Category: christmas
The holiday season is a time of joy, family, and plenty of decorations. But once the Christmas festivities are over, many of us are left wondering how to store all those holiday treasures efficiently. From delicate ornaments to tangled string lights and piles of wrapping paper, putting everything away can seem like a daunting task.
To help you get organised and create space for the new year, we’ve compiled a few practical tips on how to store your Christmas items safely and efficiently. Whether you’re looking for ornament storage, wrapping paper storage, or decorations storage, these tips will ensure your holiday items are neatly packed away and ready for next season.
1. Start with Clean, Organised Storage Containers
The key to good storage is to use the right containers. Avoid flimsy cardboard boxes that can get crushed or exposed to moisture. Instead, opt for durable plastic bins with secure lids, which will protect your items from dust, dirt, and pests. Clear plastic containers are ideal because they allow you to see the contents without having to open them.
When choosing containers, consider the following:
- Ornament Storage: Use divided bins or ornament storage boxes to keep delicate items safe and organised. You can find boxes with individual compartments to protect fragile glass ornaments or smaller decorations. For extra protection, line the compartments with tissue paper or bubble wrap.
- Wrapping Paper Storage: Long, flat containers are perfect for storing wrapping paper rolls. You can also use a designated wrapping paper storage box with compartments for ribbons, gift tags, and bows, keeping everything in one place.
- General Decorations Storage: Use bins of various sizes for storing wreaths, garlands, lights, and larger holiday items. Consider using a wardrobe box for larger fabric items like tablecloths or tree skirts.
Our in store Box Shop is the perfect place to get all your storage and packaging supplies – pop in store today, and a member of our team would be happy to help you.
2. Use Labelling to Stay Organised
When it comes to storing holiday items, it’s easy to forget what’s in each box, especially when you’re dealing with multiple containers. Labelling is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay organised.
Use strong, waterproof labels or masking tape to clearly mark the contents of each box. Be specific in your labels, such as “Christmas Ornaments – Glass” or “Wrapping Paper & Bows”. You can also colour-code your boxes (e.g., red for ornaments, green for lights) to make identification even easier.
For added convenience, create an inventory list of your holiday items, either digitally or on paper. This will help you quickly locate what you need when the holiday season rolls around again.
3. Store Fragile Items with Extra Care
Your delicate Christmas ornaments, heirloom decorations, and sentimental pieces deserve extra protection. To prevent them from getting damaged, use the following storage tips:
- Wrap Each Item Individually: Wrap fragile ornaments in tissue paper, bubble wrap, or cloth to cushion them during storage. This is particularly important for glass ornaments, which can easily break if not properly packed.
- Store in Divided Bins: As mentioned earlier, using divided ornament storage boxes will help keep fragile items secure and prevent them from shifting around inside the container.
- Avoid Overpacking: Make sure not to cram too many items into a box. Overpacked containers can put pressure on delicate decorations, leading to damage.
4. Maximise Vertical Space in Your Storage Area
Whether you’re using your attic, basement, closet, or self storage unit, maximising vertical space can help you make the most of your storage area. Stack boxes neatly and use shelves to keep things off the floor. This will free up space and make it easier to access your decorations when you need them. If you have limited space in your home, consider storing larger items like artificial Christmas trees in the corner of your garage, basement or self storage rental unit.
5. Use Self Storage as a Solution for Excess Items
If you don’t have enough space at home to store all your Christmas decorations, or if you have a large collection of holiday items, self storage can be a great option. Renting a self storage unit gives you extra space to store everything from Christmas trees to inflatable yard decorations. It also allows you to free up valuable space in your home while keeping your items safe and organised.
Our self storage facilities offer a variety of unit sizes, so you can choose one that best suits your needs. Get in touch with our team today to find out more.
6. Take Advantage of a Box Shop for Packing Supplies
For the best protection, it’s essential to have the right packing materials. Our self storage facilities offer a Box Shop where you can purchase packaging supplies designed for storing holiday items. These supplies can include:
- Bubble wrap for cushioning fragile ornaments
- Packing peanuts to fill gaps and prevent movement in boxes
- Plastic storage bins to keep decorations protected from dust and moisture
- Wardrobe boxes for larger fabric items like tablecloths, stockings, or tree skirts
Having the right supplies ensures that your Christmas items are well-protected and organised, so they’re ready to go when next year’s holiday season arrives.
