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Christmas trees are often filled with tiny pieces of family history. Wonderful mementos of years gone by, treasures crafted by tiny fingers or heirlooms passed on through generations. Each year these treasures are unwrapped and dusted off to adorn our homes and remind us of loved ones now gone or times that have now changed. Those treasures have to survive 11 months of storage and to avoid the heart breaking prospect of losing your favorite baubles and ornaments, proper care should be taken in their storage.

The first step is to have a sturdy, preferably watertight, container. Water damage can be devastating. Imagine the results of 11 months of unnoticed water damage! It is a good idea to take a good long look at your decorations as you are taking them down after the holidays. This is the perfect time to clean them and repair any minor damage. A small investment of time now will pay off when you come to decorate again next year.

For delicate glass or china items, a light dusting is probably all that will be necessary. As you are cleaning remove any batteries to prevent leakage. Check that all wiring connections or fasteners are secure. Sometimes old electrical or lit decorations, regardless of how adorable or well loved they are, simply become too old and unsafe for future use. If your favorite holiday lights are worn out and dangerous, take a deep breath, say your goodbyes and consign them to the garbage. Taking risks with electricity is simply dangerous. Who knows, if you hit the sales shelves quickly you may find a bargain or two to replace them with.

Once everything is clean, repaired and thoroughly weeded out, It is time pack the boxes and seal them up until the next holiday season. Packing carefully is incredibly important. Make sure all delicate or breakable ornaments are thoroughly cushioned, particularly if you need to stack your boxes. There are plenty of purpose made ornament storage boxes complete with dividers and partitions from companies like rubbermaid, ranging from purely functional plastic storage tubs to more decorative boxes and cubes that are a better choice if you are short on concealed storage.

If you are short on space, then pack wisely. Use softer items like tinsel or stockings to separate and cushion the more delicate and breakable items. Fill boxes to prevent items shifting when you move them, but don't be tempted to overfill them or you may find a rather sorry collection of broken bits when you next open your boxes.

The best place to store your decorations is in a clean, dry area where they will not be disturbed. Basements, attics and garages are an ideal spot if you have them. For those in tighter quarters try using attractive boxes lined up neatly along the top shelf of a closet, or tucked into a corner with a small lamp or some interesting items displayed on top. Old hat boxes or trunks can be a great way to disguise your seasonal storage and add charm and character to your home.

Learn more about this author, Julie Wood.
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