Once the holidays are over, and you can finally put those ugly sweaters away, it then becomes time to take back your house. That means getting everything packed up and loaded into your Lancaster storage unit. Although you can’t pack lingering family members and stow them for 11 months, at least you’ll have decor organized for easy deployment next year. Tree Save your back (and the ears of those around you) by investing in a specially-designed bag with wheels. It will make it much easier to move, and it will keep your tree protected from dust so it lasts longer. Lights Containers designed to roll and hold lights are wonderful. If you’re on a budget, try loosely wrapping strings of lights around paper towel rolls and then give them a layer of bubble wrap. This will help prevent breakage and make them tangle-free for next year. Consider labeling directly on the wrap where the strand was used, or at least keep indoor and outdoor lights in separate boxes. Ornaments The best way to store ornaments is in the box they came in or in another holder designed for them. However, you can still provide protection by wrapping individual ornaments in bubble wrap. Be sure to purchase (and stash) extra bubble wrap so that you have enough to cover all the ornaments even after the kids snag a few sheets for entertainment purposes. Wreaths and Garlands Whenever possible, store each wreath or strand of garland by itself so it stays lush and fluffy. A hard box is ideal to avoid breakage, whether it’s plastic or something along the lines of a hat box. You’ll also want to fill any empty space with something so that your wreath doesn’t slide around and become damaged. Tissue paper, newspaper, and bubble wrap (even the pieces the kids got hold of) all work well for this purpose. Villages and Figurines If you have intricate, breakable displays, using their original styrofoam container or bubble wrap is a must. Be sure to place the heaviest items on the bottom of the box and layer on smaller pieces. If you used rolled cotton snow as part of the display, layer it on the top and bottom of the box for extra protection and pack empty gaps with soft filler. Other Items Glittery Ornaments and Décor- Wrap in tissue paper to contain the mess. Candles- Wrap in cellophane to stop them from getting stuck to, or staining, other things. Fabric Advent Calendars- Store on a cardboard roll. You’ll also want to be sure to arrange everything in a way which allows easy access to boxes later, so you can add items you’ve overlooked. Most of us forget to pack an item or two anyway, but consider leaving a few pieces at home just in case. This will provide you with a polite way to escape houseguests who have overstayed their welcome, as you’ll have an excuse to head back to your Lancaster storage unit as often as needed. Contact our self storage facility in Lancaster at the address listed below: Budget Self Storage 42722 North 10th Street West Lancaster, CA 93534 (661) 855-4274