Fragile ornaments have a knack for collecting stories and breaking hearts when they don’t make it to the following Christmas.
Whether it’s a hand-painted glass bauble or a delicate heirloom, nothing ruins the festive mood like finding another treasured piece in shards.
If you’re ready to stop that heartbreak from becoming an annual tradition, it’s time to step up your storage game. Keep reading to find out how.
Pick the Right Supplies
When it comes to storing delicate ornaments, what you pack them in can make all the difference.
Start by grabbing a few sturdy boxes made from thick, high-quality cardboard or plastic that won’t cave in when stacked. Skip the flimsy supermarket boxes; they might be fine for tinsel, but they won’t protect glass or porcelain pieces.
If you prefer plastic ones, go for containers with tight-fitting lids to keep dust and moisture out.
Next comes the wrapping. Acid-free tissue paper is your best bet here, since it’s smooth, prevents chemical reactions, and won’t discolour delicate finishes over time.
As for padding, get some bubble wrap. It will act like a shock absorber for your ornaments, keeping them snug and protected from bumps and rattles.
If you’re feeling extra organised, you can grab a few cardboard dividers or ornament trays as well, so each piece has its own little compartment.
Take Down the Decorations
Before you even think about wrapping and boxing, you’ve got to get those ornaments off the tree safely.
First off, unplug and remove the lights so you can see what you’re doing. Then, take off the ornaments one at a time, beginning with the most delicate ones at the top. If your kids are helping, give them the sturdier ones so you can focus on the fragile favourites.
In case you’ve ordered a pre-decorated tree from a delivery service, take a closer look before pulling everything off.
Some companies attach the Christmas tree decorations directly to the branches using clips or fine wire to keep them in place during delivery.
So, if you tug too hard, you might end up snapping a branch or shattering a bauble. A small pair of scissors or wire cutters will help you gently free them without damage.
After you’re done, give the spruce a quick once-over for any stray hooks or glittery hangers hiding among the branches. Then, you’re ready to start cleaning and wrapping without any surprises.
Clean the Ornaments
Before you pack your ornaments away, give them a quick once-over. Dust and fingerprints might not seem like a big deal, but they can dull the shine or even damage delicate finishes over time.
To avoid this, use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe each ornament carefully. If you spot any stubborn grime, mix a few drops of mild dish soap with lukewarm water and use a soft brush to clean the tricky spots.
Steer clear of harsh cleaners, sprays, or anything that smells like it could strip your kitchen bench. Those products can eat away at delicate paint or coatings, especially on vintage pieces.
Once they’re clean, dry them completely before wrapping. Any leftover moisture can cause stains or mildew, and no one wants to unwrap that surprise next Christmas. So, just lay them out on a soft towel and let them air dry.
Wrap Each Piece Properly
Once your ornaments are clean and dry, it’s time to wrap them up for a long nap. Setting up your space first makes things much easier. So, gather your supplies and clear a clean, flat spot to work on.
Here’s how to wrap your decorations the right way, step by step:
- Wrap with tissue paper first. Start by wrapping each ornament in acid-free tissue paper. This creates a soft base that prevents scratches and keeps paint from rubbing off.
- Add bubble wrap for cushioning. Cut the bubble wrap to fit snugly around each ornament. Secure it with a small piece of tape, but don’t overdo it—you’ll want to unwrap them easily next year.
- Double up for delicate pieces. If an ornament looks extra fragile or oddly shaped, add another layer or two of bubble wrap for extra padding.
- Fill the gaps. When you place the wrapped ornaments in their box, avoid packing them too tightly. Fill small spaces with scrunched tissue paper to stop them from moving around.
Group Similar Pieces Together
Ever opened a storage box and thought, “What happened in here?” If you chuck in your ornaments without a plan, you’ll end up dealing with a jumble of tangled hooks, cracked baubles, and glitter dust everywhere next Christmas.
Luckily, it’s easy to avoid this. Sort your pieces by size and type. Bigger or sturdier ones should sit at the bottom to hold everything steady, while the smaller or fragile ones can rest safely on top.
Once you’ve got them arranged, label each box clearly. Try something like ‘Glass Baubles,’ ‘Wooden Ornaments,’ or ‘Family Keepsakes.’
If your collection is getting out of hand (no judgment), colour-coded stickers or a quick list on the lid can also make a world of difference.
Find a Cool, Dry Spot
If you’ve ever unpacked your Christmas ornaments to find them a little warped, faded, or mysteriously sticky, chances are they’ve spent the year battling the weather.
Fragile decorations don’t do well in extreme conditions, so where you store them at home matters just as much as how you wrap them.
Avoid spots that get too hot, cold, or damp. These areas can swing wildly in temperature and humidity, which is bad news for glass, paint, and glue.
A cool, dry, and stable environment is your best bet. So, store your decorations somewhere inside your home, like the top of a wardrobe, under a bed, or in a spare cupboard that stays fairly consistent year-round.
Finally, if you live somewhere that gets especially humid, you can add silica gel packs or small moisture absorbers to your ornament boxes. They’ll help prevent mould, mildew, and that musty garage storage smell that never quite goes away.
Stack Boxes Correctly
The next challenge is storing the boxes without turning them into a precarious tower that can suddenly tip off and fall.
Keep the heaviest boxes at the bottom and the ones filled with fragile decorations on top. It might seem obvious, but it’s an easy mistake to make when you’re in clean-up mode and just want it all out of sight.
Also, avoid placing anything heavy on top of boxes marked ‘fragile,’ even if it’s just a small box of lights. Weight adds up quickly.
If you’re storing them on shelves, pick the higher ones for delicate items. This will keep them safe from accidental bumps or from getting kicked during a reshuffle.
Dealing with wobbly or flimsy shelving? It might be time to upgrade before your storage system becomes a hazard.
Conclusion
The faster you pack your ornaments right, the sooner you can officially declare Christmas conquered.
It’s the grand finale of your holiday season, and you’re ready to nail it. So, cue up the carols one last time and pack your decorations like a pro.
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