Source: Hallmark.com

Before busting out the boxes, be sure to consider just where your ornaments will reside when they are not being displayed. A little planning will help you avoid the frustration of carefully packing a box only to discover it’s too tall for the place you would like to keep it. 

“Hallmark always prefers that you store your ornaments in our retail packaging with the original interior packing material. This is really important when it comes to tree toppers because you won’t want to lose track of the support rod, instruction sheets and power adapters that will help ensure a successful experience the next year. 

“We design and regard our retail boxes as storage devices. We’re not providing material that is intended to be thrown away. We have used particular packaging materials because it is our way to help you ensure your ornaments last for years and years.”

-Keepsake Ornament Engineer Kristina

Storage containers

When it comes to ornament storage containers, there are lots of choices out there. Whether you go with something as general as cardboard boxes or as specific as padded and compartmentalized storage bins, remember:

• The sturdier the better. Consider boxes that are crushproof and waterproof in case of unexpected shifting or moisture.
• Dividers can keep wrapped ornaments from jostling together. If you don’t have dividers, separate ornaments with bubble wrap or more tissue paper.
• Choose uniform sizes and containers with lids. These will allow easier stacking and fitting into your chosen space.
• Try to keep things dry. Toss a packet of silica gel desiccant in sealed plastic containers to protect ornaments from damage from trapped moisture.
• Prevent odors. Any box would benefit from a scented dryer sheet to keep things from getting musty.

Some good options for ornament storage are under the bed, in a closet, an unused room or finished basement. If none of those are available to you, here are a few watchouts that might help you find the perfect place to store your ornaments:

• Ornaments should be kept in a climate-controlled area, preferably one without a lot of natural light. Sunlight can cause both ornaments and packaging to fade over time.
• Temperatures between 40°-90°F are best, as extremes of heat and cold can cause stress fractures in common ornament materials like glass or ceramic.
• High humidity and moisture can degrade the finishes on ornaments, so avoid areas like unfinished basements and detached garages. If these are your only option, either avoid placing your ornament storage container on the floor or make sure it’s waterproof.
• For boxes with especially fragile contents, avoid high shelves or stacking containers too high, in case they (or you!) fall during retrieval. 
  

How to prep for ornament storage 

Before storing your Christmas ornaments, take the time to do a few housekeeping chores that will make them ready for the tree the next time you put it up:

• Remove the batteries from any powered ornament.
• Unplug ornaments from any removable power cords, such as the Keepsake Ornament Magic Cord or Power Cord, and wrap those cords for storage along with the ornaments that need them.
• Remove metal tree hooks which can scratch painted and polished finishes while resting against them.
• Clean each ornament with a synthetic or feather duster, or a regular or microfiber cloth.
• Do not moisten or immerse an ornament with water to clean it.
• Handle ornaments with care at every opportunity.

“Invest in a mini or jeweler’s-size screwdriver that you can keep in the storage box right with your ornaments so you have it when you need it. These are inexpensive and you can pick them up at plenty of places. 

“A 4mm Phillips-head screwdriver fits Hallmark’s standard-size screws. When you remove the button batteries, just tape them to the inside of the lid of that ornament’s box. They will be right there when you need them, and you won’t have to go rooting around in the junk drawer for those batteries.” 

-Keepsake Ornament Engineer Kristina

How to pack your ornaments for annual storage 

Now comes the most important part of any Christmas ornament storage strategy: the packing. Without paying some careful attention to how ornaments rest together in storage, your best intentions can come undone.

This bears repeating, so here goes: For Keepsake Ornaments, the easiest way of ensuring the safest storage for any ornament is to keep and reuse its original packing materials. Some ornaments are packaged in specifically designed plastic trays that will cradle them safely within perfectly sized boxes. 

For ornaments that are loose or don’t have particularly storage-friendly packaging, here are some helpful packing strategies. (Spoiler alert: Tissue paper is your best friend.)

• Glass and bisque porcelain ornaments should be wrapped individually in a generous amount of tissue paper as they can be scratched by other materials.
• Blown-glass ornaments should be turned upside down so that any condensation will escape rather than damage paint inside the ornament.
• Sterling silver, gold-plated and pewter ornaments should be wrapped in acid-free tissue paper to prevent tarnishing, corrosion and pitting.
• Larger and unusually shaped ornaments or tree toppers will benefit from having lots of space in a container. Avoid crowding them with other ornaments.