 at Target). This heavy-duty, wheeled bag fits trees six to nine feet tall and includes compression straps. Pawlik crucially advises ensuring all items are 100% dry before storage to prevent mold growth, a common issue in non-climate-controlled spaces.
