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Packing the baubles away? Here's how to store them safely

Packing the baubles away? There's nothing wrong with storing your Christmas decorations in an old cardboard box, however being a little more organised can make the process a less stressful affair next year.

"Taking down Christmas decorations in the new year can be quite unsatisfying as you pack the festive season away, compared to decking the halls," Kirstie Batty, Head of Merchandising at GTSE, says.

"However, to make it easier for your future self it's important to make sure everything from baubles to decorations to lights are stored away to avoid damages and frustrating tangles for the next Christmas season."

On that note, take a look at how you can store yours like a pro...

If you want to avoid dealing with knotted masses of tree lights all together, the experts have revealed one way to beat the tangle: use cable ties to stop them from intertwining.

When packing away your lights, simply wrap the length of the lights around your hand to create a loop. Then, secure it together with a cable tie or two and pack them away for next year. Top tip: use labelled cable ties to remember which lights go where in your home. This will make decorating that whole lot easier.

Raise your hand if you've got more baubles than you know what to do with. While it can be tricky to store them all neatly (especially if you no longer have their original packaging), a simple storage tip is to place them all in labelled reusable bags.

"To keep your baubles and ornaments in colour and style order, you can place similar items in a reusable sandwich or freezer bag and then store them in their usual larger storage tubs," the DIY experts at GTSE say.

"This makes it much easier than just putting all items in one large tub and rummaging through it for the decorations you need when it comes to the following year."

Keep all your smaller baubles safe and sound until next year by using empty egg cartons to store them away. For delicate glass ornaments, you could add a ball of cotton wool to protect any breakages.

"To avoid having to rummage around all your decoration boxes next year, make sure you label every single box so you can easily find everything from your tree topper to your lights to your Christmas gonks," say GTSE.

"If you don't have any ready made labels, you can always use a paper-based tape, such as masking tape, and write whatever you need to on it."

Instead of stuffing wreaths into plastic boxes, try hooking them around a coat hanger and covering them with a dust bag. Treat wreaths with the same care you give your favourite party dress by then hanging it in your wardrobe or on the back of a door. You'll thank yourself next Christmas.

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