This post is sponsored by Lowe's.
A few weeks ago, we had the fun opportunity to shop Lowe's Christmas decor (it's almost all 50% off now!) to put together a tree and decorations (that we later were able to donate to a family in need) for a Christmas Storage Hacks video using items you can find at Lowe's. It was so fun thinking of where our trouble points are with organizing and storing Christmas decor and solving them! First, here's the video we shot with Spectra Films and I'll break down the hacks one by one below, too!
1. WRAPPING PAPER
For that wrapping paper that constantly comes unrolled, or gets loose at best!, foam plumbing insulation already comes with one side sliced open! Just cut it into small sections and place it around wrapping paper to keep it in place.
Gold Wrapping Paper | Holiday Wrapping Paper | Foam Plumbing Insulation
2. RIBBON
You probably already stash your ribbon in some sort of basket for storage, but why not make it a basket that functions, as well! We used dowels, and this stylish iron bin from Lowe's to hold a whole slew of ribbon in place and threaded it through the bin openings so we could easily pull out and cut the length needed!
Ribbon used: Reindeer | Plaid | Gold | Red & Gold Mesh | Off-white Red Writing | Striped | Sweater Knit
3. PICK GARLAND
I love the whimsey that pick garland adds to a tree, but storing it without breakage has always been a challenge. We used 4 inch ABS Pipe from Lowe's and slid it right in. It's sturdy and protective and easily stores in the same bin as the tree!
4. Ornaments
There's all sorts of ideas on how to store ornaments out there, but we were thrilled when we came across this ornament organizer at Lowe's that stacks and locks multiple layers together, while protecting each one. (We'll definitely be using this for all of our keepsake ornaments!)
5. Extension Cords
Man, we never need extension cords like we need them during the holidays. Not the big, long, orange ones that stay in the garage--smaller ones for the tree, the star on top, lighting up garland--and I swear we end up buying more every year because they get lost. We picked up this "laundry organizer" (you may recognize it as something you could used for scarfs!) at Lowe's and laced all of our holiday extension cords in place to be hung right next to the wreaths. Ps! How cute is that candy cane striped one!?
6. The Tree
How is it that the same box the tree fit in last year is suddenly too small when you go to store it again?! Using heavy duty plastic stretch will get it nice and compact again.
Plastic Stretch Wrap | Tree |Storage Bin
7. Wreaths
Some wreaths can be fragile, and after a few years of finding fallen pine cones and berries next to the wreath from which they fell--we knew there had to be a better way. By simply putting them in a garbage bag (I like tie up, so it can be re-used!) and sliding a hanger in very last, they become hangable! If you don't want to take up closet space, you can hang a curtain rod from the ceiling in a storage area for this, too.
Although we're still in full on Merry mode over here, we wanted to share these hacks before it's too late! Any ideas to add?! Sound off in the comments.
Ps. The music in the video is Happy Christmas by Handsome and Gretyl.
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For the wrapping paper you can also use paper towel tubes in the same way you used the plumbing insulation. Just make a cut down the length of it and slide it on. Nice way to repurpose something.
Brilliant!
I'm off to Lowe's!
Good ideas. Here's one from Lowes for wreaths https://www.lowes.com/pd/TreeKeeper-36-in-x-36-in-Polyester-Wreath-Storage-Container/50086564 . I have some similar ones and they are hard to tear up, so they will last longer than the trash bags you were using.
An option for the tree & the plastic wrap is to use old pillow cases. You could make a slit at the top to put the metal section through and then reuse leftover ribbon to tie up. Write the tree section on the pillowcase so it is easier to locate the bottom section first. Pillowcases are great for organizing linens, such as special holiday tableclothes or spare sets of bed linens.
A few years go, I realized that storing big boxes of decorations in the attic wouldn't be good as I got older. So, I took my favorite ones and put them in smaller, clear plastic containers that fit on the top shelves of my closets. These boxes are lighter and easier to get off that top shelf when I use a step stool. I separated the types of decorations so it is easier to find specific ones. These smaller boxes usually go on sale in January at a variety of stores.
Another option for the electric cords is this bottle carrier - https://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Non-Printed-Tote-Burgundy-Bottle/dp/B00JQG6S6Y/ref=pd_sim_79_7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=D21QEKWVCPBBX6VPP9FK
I got some from a wine store and I now use them to carry liter soda bottles from the grocery store. But I also use one to stash smaller electric cords and then stash the bag on a shelf.
You said that much of the decor at Lowe's was 50% off. This was not the case at my store (State College PA) -- is there something you need to ask for or am I missing something? Or is there a regional promotion somewhere outside of our region?
online!
Hi Sarah! Most items are 50% off (even in store!) The sale isn't only online so if you find something in-store and are unsure - just look on the Lowe's app!
Would love to know where you bought your pick garland. I love it.
All decor in the videos was purchased at Lowe's!
man, i hate the plastic waste that wrapping the tree and wreaths produces!
our world would be SO much better off if we could curb our plastic addiction.
also used to help with a sound crew and they always said to wrap the cords loosely and let them guide themselves so as to keep them from kinking/wearing out more quickly. do you know if that's true for extension cords?
I thought the same thing about the plastic wrap! Maybe thin towel or fabric drop cloth cut-up would work instead. I tried to make my household plastic-free a few years ago, and while it proved pretty tough (and my success rate less than 100%), we are definitely using less plastic. Instead of defaulting to plastic, take a sec to think of what else you could use - chances are you'll find something.
I love your idea for keeping wrapping paper staying closed. I hate when the ends get ratty! So smart!
These are all brilliant!!! Love the video and the write up below- totally going to use the ribbon hack- LOVE that bin!! And the wreath storage is so clever. Love all your stuff!!
The wreath on an hanger idea and storage tube for the added branches are genius. I've just been using plastic bags, but stealing that idea!
You guys are the cutest.
Little positive feedback: I'm the type of person that hates watching videos, but I'm definitely more likely to watch the video if the steps are outlined below, so this format gets a 10/10, would recommend from me!
Oh good! I'm the same! Sometimes I'm not in a place where I can watch a video, so we're glad this format works well for you and hopefully others too!
I am 100% using your tree storage hack--I would never have thought of that stretch tape! We already have a nice big bin and invested in a high quality artificial tree this year (because I could not keep a real one looking good for more than a few days to save my life and the clean up was biblical!) and was starting to look around for storage options--thanks for reading my mind! :)