Packing away your holiday decorations can be a chore, but taking a few extra minutes to properly store your personalized ornaments will ensure they remain beautiful, vibrant, and intact for many holiday seasons to come!
Here are the best practices for safely packing and storing your special keepsakes:
1. Give them a quick clean
Before packing them away, gently wipe each ornament with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. This removes any dust, pine needles, or fingerprints they may have gathered while hanging on the tree.
2. Wrap them individually
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Do use safe materials: Wrap each ornament individually in acid-free tissue paper, bubble wrap, or a soft piece of cloth. This prevents them from scratching against one another and provides a cushion against impact.
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Don’t use newspaper: Never wrap your ornaments in newspaper. Over the months in storage, temperature changes can cause the ink to bleed and permanently stain your custom designs.
3. Choose the right container
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Segmented Storage: The absolute best way to store ornaments is in a designated storage box with individual dividers. This ensures they cannot roll around or bump into each other.
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Hard Plastic Bins: Always place your ornaments in a sturdy, hard plastic tote with a secure lid to keep out dust, moisture, and pests. Avoid soft cardboard boxes, which can easily be crushed under other holiday decor.
4. Pick a safe storage location
Many ornaments are crafted from materials like acrylic, wood, or ceramic, which can be sensitive to extreme environmental changes.
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Keep it climate-controlled: Store your ornament bins in a temperature-controlled area of your home, such as a hallway closet, a guest room, or under a bed.
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Avoid extremes: Do not store your delicate ornaments in an unfinished attic, a damp basement, or an outdoor shed. Extreme freezing, sweltering heat, or high humidity can cause the materials to warp, crack, or fade.
