How to Store Halloween Decorations in a Storage Unit
The crisp air, falling leaves, and pumpkin-spiced everything can only mean one thing: Halloween is just around the corner! Americans love Halloween. We transform our homes into spooky spectacles worthy of Hollywood with scary props and supernatural decorations. However, once the holiday season ends, the challenge lies in efficiently storing your Halloween decorations. If you don’t have a lot of space in your home or apartment, a storage unit is a secure and safe place to store all your Halloween and other holiday decorations.
This blog post will guide you through organizing and storing your Halloween decorations like a pro. With the right strategies and tips, you can ensure that your decorations are well-preserved and ready to haunt your home year after year.
Gathering Storage Supplies
After the holiday ends, taking stock of your Halloween decorations is crucial. This initial step will help you understand what you have, what needs attention, and what can be discarded.
Before you store your Halloween decorations, it is always a good idea to clean and prepare them for long-term storage. Follow the steps below for storing your Halloween decorations and costumes.
- Dust off and wipe clean all decorations. Remove any dried mud or dirt.
- Repair any damaged items.
- Wrap fragile or glass Halloween decorations in bubble wrap or other protective wrap.
- Clean Halloween costumes before storage.
Packing and Storing
Like any holiday decoration, proper packing is key to organization and keeping decorations in the best shape. We have a few tips on packing your Halloween decorations efficiently.
- When possible, nest items to save on space.
- Use clear containers with a list of items tapped to the inside.
- Alternatively, keep items in black and orange containers for easy identification.
- Keep similar items together.
Lastly, store decorations in a cool, dry, and pest-free environment. Fairfax City Storage offers climate controlled options and comes in various sizes from 4x4x4 to 10×15 and even larger.
Special Considerations for Inflatable and Outdoor Halloween Decorations
Inflatables are wildly popular Halloween decorations, but they can be unwieldy when stored. After the holiday, inflate them following the manufacturer’s directions. Allow the inflatable to dry out to avoid mold and mildew. Fold them up carefully, keeping electrical cords together. Due to the nature of the material, it is best to store these in a waterproof container with a tight-fitting lid. When storing in a storage unit or garage, elevate the container on a pallet.
Labeling and Inventory
Once every item is packed, be sure to label the containers. Having clear boxes is an excellent idea to see inside and might jog the memory for next year. Creating an inventory list is even better. Tape it to the outside of the box for an easy visual reminder. Or, as mentioned earlier, color code your storage containers. Many home storage stores have storage in the holiday’s primary colors, red and green for Christmas, black and orange for Halloween, pastels for Easter, etc.
Tips for Long-Term Storage
At Fairfax City Storage, we consider long-term storage to be three months or longer. Follow these tips for long-term storage of your Halloween decorations.
If storing in clear containers, you may need to protect what’s inside from fading and discoloration if storage is near a window. Storing in a storage unit will offer better protection, especially in a climate controlled unit. Items will be protected from fading, sunlight damage, moisture, and extreme temperatures.
If you are storing Halloween costumes for long-term, ensure they are cleaned and contained in a waterproof box. We don’t recommend hanging heavy costumes; if costumes are expensive, vintage or rare, you may want to follow these guidelines.
Contact Us Today
Store your Halloween gear, decorations, and costumes in a place that will keep them at their spooky best. At Fairfax City Storage, we have been helping people store their most treasured possessions for over 30 years, right in the Fairfax, Virginia area. Call us at (703) 978-1200 or email us if you need help deciding which size unit fits your needs and budget. We’re here for you all year long.