7. Plan Ahead for Easy Access
As you pack away your holiday items, think about how you’ll need to access them next year. Place the items you’ll want to access first—like lights and tree ornaments—near the top or front of your storage area. Store larger, less frequently used items like inflatable yard decorations or extra wrapping paper towards the back or bottom.
Organising and storing your Christmas items doesn’t have to be stressful. By using the right storage solutions—such as sturdy bins, proper wrapping, and clear labelling—you can keep your decorations safe and easily accessible for years to come. Whether you’re storing your Christmas items in your home or opting for self storage, following these tips will help ensure your holiday treasures remain in great condition, ready to spread cheer when the next Christmas season arrives.
Ready to get started? Make this year’s post-holiday clean-up a breeze by getting organised now—and keep your Christmas memories safe and sound for years to come!
We love this time of year. The reception is filled with mince pies and sweet wrappers, the Christmas tree is up and carols are playing on the radio. We see a lot of families popping in to collect their festive decorations from their personal storage and drop off garden furniture to keep dry until the summer. It’s a busy time, but a fun one.
However, we know that everyone is suffering a little this year with the cost of living. We all want to be able to relax and give our families the best holiday season we can, but we need to do it on a tighter budget. Well, self-storage is an industry that is all about cost-saving and sustainability, so we thought we would look at ways to make your Christmas eco and budget friendly. Read on for our top tips.
Choose recycled wrapping paper.
Did you know that your shiny wrapping paper is not recyclable? If it’s laminated, glittery or contains foil, it can’t be recycled and ends up in landfill. Consider these shocking statistics. It’s estimated that it takes 50,000 trees to make our wrapping paper and then we throw around 227,000 miles of it away, every year.
If you choose to use wrapping that is made entirely from 100% paper, such as plain craft paper or tissue paper, it can be fully recycled. Be aware that sticky tape is plastic, so consider using recyclable paper tape, string, or ribbon to seal your presents. You could even consider fabric wraps, which double up as an extra gift for your crafty friends. But, if you’re looking for an option that saves hours of backache and sticky tape anyway, why not use gift bags instead? Your wrapping time will be drastically reduced, and you can re-use them next year as well.
Save costs with your shopping.
If there is one thing we all enjoy, it’s giving and receiving gifts. Unfortunately, you can’t get to the present part without doing some shopping, which can be one of the most stressful parts of the season. But there are ways to budget this year and still have a wonderful day.
First, talk to friends and family and be honest. Agree on who you are buying gifts for in advance. Rather than choosing one per person, you might suggest a secret santa for your siblings, joint presents for couples, or choose to just concentrate on children this year. You may well find that your family are happy to agree and relieved you spoke up first.
Then, before you head to the shops, agree a budget and make a list. It’s easier to stick to your limit if you have a plan. Better yet, take a look at second-hand sites first. You can often find new products on these websites.
Consider your storage options.
Much as we love to see the twinkling lights, we know that having a tree in your home does take up a lot of room. Furniture needs moving around, ornaments are put away to make room for decorations and the sofa gets shoved back into a corner. If your home is anything like ours, before you even start putting up the tinsel, you need to tidy up your clutter to make a little space.
This is the time when a lot of us start to have a clearout. But before you get rid of things to create some room, consider storing them in your own unit instead. That way you have all the space you need for the season, and you can reuse those items again in the future. It’s like having a personal home furnishing store, where you can refresh your home as often as you want without re-buying new décor every time.
To find out more about what self storage can do for you this Christmas, give us a call on 0121 250 5055 or email us at info@cookesstorage.co.uk.
Support your local businesses and charities.
One thing we are very keen on here at Cookes is supporting our local businesses. We know how important this time of year is as the main shopping season for local shops, independents and boutiques. We are busier than ever at this time as extra stock arrives in storage units, ready for the Christmas rush.
You may also consider picking up gifts from charity shops – there are often handmade or brand new items that cost much less than retail price and support a worthy cause. Charities like Oxfam also offer donation gift options, where you can purchase necessities such as clothes, livestock and school supplies on behalf of someone else for those facing poverty; this can be a great present for those who have a heart for others.
So, when you do start planning your shopping this year, please head down into the town and explore the fabulous local shops and charities we have here in Stratford-upon-Avon and Sutton Coldfield. Buying from a local shop rather than a big international brand online not only supports the local economy, it means you’re supporting a family in town to have a wonderful Christmas too.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas from all of us here at Cookes!
