Every January, Irish homes face the same challenge: where to put the Christmas decorations for the next 11 months. The tree (real or artificial), the lights, the baubles, the outdoor decorations, the novelty items that seemed essential in December — they all need a home until next year. And if you're in a small apartment or a house without much storage space, it's a genuine problem.
The Scale of the Problem
A typical Irish household's Christmas decorations include:
- Artificial tree (1–2 large boxes)
- Tree decorations and baubles (1–2 boxes)
- String lights (indoor and outdoor)
- Wreaths and garlands
- Table decorations, centrepieces, and candles
- Outdoor figures (light-up reindeer, Santa, etc.)
- Stockings, tree skirt, and novelty items
- Gift wrap, ribbons, and bags (bought in the January sales)
All together, that's 3–6 large boxes or bags — taking up the equivalent of a wardrobe's worth of space. In a home that's already short on storage, that's significant.
Storage Solutions Within Your Home
Before looking outside the home, make sure you're using every available inch:
- Under beds: Flat storage boxes (from IKEA or Woodies) fit perfectly under most beds and hold lights and soft decorations.
- Top of wardrobes: Ideal for boxes of baubles and lightweight items.
- Attic or loft: The classic option — just make sure items are in sealed containers to protect from dust and any moisture.
- Shed or garage: Fine for robust items (outdoor decorations, artificial tree) but not ideal for delicate glass baubles.
- Vacuum bags: Soft items like stockings, tree skirts, and fabric decorations compress dramatically in vacuum bags.
When You've Run Out of Space at Home
If your home genuinely can't accommodate several large boxes for 11 months, off-site storage is the answer. On Packhood, a small storage space for Christmas decorations costs as little as €25–€50/month — or you can share a space with other seasonal items to make it even more economical.
The ideal setup: combine your Christmas storage with other seasonal items (summer garden furniture, sports equipment, camping gear) and rent one space year-round that rotates seasonally.
Packing Christmas Decorations for Storage
- Use original boxes where possible. Artificial trees in particular store best in their original packaging.
- Wrap glass baubles individually. Tissue paper or newspaper. Store them in a rigid container, not a bag.
- Wind lights around cardboard. Prevents tangling. A simple piece of cardboard with notches at each end works perfectly.
- Label every box. "Christmas — fragile baubles" vs. "Christmas — outdoor lights" saves 20 minutes of rummaging next December.
- Add silica gel packets. Absorbs moisture in sealed boxes. Cheap and effective.
- Don't overfill boxes. The weight causes crushing. Better to use more, lighter boxes.
Protecting Decorations in Storage
- Avoid extreme temperature changes. Indoor storage (spare room, heated garage) is better than a cold shed for delicate items.
- Keep boxes off the floor. A pallet or shelf protects against any moisture that might collect at ground level.
- Seal containers properly. Prevents dust, insects, and mice (a real concern in garages and sheds).
The January Sales Strategy
Many Irish people buy discounted decorations in the January sales — 50–75% off is common. But this only works if you have somewhere to store them for 11 months. If storage is your limiting factor, a small peer-to-peer space pays for itself in sales savings alone.
The Bottom Line
Christmas decorations shouldn't take over your home for 11 months of the year. With proper packing and a small, affordable storage space, you can keep everything safe and out of the way — ready for next December without the clutter in between.
Find small storage for seasonal items on Packhood and reclaim your home in January.