Seasonal decorations bring joy to your home year-round, twinkling lights in winter, spooky Halloween accents, spring wreaths, and everything in between. But when it’s time to move, these festive items can quickly become a packing nightmare. Odd shapes, delicate materials, and tangled string lights aren’t exactly easy to toss into a box.
Here’s how to pack up your seasonal decor the right way so it stays safe, organized, and easy to unpack when the holidays roll around again.
Start with a Declutter
Before packing anything, go through your seasonal bins and ask yourself: Do I still use this? Will it fit my new space? If not, donate or toss it. Holiday items tend to accumulate quickly, and a move is the perfect time to let go of anything you haven’t displayed in years.
Group by Season
Don’t just throw all your decorations into random boxes. Instead, group items by holiday or season—Halloween with Halloween, Christmas with Christmas, etc. Clearly label each box on multiple sides so you can find what you need when the time comes. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not digging through snowmen to find your fall pumpkins.
Use the Right Containers
If you have the budget and time, invest in sturdy, labeled storage bins with secure lids, preferably clear ones so you can easily see what’s inside. These are especially helpful if your new home has a basement, attic, or garage where you’ll be storing items long-term.
For fragile or oddly shaped pieces, wrap them carefully and place them in double-walled boxes or plastic bins with padding. Cardboard can break down over time, especially in humid environments.
Wrap Fragile Items Properly
Ornaments, ceramic figurines, glass pumpkins, and other delicate pieces need extra care. Use bubble wrap, packing paper, or even soft cloths like old t-shirts to wrap each item individually.
Avoid using newspaper on anything with a painted or white surface, it can leave marks. Place heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on top, and don’t overfill the box.
Tame the Tangle: Lights and Garland
We’ve all been there: opening a box of tangled lights and feeling the frustration build. To avoid this, try wrapping string lights and garlands around:
Secure the ends with twist ties or painter’s tape, and label the strand (i.e., “Tree lights” or “Outdoor porch”).
Label Everything Clearly
Be specific with your labeling. Instead of writing “Decor,” label boxes with “Christmas – Living Room,” “Spring – Front Door,” or “Halloween – Yard.” It helps you know not just what’s inside but where it goes in your new home.
Keep Essentials Accessible
If you’re moving close to a holiday, pack a small box of must-have decorations separately so you can find them quickly. Whether it’s stockings for Christmas or a wreath for your new front door, it’s nice to have a few pieces ready to go.
Inventory Your Decor
As you pack, create a simple inventory list of what’s in each bin. You can go old-school with a notepad or use an app to track your items. This way, when it’s time to decorate again, you’ll know exactly where everything is.
Seasonal decor adds personality to your home, and with the right packing methods, it can make the move with you in perfect condition. A little extra care now saves time, stress, and money when the next holiday rolls around.
Need help with the rest of your packing? At DA Moving, we offer expert moving and packing services to make your move seamless, from the heavy lifting to the last box of ornaments. Get in touch with us today and let’s make your move, and your next holiday season, stress-free.