Shopping for Christmas decorations is very exciting. You want new baubles for your tree, and you have decided on a specific colour palette. You want the tree to match your new garland, and you can’t get enough of LED fairy lights and Christmas candles to give your house that extra cosiness.
It’s a lot of fun to set everything up, and it’s very rewarding too. If you’re a family, maybe there’s a couple of arguments about how to set up the snowman fairy lights and where to place that special bauble. But overall, it’s a great activity. The house is lit up, Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve all pass and suddenly it’s the new year. It feels like a chore to take down all the decorations, and the big question comes.
How do I store Christmas Decorations?
Buy some containers (made of recycled materials if you can)
Probably obvious, but the best way to store your decorations tidily is by buying containers. Labelling them is also a great idea, making it easier to find what you need when it’s time to put up the tree again.
Make use of what you already have at home
Use clear bags to store your baubles and assort by colour.
By doing this, it’ll be easy to find exactly what you need. Instead of just placing everything as it comes in a big box with the risk of the decorations breaking, you can store them in smaller boxes to the fit inside the big ones.
Be eco-friendly
You don’t have to necessarily buy small plastic boxes. You can easily get tiered ornament boxes, so that you don’t have to worry at all about your ornaments breaking.
Use existing household items to store your ornaments
For example, you can store your baubles in cardboard drink holders or egg container from the supermarket.
If you have done a bit of online shopping, you can also use the packaging boxes to store your items.
If you have plastic water bottles that you don’t want to throw away yet and want to repurpose, you can easily use them store your garlands and fairy lights. This works with any sort of container that you don’t know how to repurpose. For example, a tennis ball container works well.
Ingenious ways of storing your Christmas tree
A tree takes most of the space. The first advice would be not to throw away the box that came with the tree.
If you have already thrown the box away, there are plenty of other options. You can buy specific storage bags of different sizes for your tree. A wardrobe box, even if harder to come by, can be a great option. If you have a small tree, you can wrap it around with a bin bag to protect the branches.
If you have a spare room at home or a garage, it can be straightforward to store your Christmas decorations. However, if they’re already full or you don’t have any available storage space, self-storage can come in very handy. With Cookes, your belongings are stored safely: only you have access to your storage room, and with industry leading security, you don’t have to worry about thieves.
For more information give us a call on
0121 250 5055 or email us at info@cookesstorage.co.uk
As Christmas is fast approaching, we wanted to share with you our opening hours.
You can access your unit at any different times over the Christmas period, so please do check if the facility is open before arriving.
Reception Opening Hours;
Even the Cookes Self Storage elves need a bit of time to eat turkey – here’s when you can contact us or pay us a visit.
OPEN: Thursday 24th December; 10am – 2pm
CLOSED: Friday 25th December
CLOSED: Saturday 26th December
CLOSED: Sunday 27th December
OPEN: Monday 28th December; 10am – 4pm
OPEN: Tuesday 29th December; 9am – 5pm
OPEN: Wednesday 30th December; 9am – 5pm
OPEN: Thursday 31st December; 10am – 2pm
CLOSED: Friday 1st January
OPEN: Saturday 2nd January; Normal Operating Hours
Our Storage access hours as the same as our reception hours.
New bookings
To sign up for storage, get in touch before Wednesday 23rd December and we’ll make sure you’re sorted smoothly.
Don’t forget – although our office is closed, our website is still open so you can find information and reserve online at any time, whenever you need.
We wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Best Wishes, Cookes Storage Team
T’is the season to be jolly – and right here in the Midlands there is plenty of festive fun to be had. We have rounded up a few of the fabulous Christmas events happening locally, so if you want to get into the spirit of things, you don’t have far to look.
Christmas Markets
Wandering through the twinkling lights, carol singers in the background and packet of roast chestnuts in hand – there’s nothing like a Christmas market to get your shopping started.
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market – 7 Nov to 23 Dec 2019
The annual Christmas market in the centre of Birmingham is definitely worth a visit. The largest German market outside of Germany or Austria, the huge range of stalls will take some time to stroll through, with glass baubles, handcrafted wooden decorations and a choice of snacks to sustain you while you shop.
The festive atmosphere makes this a lovely way to start the festivities, particularly as the day darkens and the lights come on. If you are taking children, you may want to go earlier though to avoid the huge crowds.
Buzzards Valley Artisan Market – 8 Dec 2019
It may be a little smaller, but the Buzzards Valley Artisan Market still packs a festive punch. Packed out with local businesses, from food producers, homewares, gifts, jewellery and more, you will find unique and personal Christmas gifts for every member of the family. Make sure you don’t miss out, get this very British Christmas market in your diary.
