How to Store Commercial Christmas Decorations Safely

Companies set aside considerable budgets for Christmas decorations. Proper storage ensures they withstand the test of time. It means that decorations will be ready to use for seasons to come, reducing the time and expenses associated with finding replacements.

Learn how to store Christmas decorations properly to ensure an efficient display process. 

Storing Christmas light decorations is a significant concern. Decorations must be protected from hot and damp environments to prevent corrosion, deterioration, and heat damage. The following sections will review your storage location options. 

Many storage facilities provide climate control, ensuring the safety of your display elements. However, the most significant factor in choosing a climate-controlled facility is cost. A climate-controlled storage space can be 15% to 30% more expensive than a standard one. Considering the potential damage to your lights, you must decide if this is worth it. 

Cost increases will be more significant for businesses that can store Christmas lights on-site for free. 

Another consideration is outdoor and indoor storage. Most people won’t store their Christmas decorations outside. However, they will be exposed to the elements if stored in an uninsulated garage. Choose a space where you know they will be protected. 

You can protect outdoor holiday lights from humidity, heat, and cold by:

• Storing them in a cool, dry place
• Using airtight containers and resealable bags
• Consider wrapping Christmas trees for storage in shrink wrap for best results
• Purchase durable, weatherproof items such as UV-resistant plastics, treated wood, and powder-coated metal.

Most people store their holiday decorations in containers after the holiday season. The type of container you use can make all the difference.

Airtight, hard plastic bins for storing Christmas decor can protect your display components from the elements. However, items could knock against each other and break, and cords can tangle. It is better to find a custom storage case that molds to your product, minimizing movement while allowing it to sit comfortably. 

Cases specifically made for ornaments may be expensive and difficult to find. However, you can go the DIY route using the boxes the ornaments were sold in. You may also use egg cartons for tree ornaments, paper towel rolls for winding wires, or include bubble wrap in packages to minimize movement. 

Water and fire are two risks to consider when storing Christmas displays. Water often leaks in basements and storage areas, ruining decorations. Fire may occur due to the interaction between heat and electrical components.

You can avoid water damage when you store Christmas decorations by:

• Choosing a dry storage area that’s safe from leaks
• Storing Christmas ornaments in plastic containers
• Weatherproofing decor with paints and sealants
• Using a humidifier to reduce humidity

Minimize fire risk by:

• Using plastic storage bins for Christmas decorations that are less flammable than cardboard
• Inspecting items before storing them- discard items with frayed wires and cracked bulbs
• Storing items in a cool, dry place far from flammable elements

When storing your items, ensure they are organized so they will be easy to find next year. Your organization system is up to you. Here are some possibilities:

• Store decorations by type so all lights go together, all ornaments go together, etc.
• Store decorations by theme so all Santas go together, all reindeer go together, etc.
• Store decorations by area so all outdoor decorations go together, all decorations for the front of the store are stored together, etc. 

Once items are stored, label each box so you can find your decorations easily next season. 

An artificial tree requires special storage and disassembly. Here are some helpful tips.

Start by wrapping and disassembling the tree. Here’s a step-by-step process to follow:

1. Remove all ornaments and disassemble the tree properly.

2. Clean the artificial branches with a soft cloth, duster, or plant cleaner for a deeper clean.

3. Store the tree inside a large storage bag, shrink wrap, or its original container. 

Storing artificial trees requires removing and storing the ornaments. Storage can be challenging, especially with oversized ornaments that may not fit into most containers. However, you can safely store these ornaments with the following methods: 

1. Clean ornaments before storage
2. Wrap ornaments in bubble wrap
3. Store them inside a suitable container—any large container will do. Store the ornament in the purchased container to prevent it from moving around for best results.

Christmas lights and electrical decor must be stored carefully. If electrical components are damaged during storage, they could pose hazards when used the following year. Here are some tips for keeping them safe.

Wires and string lights must be stored to prevent tangles that could lead to fraying. Wrap them around a cylindrical object such as a paper towel tube for best results. Then, place them inside boxes.

Hanging them may be a more effective way to prevent tangles, but if you choose this approach, ensure the wires are stored in a cool, dry place, away from heat and humidity.

Although paper towel tubes may prevent lights from getting tangled, professional reels for storing Christmas lights may be more convenient for light storage. These spools ensure ease of use, durability, and optimal detangling. Dekra-Lite offers various light spools that are ideal for storage and allow you to install lights, unrolling as you go, for optimal convenience.

These general rules will ensure optimal commercial Christmas decoration storage during the off-season. 

Inspect lights for wear and tear before storing them. Look for issues like cracked bulbs and frayed wires. If you notice these signs of damage, discard the decoration. There is no sense in storing them until next year. 

Rust, fading, and electrical issues may occur during storage, but you can prevent them by:

• Keeping decorations out of the sun- UV rays cause fading
• Storing lights in a cool, dry area and using a humidifier to avoid humidity that can lead to rust
• Storing lights on a reel or cylindrical tube to prevent damage that can lead to electrical issues. If your Christmas lights come as individual pieces, bubble wrap them before storing them. 

1. Clean items before storing them- in addition to being the sensible thing to do, this measure also prevents debris from damaging or staining decorations during storage.
2. Wrap fragile items before storing them, including loose bulbs and delicate decorations.
3. Store items in a cool, dry place to prevent heat damage, water damage, and fire risk.

Holiday decorations are a considerable investment. The proper storage will help them withstand the test of time, preventing you from having to buy new decor the following year. It will also keep your decorations safe from harm. 

Dekra-Lite offers products ideal for storing holiday decorations. However, if storage is too much of a hassle or you don’t have the space, we have the optimal solution. We can come to your business and decorate each year, then return to remove and rehang the items. 

Contact us for all your holiday decoration needs. 

Store oversized decorations by carefully wrapping them in bubble wrap. Then, put them in a container that minimizes movement. Use the container you purchased them in for best results.

The best way for businesses to store commercial Christmas lights is to wrap them around a paper towel tube or a professional light reel or spool. Then, place the lights inside an airtight container or hang them in a cool, dry area. 

Keeping displays in a climate-controlled Christmas storage space is a good idea. However, climate-controlled facilities are more expensive than standard facilities. Companies must weigh their expenses and risks to make an informed decision. 

To store pre-lit trees, first disassemble them according to the manufacturer's directions. Then, place them in a container, storage bag, or shrink wrap.

To organize Christmas decorations for a quick setup, devise an organizational system based on the theme, decoration type, or where the decoration will be placed. Label each box so you know what’s inside. This process will make it easy to find decorations next year.