The Best Guide to Organizing and Storage of Christmas Bins

It’s the new year and I am finally packing up my Christmas decorations.

Gone are the days of playing holiday storage roulette – opening countless mystery boxes while searching for that one special ornament. Let me share a game-changing system that I use that combines clear storage bins, smart labeling, and digital organization to make your holiday decorating seamless next year.

A clear glass ornament from Old World Christmas hangs on a frosted tree branch, surrounded by soft, glowing lights and red ribbon. The ornament reflects the festive ambiance with iridescent colors.

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Using Clear Bins

The foundation of this system starts with clear storage bins. While they might cost a bit more than standard plastic containers, the visibility they offer is worth every penny. You can instantly spot what you’re looking for without opening multiple boxes. Look for bins with secure, snap-on lids to keep moisture and dust out and sturdy handles. I link the snap closed type. The ones we use are HERE. The come in just a standard size and also a longer size for items like garland and gift wrap rolls.

While some might opt for the green and red Christmas storage containers, I promise you the clear ones are so much better to find what you need.

I also don’t suggest storing your festive decorations in cardboard boxes. They aren’t immune to mold, mildew, or pesky critters!

Four stacked plastic storage bins, labeled Bin 1 to Bin 4, contain various items such as yarn, fabric, and crafts. They are placed next to a wall with a white and blue patterned blanket draped nearby. A lamp and part of a chair are visible.

The Numbering System

Each bin gets a unique number, clearly marked with a large, durable label. I used Avery Shipping labels because that is what I had on hand. That being said I had to secure the labels with clear packing tape. I would recommend using waterproof labels or a high-quality label maker.

Place the number on multiple sides of the bin, including the top, so it’s visible no matter how the bin is stored.

Example numbering system:

Bin 1: Tree ornaments
Bin 2: Christmas lights and garland
Bin 3: Outdoor decorations
Bin 4: Table decor and stockings
Bin 5: Tree Skirts

You can go one step further and purchase QR code labels that come with app to organize your bins. While this seems like a great way to organize bins, you can only upload 12 labels for free. My way is FREE no matter how many labels 🙂

A clear plastic container filled with long, lush green cedar branches. The container sits on a wooden floor, with part of a patterned rug visible in the corner.

Picture Perfect Documentation

Here’s where this system really shines – take photos of your bin contents from multiple angles:

A photo of the fully packed bin from above
Close-up shots of specific items
Photos of any fragile items and their protective packaging

These photos become invaluable when you’re looking for specific items or repacking everything after the holidays.

A spreadsheet titled "Christmas Bin" with columns for Number, Content, and Photo Date. It lists items like floral garland, ribbon, ornaments, candles, and more, with corresponding dates from 1/8/2025 to 1/9/2025. A blurred photo link is at the bottom.

Creating Your Digital Inventory

Set up a Google Sheet with the following columns:

Bin Number
Detailed Item List
Photo Links (you can insert photos directly or use Google Photos links)

You might also want to include the following:

Location (where the bin is stored)
Contents Overview
Condition Notes
Purchase Dates (helpful for knowing when to replace items)
Special Care Instructions

This is more information that I need so I only have three columns

This spreadsheet becomes your master inventory, searchable and accessible from anywhere. You can even add columns for:

Estimated Value (for insurance purposes)
Replacement Notes
Family History/Sentimental Value

A collection of small wooden houses and other items wrapped in newspaper are placed in a clear plastic container. A red box with festive designs is also visible among the wrapped objects.

Pro Tips for Success

Pack similar items together and keep your categories logical
Include silica gel packets in each bin to prevent moisture damage.
I don’t use cardboard dividers to store my ornaments but I also don’t have many fragile Christmas Ornaments. I can see where that type of a system that would fit into a Christmas storage bin would be a wise investment.
Label any fragile items clearly. Be sure to pack these items in bubble wrap or tissue paper
Update your spreadsheet immediately when you add or remove items
Take out all the batteries from battery operated lights, etc.
Keep a note about battery types needed for various decorations
Store instruction manuals for any electronic decorations in sheet protectors
Store you artificial tree in a Christmas Tree storage bag.

Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.

– A.A. Milne

The Unpacking Process

A cozy interior features a rustic wooden tree sculpture with an Old World Christmas charm, as a small bird figurine nestles on it. Nearby, a blue and white teapot under a glass dome sits gracefully on a wooden stand. A framed painting of a winter church scene hangs on the wall, completing the festive ambiance.

When the holiday season arrives, your system makes decorating a breeze:

Consult your spreadsheet to locate exactly what you need
Use the photos to remember what is in your storage totes.
Check items against your inventory as you unpack
Note any items that need repair or replacement
Dispose of broken items right away
Donate decor that is in good condition but you no longer use it.

Beyond Christmas

This system works beautifully beyond just Christmas storage solutions. Consider creating separate spreadsheet tabs for:

Halloween
Easter
Fourth of July
Fall/Thanksgiving

By investing a few hours in setting up this organization system, you’ll save countless hours of frustration in future years. Plus, you’ll better preserve your precious holiday decorations and memories for years to come.

Remember, the key to maintaining this system is updating it in real-time. When you buy new decorations or retire old ones, immediately update your spreadsheet. Your future self will thank you when the holiday season rolls around again.

Peace, Love, and Happy Organizing

NEW 30-Day Organizing Challenge

As the calendar turns to a fresh year, the urge to declutter and organize takes hold in many of us. Rather than getting overwhelmed by attempting a complete home overhaul, consider taking small, manageable steps toward organization. Start with a single drawer, closet, or category of items.

Set aside just 15 minutes each day to sort through belongings, creating designated spaces for everyday items and letting go of things that no longer serve you. Remember that organization isn’t about perfection – it’s about creating systems that make your daily life easier and more efficient. With each small victory in organizing, you’ll build momentum and confidence to tackle bigger spaces.

I revamped my organizing program so that you can start it any time that works for you. Once you sign-up you will have access to all of my FREE tools; including my 30-Day Organizing e-book. You will also have access to the PRIVATE Organizing Facebook Group. Every week for 4 weeks, you will get an email from me with tips, tricks and encouragement to help you through the process. Happy Organizing!