Now that the holiday season is over, it’s important to make sure your decorations are properly protected for next year. In this article, we’ll provide you with five steps for protecting your holiday decorations so they will be safe and ready for use again next year. We’ll also talk about potential repair considerations for your basement or garage that will help keep your holiday decorating treasures safe for years to come.
5 Steps to Best Protect Holiday Decorations
The holiday season brings joy and cheer, and for many, it means decorating their homes with festive ornaments. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these delicate decorations can be easily damaged if not handled with care. To ensure your holiday ornaments remain safe and in good condition year after year, here are five essential things you can do:
1. Utilize Storage Bins, Not Boxes, for Added Protection
Plastic storage bins have become increasingly popular in recent years for several reasons.
First, they are very durable and long-lasting, which means they can be reused and repurposed multiple times. Another reason for their popularity is that plastic storage bins are generally transparent, which allows for easy identification of their contents without having to open them. This feature is particularly useful when organizing and storing items in large quantities.
Plastic storage bins also come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors, which makes them versatile and suitable for a wide range of storage needs. Plus, they are relatively affordable and widely available, which makes them accessible to most consumers.
Superior Protection — Bins Don’t Age Like Boxes
Plastic storage bins are known for their durability and ability to withstand wear and tear over time, making them an ideal long-term storage solution. One of the key reasons why plastic storage bins do not age like cardboard boxes is that they are made from sturdy, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic. This type of plastic is resistant to damage from moisture, mold and pests, which makes it a great material for long-term storage.
Stackable for Better Use of Space
Plastic storage bins are designed with reinforced sides and bases that help to distribute weight evenly and prevent cracking or breakage. This feature means the boxes can be stacked without damaging them. They also feature secure, snap-on lids that help to keep out dust, dirt and pests.
2. Wrap Exterior and Interior Holiday Lights on Reels
Wrapping holiday lights on reels makes it easy to store them in a compact and organized manner. This helps to reduce clutter and frees up storage space in your home. And because reels can be used to wrap lights of any length, this makes them a versatile storage solution.
One of the main benefits of using reels for holiday lights is that they prevent tangling. By winding the lights around reels, they are less likely to become tangled or kinked, which can save you time and frustration when it comes to putting them up the following year.
Wrapping lights on reels also protects them from damage during storage. The reels help to prevent the lights from being crushed, bent or damaged, which can extend their lifespan and save you money in the long run.
3. Use Vacuum Seal Bags for Soft Holiday Decorations
Vacuum seal bags are an excellent option for storing soft holiday decorations, such as plush toys, fabric ornaments and delicate figurines. They are made of high-quality materials and are designed to create a tight seal that removes all the air from the bag, which helps to prevent moisture and pests from damaging the decorations.
By removing the air from the bag, vacuum seal bags significantly reduce the amount of storage space required for soft holiday decorations. This makes the items easier to store in closets, attics or basements.
4. Utilize Ornament Organizer Bins or Boxes
By using an ornament organizer bin, you can store all of your ornaments in one place, which makes it easy to find the decorations you need when you’re ready to decorate for the holidays. Organizer bins are typically made of sturdy materials, such as plastic or canvas, and come with dividers or trays that help to keep the ornaments organized and protected.
Using an ornament organizer bin can also help you save space in your storage area. Rather than having multiple boxes or containers taking up valuable storage space, you can store all of your ornaments in one bin, which can be stacked or placed on a shelf.
Finally, an ornament organizer bin is a more eco-friendly option than wrapping each individual ornament in paper, cloth or bubble wrap and then storing them in their individual boxes. By using a single containment method with built-in protection, you are reducing the amount of waste created by wrapping solutions, which can be beneficial for the environment.
5. Verify the Basement or Garage is Sealed Properly
When it comes to storing your holiday ornaments, one of the most important factors to consider is the storage environment. In particular, a properly sealed basement or garage can be an excellent storage location. By sealing these spaces, you can create a controlled environment that is less susceptible to moisture, pests and other factors that can damage your decorations.
Repair Considerations
Filling Cracks
Filling cracks in the walls and floor of a storage space can better protect it from damage and make it a more suitable environment for storing delicate holiday ornaments. Cracks in these surfaces can allow moisture, pests and other external factors to enter the storage space, which can lead to damage or deterioration of your ornaments.
DRYLOK® Masonry Crack Filler is your ideal solution for repairing and waterproofing cracks in concrete walls, steps and floors. Not only does it quickly dry to the original color of the concrete, but it cleans up easily with soap and water.
Removing Efflorescence
Efflorescence is a white, powdery substance that can form on concrete surfaces and is usually a sign that the storage space is too humid. This can damage delicate holiday ornaments over time. Efflorescence isn’t necessarily dangerous in and of itself, but it could lead to possible moisture-related issues that can harm the materials your structure is constructed with. Therefore, when you notice efflorescence developing in any part of your home or building — be it a basement, garage or even outside walls — you should take immediate action to remove it.
DRYLOK Etch is an incredibly powerful solution for etching masonry, stone, tile and brick. It not only eliminates unsightly efflorescence, but it also removes excess mortar with ease.
If efflorescence is not addressed, it can continue to grow and worsen and potentially cause more serious moisture problems in the storage space. You may want to invest in a dehumidifier to help reduce the moisture content of the air in the room.
Waterproofing the Walls
Don’t underestimate the hazards of a humid basement! It can lead to several health problems, such as respiratory diseases, chronic headaches and more. In addition, excess moisture can cause mold and mildew as well as serious structural damage that could threaten your home’s foundation stability. If left untreated, it may result in costly repairs or even hazardous conditions for you and your family members.
With the versatility to be applied inside, outside and above or below grade, DRYLOK Original Concrete & Masonry Waterproofer ensures your property is shielded from water damage up to 10 psi. It’s so strong that it can even withstand 98 mph hurricane winds!
Prepare Your Basements and Garages to Properly Store Holiday Decorations with DRYLOK
If you’re looking for a way to protect your decorations so they’ll be safe and ready for use next year, DRYLOK products have you covered. Whether it’s protecting the walls, sealing cracks in concrete or removing efflorescence, DRYLOK basement products have the power to keep your basement and garage storage areas dry so your decorations will remain in perfect condition until next season.
Don’t wait — contact us today to find a retail store near you!