Sutton Coldfield Christmas Food and Craft Fair – 18 Dec 2019
Visit the Parade on the 18th for the annual Sutton Coldfield Food and Craft fair. With over 30 stalls you’ll soon fill your bags with tasty treats and stocking fillers as you explore the range of gifts
Pantomime
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the fun of a traditional pantomime, and not just for the children. There are some truly wonderful shows on every year, so you have your pick of performances to get you in the mood.
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall are bringing the story of Aladdin to the stage this year, so be prepared for magic and flying carpets in far off lands.
Join Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Birmingham Hippodrome to defeat the evil queen this December.
You can go to the ball with Cinderella at The Lichfield Garrick – but make sure you have your best shoes on.
Family festive fun
There are plenty of other ways to join in the festive spirit this December if panto doesn’t appeal.
Lichfield Cathedral has a range of different events, starting with their spectacular annual light show from 16th to 21st December. See the entire cathedral illuminated in a journey through Space, Light and Time.
If you are a fan of the animated film The Snowman, experience it as you never have before, with a live orchestra performing the musical score on 27th December. A captivating experience and a wonderful way to introduce children to various instruments.
Drop into the Gracechurch Centre in Sutton Coldfield throughout December for a selection of activities. Don’t forget to visit Santa in his grotto up to the 24th December, and then pop into The Winter Garden to make your own wreath or tree decoration – available on different dates.
It’s not too late to get tickets to the Santa Safari at West Midlands Safari Park. Enjoy a visit to see the animals, and then hop aboard the sleigh. Santa’s elves will magically transport you to visit Santa, where you can tell him what you most want for Christmas, before joining the elves in their workshop. With a winter wonderland trail and a quick stop at Mrs Claus’ kitchen, you’ll have a fantastic family day out.
Finally, if there is one magical Christmas event you don’t want to miss, it’s the Polar Express steam train, running from Moor Street Station to the North Pole. With dancing, singing and plenty of hot chocolate and a visit from Father Christmas, this is a trip that will delight younger children, older children and adults alike.
The Midlands certainly has the festive feeling this December. If you have a local event taking place this December, let us know.
It may have started in America, but as with many things, self-storage is rapidly becoming more popular in the UK. More and more storage providers are opening for business and, according to the SSAUK, approximately 13% of households have used self-storage at some point.
With increasing numbers of homeowners and commercial businesses turning to self-storage as a simple and cost-effective solution to their storage needs, here’s a look at some of the more common reasons they do.
More bedrooms in the home
If you are expecting a new baby, you’ll need to turn your home office into a safe haven for tiny fingers. But you won’t want to get rid of the existing furniture – before long your baby will be moving back into big sized beds and wanting desks of their own.
Home office to work office
Talking of your home office, as your business expands you don’t want to keep boxes of stock in your house and taking over your hallways. The downside of working from home is that you can never quite escape it – but having a small office set up in your own storage unit keeps costs down, and your home life separate.
Moving house
When you are moving home a temporary bit of storage can come in useful. Declutter your current home and stage it for a quick sale, or store all your excess stuff until you are settled in to your new home and you’re ready to unpack at leisure.
A secure place for your tools
If your business depends on your equipment, it’s vital that you keep it safe and secure. Keeping tools in your van is risky, when one burglary later and you have not only lost expensive gear, you may well lose a few days work as well. Keeping tools in self-storage gives you a well-protected lock up and a place to repair, clean and maintain your tools as well.
Merging homes
You may be moving in with your partner, or your elderly relatives may be moving in with you. Either way, that’s two houses full of furniture, beds, kitchen utensils, plates, books, and bedding that need sorting through and thinning out. Using self-storage to keep things in means you don’t have to get rid of anything you love but have no space for, and you can take your time in dealing with the rest to get the best deals.
Seasonal storage
There are certain times of the year when you need to boost your stock – Christmas being the obvious one. Making sure you are ready for seasonal sales means ordering in additional products. With more room you can get more than you need, so you don’t have to turn down sales. Short term storage contracts make the perfect solution – your home or shop remains uncluttered, and your boxes don’t get crushed and damaged in small spaces.
Renovating your home or office
From simple redecorating to knocking down walls and remodelling rooms, renovating always creates a lot more mess than you expect. Move all your furniture or important office equipment out of the way for the duration, and you’ll avoid paint on your sofa or damage to your printer.