How to Pack Christmas Decorations for a Move

Tips for storing Christmas ornaments

Follow these tips to protect ornaments during storage or moving.

Gather proper supplies

Here are some items you’ll need to pack decorations: 

• Bubble Wrap® 
• Cord reels for garland or lights 
• Dish pack kits 
• Packing paper 
• Packing tape 
• Permanent marker 
• Sturdy moving boxes (assorted sizes) 
• Zip-top bags 
   

Organize and declutter holiday décor

Before packing, sort through everything and organize décor by type. Separate fragile and non-fragile ornaments from lights, garland and wreaths. Discard broken items or anything you wish to donate.

Avoid tangles

Wrap lights and strands of garland around separate cord reels to prevent tangles. If you don’t have cord reels, you can make your own with a thick piece of cardboard.  

Once the reels are ready, use Bubble Wrap® or packing paper to pad the bundles. Place everything inside a small or medium box lined with crushed packing paper or Bubble Wrap®. Make sure to fill any gaps with more packing material before sealing and labeling the box as “Fragile.”

Protect breakable and collectible ornaments

When available, it’s best to use original ornament boxes to protect collectibles or other fragile décor. Loose glass or other delicate items should be wrapped individually in Bubble Wrap® and separated inside a cardboard box. 

Dish-pack kits work well to prevent things from bumping together. If you don’t have a kit, you can separate ornaments with thick strips of cardboard. 

Holiday-themed framed and canvas art should be packed carefully and separately to avoid damage.

Pack non-fragile and soft holiday decorations

Cloth or durable plastic ornaments can be secured in zip-top bags and placed inside a lined small or medium box. Separate layers with packing material. You can also pack soft things like holiday throw blankets, tree skirts and stockings for added cushioning.

Prepare large items

If you have an artificial tree, use its original box if available. If not, put the disassembled tree inside a large box and secure it with packing tape.  

Pack wreaths and greenery inside boxes, separating the layers with cardboard to protect them. Fill in any gaps with packing material before sealing and labeling the box. 

Store outdoor inflatables inside original boxes if possible. You can also store each one inside a large zip-top bag, but make sure the fabric is dry to avoid mildew. 

Is it okay to move ornaments in plastic storage containers?

Specialty storage solutions like wreath and ornament boxes or Christmas tree bags can work well for climate-controlled storage, but plastic containers are not designed for moving.  

If you’ve already packed décor packed in plastic totes, you can move them, but it's best to place the containers inside larger moving boxes during transit. Fill in the gaps with packing paper or Bubble Wrap® for added protection.

Moving Christmas ornaments

If you’re packing ornaments while preparing for a long-distance move, don’t forget the most essential part of protecting your things — choosing the right moving service. U-Pack® can help with moves during the holidays or at any time of the year.  

Request a free quote online or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant. Please let us know if you need more packing advice or have questions about U-Pack services!