You finally found your next home and set a moving date, but as you start boxing things up, you open a closet filled with twinkling lights, ornaments, and the tree that’s been part of every holiday photo. That’s when it hits you: You’re going to have to pack all of it.
For many families, holiday decorations aren’t just part of the season: It’s part of the story. Over the years, you’ve collected ornaments from vacations, heirlooms from relatives, and decorations that mark milestones. Packing all that safely can feel like a big job on top of moving.
With nearly a century of experience in the moving industry, National Van Lines knows that Christmas decorations are often a core part of yearly traditions. We’ve helped families protect their memories, one ornament at a time, so everything arrives safely at their new home.
In this article, you’ll learn how to:
- Organize and prepare decorations before packing
- Safely protect ornaments, lights, and wreaths
- Move and store your artificial Christmas tree
- Keep décor organized and damage-free for next year
DISCLAIMER: These same techniques also work for other winter celebrations and their decorations. For the purpose of this blog, we’ll focus mainly on Christmas items.
How do I prepare and organize my Christmas decorations before packing?
Before the wrapping and boxing even begin, spend an hour sorting your decorations. This early step prevents clutter and helps you spot anything that’s damaged or nearing the end of its life.
Start by grouping items by type, such as ornaments, garlands, lights, and tree accessories. If you’ve been adding new decorations every year, you might be surprised at how much you’ve collected. Use this as a chance to downsize. Donate duplicate items or outdated décor before packing.
Once everything’s sorted, gather your supplies: sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, tissue paper, packing tape, and permanent markers. Plastic bins with latching lids are best if you’ll be moving cross-country or storing items for an extended period. And, label each box as you go. A quick “Living Room Tree” or “Outdoor Lights” note makes unpacking easier later.
PSA: Keep your packing supplies together while decorating each year. When moving day comes, you’ll already have everything you need in one place.
How do I pack Christmas ornaments and fragile décor?
Your ornaments are colorful objects that carry significant meaning. Some may be heirlooms, others are handmade. All need gentle packing. Instead of a long list, here’s a quick guide comparing two common fragile decoration types and how to protect them:
| Decoration Type | Best Packing Method | Extra Protection Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Ornaments | Wrap individually in tissue or soft paper, then layer in divided boxes or repurposed wine cartons. | Fill empty spaces with crumpled paper or stockings to prevent shifting. |
| String lights | Coil neatly around cardboard pieces or reels, securing the ends with twist ties or tape. | Place each coil in a labeled bag to make decorating by room faster. |
If you have delicate glass or ceramic ornaments, double-wrap them and consider packing them separately from heavier décor.
PSA: Skip newspaper when wrapping ornaments. The ink can transfer and permanently stain glass or fabric surfaces.
How do I pack lights, garlands, and wreaths?
Lights and garlands can test anyone’s patience. To keep them tangle-free, wind each strand gently, tuck the plug into the center, and store them by length or location. If you decorate multiple rooms, label the containers accordingly such as “Mantel Lights” or “Tree Lights.”
For wreaths, resist the temptation to flatten them into a box. Place each one in its own bag or wreath container so it keeps its shape. If your wreaths include pinecones, berries, or ribbon, add a light paper wrap to prevent snagging or shedding.
Whenever possible, hang wreaths or garlands during transport. Movers can secure them inside a wardrobe box or along the side of the truck where they won’t get crushed.
What’s the best way to pack and move an artificial Christmas tree?
Artificial trees are bulky, bendable, and surprisingly fragile. The key to protecting them is to disassemble carefully and store each piece in a way that preserves its shape.
Start by removing all ornaments, garlands, and tinsel. Fold each branch upward toward the trunk, then separate the tree into sections. If the original box is still sturdy, reuse it. If not, a heavy-duty tree bag or plastic storage bin works well.
To make reassembly simple next year, label each section numerically from bottom to top. Add extra padding between layers using bubble wrap or towels. If your tree is pre-lit, cushion the light cords and secure them with soft ties.
Choose a dry, temperature-controlled space if your move involves storage. Excess heat can discolor artificial needles, while moisture can damage wiring.
What happens to my Christmas decorations during a move?
Holiday boxes deserve the same care as dishes or electronics. When loading your moving truck or working with your movers, point out which containers hold fragile items. Movers can secure them in a gentler area of the truck where there’s less shifting in transit.
If you’re moving in winter, keep decoration boxes out of unheated areas for long periods. Sudden cold can make glass brittle and may cause adhesive decorations to crack. Taking ten extra minutes to protect these boxes can save you hours of cleanup later.
What are some holiday storage tips that can help me when I arrive at my new home?
Once you’re in your new home, resist the urge to stash boxes in the nearest corner. A few small habits now make next year’s decorating season much easier.
- Group all holiday items together in a single area like the attic, basement, or a labeled shelving unit.
- Keep fragile boxes near the top and off the floor to protect from moisture.
- Use clear bins or photo labels on the outside of boxes to quickly see contents.
- Take photos of how your tree or mantel was decorated this year. They’ll jog your memory next time you unpack.
If you’re storing decorations in an unheated garage or attic, place a fabric liner or tarp beneath the bins to prevent condensation buildup. Items stored directly on cement floors are more likely to attract moisture.
PSA: Adhesives on ornaments and garlands can weaken in extreme temperatures. Wrapping them in breathable fabric helps prevent peeling and fading.
Unpacking Traditions in a New Place
Moving with holiday décor takes more than careful packing. It means taking the time to protect the small pieces that carry big memories. Each ornament and light strand has a story, and keeping them safe helps those stories continue in your new home.
Years of helping families move have taught us that care goes a long way. The same thoughtfulness that protects furniture and heirlooms protects your favorite decorations too. With a little preparation and patience, your holiday traditions will make the move right alongside you, ready to bring comfort and familiarity when you need them most.
You just learned about the best ways to pack and move Christmas trees and holiday decorations. As you pack these items and other sentimental objects, you might start feeling emotional about your upcoming move. Learn how to manage what you feel with our blog on the emotional side of long distance moving.
