It's that time to take down the Christmas tree, put away ornaments, lights and decorative objects that have been displayed over the festivities. There are an array of storage items on the market to keep everything safe and sound until next year.

Storage items featured:

  • Wreath: a zip-up bag that keeps the wreath dust (and crush) free; hangs from hooks. $19.99
  • Artificial tree: Much like a large hockey bag, this waterproof bag (with wheels on bottom) can hold a 6-9 foot tree. $49.99
  • Holiday dishes: Felt protectors, quilted bags and boxes can keep your favorite holidays dishes safe and clean. $9.99-29.99
  • Ornaments: Stacking boxes with special dividers can keep ornaments clean, protected and colour coded. $29.99
  • Gift wrap: An over-the-door hanging container that keeps all your gift wrap, bows and tape in one place. $29.99
  • Clear totes: Perfect for labeling and seeing what is inside; great for holding figurines, serving pieces and linens. $14.99
  • Table Leaf: Keeps the dining table leaf extension safe from scratches and dust free. $14.99

All items and prices from Home Outfitters. www.homeoutfitters.com

Here are some other ideas and reminders for storing holiday keepsakes:

Linens: Store Christmas linens in a suitcase to keep away the risk of moisture damage. Or keep on an unused shelf in your linen or personal closet. You can put one or two lavender scented dryer sheets between linens to keep away moths and keep them smelling wonderful.

Candles: Wrap the candles in old socks or knee-high stockings to prevent scratching. Make sure to store the candles away from the heat of the attic or other areas which can melt the candles.

Christmas Displays: Before you take down Christmas displays (like toy trains, ceramic villages or candle collections) for storing, take pictures to remember the way you set up your decorations. Then package everything in reverse order of the way it was put up.

Lights: Do away with the tangled mess of years past by organizing your Christmas lights before packing them. Dispose of any lights that have been damaged or are not working. Mark each non-working light with a small piece of coloured tape which will easily identify which ones need to be replaced; you will save yourself storage space and make it much easier to get those lights up next year.

Labeling: Save yourself time next year by labeling your Christmas decorations. Make a detailed inventory on the outside of each box. Number the boxes so that you'll know how many you have (i.e. Box 1 of 12).

Unpacking the First Christmas Box: Be sure to label the first box to be opened at Christmas next year. Box 1 could contain your advent calendar, tree stand, Christmas cards, or whatever you need at the beginning of the Christmas season. Box 2 could contain gift wrap, ribbons, tape and bows.

Got a question, comment or segment suggestion for Karl? Email us at homedecor@ctv.ca.