Whether you are moving this month or just packing up after the holidays, Christmas decorations are some of the most fragile and sentimental things in the house. Grandma's glass ornaments. The handmade stocking. The lights that took an hour to untangle last year.
Here is how to pack them so they arrive in one piece and are easy to unpack next year.
Ornaments: small, snug and upright
- Use divided bins. Ornament bins with cardboard dividers are worth it. So are egg cartons and plastic cups glued into a shallow box for small ornaments.
- Wrap each glass ornament in tissue paper, not newspaper, which can leave ink marks.
- Heavy on the bottom, delicate on top. Never stack anything on a layer of glass ornaments.
- Keep hooks separate in a small bag, so they do not scratch the ornaments.
Heirlooms ride with you
Irreplaceable ornaments and keepsakes should travel in your car, in a small box on the seat, not in the truck.
Lights: never tangled again
Test every strand before you pack it and throw out the ones that do not work. Then wrap each strand around a piece of stiff cardboard, cut a notch at each end to hold the plugs, and label it: "front porch," "tree," "window."
Trees, wreaths and big decorations
- Artificial trees: take them apart by section, wrap the branches loosely and use a tree storage bag if the original box gave up years ago.
- Wreaths and garlands: a wreath box or a large bin keeps them from getting crushed. Do not stack boxes on top.
- Inflatables: make sure they are completely dry before folding. In Florida humidity, a damp inflatable packed away in December is a moldy one in November.
- Real trees: do not try to move one. Enjoy it, recycle it through your city or county, and get a fresh one next year.
The Florida storage problem
In most of the country, decorations go in the garage or attic. In Central Florida, both can get very hot for months at a time. That heat can melt candles, warp plastic, soften glue on ornaments and fade fabric.
If you can, store the most delicate things, like candles, glued ornaments, photos and fabric keepsakes, in a closet inside the air-conditioned house. Sealed plastic bins with lids are better than cardboard, which can soak up humidity and attract bugs.
Label every holiday box
- "XMAS – FRAGILE" on at least two sides
- What's inside: ornaments, lights, village, etc.
- Which room it belongs in
- "THIS SIDE UP" for glass and ceramics
- A number, so you know if one is missing
- A color: red tape or stickers for all holiday boxes
Moving in December?
Keep decorating simple this year. Pack most of it early, and keep one small "holiday box" with you: a few ornaments, a strand of lights and the stockings. A small tabletop tree in the new home makes it feel like Christmas on night one.
Our crew can pack the fragile stuff for you. See packing and unpacking. For a smaller move before the holidays, check out small moves.
Moving before the holidays?
Our 2-mover crew is $129/hr with no travel fee, and packing is billed at the same rate. December fills up fast, so request a free quote soon.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to pack glass ornaments?
Wrap each ornament in tissue paper and pack it in a divided bin or egg carton, with the heaviest ornaments on the bottom. Keep hooks in a separate bag and never stack anything on top of glass ornaments.
Where should I store Christmas decorations in Florida?
Garages and attics in Florida can get very hot, which can melt candles and damage ornaments. Store delicate items in an air-conditioned closet, in sealed plastic bins.