Short answer: give every type of decoration one container and one place: the tree in a bag under the bed, ornaments in a divided box on the top closet shelf, lights on reels in one bin, wreaths in a flat case behind the sofa or under the bed, and textiles in vacuum bags. Check the lights before you pack them and let go of anything you did not use this year.
Where everything fits in a small apartment
| Space | Best for | Measure first |
|---|---|---|
| Under the bed | Tree bag, flat bins, wreath case | Clearance under the frame (bed risers can add 3–8″) |
| Top closet shelf | Ornament box, light bin | Shelf depth and height to the ceiling |
| Behind the sofa or a door | Flat wreath case, tree bag on its side | Gap width and length |
| Inside furniture | Textiles, stockings, tree skirt | Storage ottoman, bench or bed drawers |
| Off-site | Large inflatables, extra trees | Ask yourself if you will use them next year |
If it does not fit in those spaces, the honest answer is that you have more decorations than your apartment can hold. Keep the favorites and donate the rest in early January, when charities can still use them next season.
Our picks for small-space holiday storage
Affiliate note: some links in this guide go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. We choose products for fit and specifications, not for the commission.
Holds 128 three-inch ornaments, each in its own compartment.
Check on Amazon48″ long bag with handles; slides under many beds.
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How we chose
- We started from the measurements in this guide and looked for products whose listed dimensions fit typical cabinets and closets.
- We favored long-running, widely bought products with a large volume of owner feedback, and read the complaints as closely as the praise.
- We checked each listing on October 16, 2026 for stock and U.S. delivery.
- We have not tested these products ourselves. Our picks are based on specifications, instructions and owner feedback.
For ornaments: ZOBER Large Ornament Storage Box
A zippered fabric box with removable trays and dividers that hold 128 three-inch ornaments, each in its own slot. A long-running best seller in holiday storage.
- Every ornament has its own space, so glass does not knock against glass.
- Soft-sided, so it squeezes into tight shelves.
- Downside: Very large or oddly shaped ornaments need tissue and a separate small box.
Skip it if you only have a handful of ornaments; a small divided box is enough.
Check it on AmazonFor the tree: Cosy Family 7.5 ft Christmas Tree Storage Bag
A heavy-duty zippered bag with handles for an artificial tree up to 7.5 feet, taken apart in sections.
- Much smaller than the original cardboard box, which rarely closes again.
- Handles make it easy to carry from a closet.
- Downside: At 20 inches tall it will not slide under most beds; store it upright in a closet or behind a door.
Skip it if your tree is pre-lit and over 7.5 feet; choose a larger bag.
Check it on AmazonFor lights: Bayco KW-130 Cord Storage Reel
A plastic reel with a center spin handle for winding up to 150 feet of cord or holiday lights.
- Strands come off untangled next year.
- Also useful for extension cords the rest of the year.
- Downside: Wind gently; tight winding can stress old wiring.
Skip it if you use only one or two short strands; a piece of cardboard works.
Check it on AmazonAlso worth adding
- Wreaths: the HOMZ 24-inch clear wreath containers (27 × 24.5 × 7 inches, stackable) slide under a bed or behind a sofa.
- Textiles: Amazon Basics vacuum storage bags shrink tree skirts, stockings and throws.
- Under-bed bins: Yecaye under-bed storage with wheels for beds with more than 7 inches of clearance.
- Everything else: Vtopmart clear stackable bins with one category per bin.
How to pack each item
The tree
Take an artificial tree apart in sections, fluff the branches flat and slide each section into the bag from the bottom up, so the top goes in last and comes out first. Wipe off dust before packing. When you buy a new artificial tree, CPSC suggests looking for the “Fire Resistant” label.
Ornaments
One ornament per compartment. Heavy ones on the bottom layer, glass in the middle, light and soft ones on top. Remove hooks and keep them in a small bag inside the box.
Lights
Check each strand before you wind it. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission advises checking every set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires and loose connections, and throwing out damaged sets. Wind each working strand on a reel and label it with where it goes (tree, window, balcony).
Wreaths and garlands
Store wreaths flat in a hard case so they keep their shape. Coil garland loosely around a large bin rather than cramming it in.
Textiles
Wash or air out tree skirts, stockings and throws, then compress them in vacuum bags.
Pack-away checklist
When the decorations come down
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Frequently asked questions
Where do you store Christmas decorations in a small apartment?
Use the spaces you already have: under the bed for the tree bag and flat bins, the top shelf of a closet for ornaments, the space behind a sofa or inside an ottoman for wreaths, and vacuum bags for textiles. Keep the total to what fits in those spaces.
How do you store ornaments so they don't break?
Give each ornament its own compartment. A divided ornament box or egg-carton-style trays stop glass ornaments from touching. Wrap delicate ones in tissue and pack the heaviest on the bottom layer.
How do you store Christmas lights without tangling?
Wind each strand around a reel, a piece of cardboard or a cord wrap as you take it down, and plug the ends together. Test strands before you pack them, and throw out any with damage.
Should I check Christmas lights before storing them?
Yes. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission advises checking every set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires and loose connections, and throwing out damaged sets. Doing it when you pack away saves time next year.
Is it OK to store decorations in a hot attic or a car?
Avoid extreme heat. It can melt candles and adhesives, warp plastic and fade fabric. A closet or under the bed inside the apartment is safer.
The Small Space Fix is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product details can change; check the current listing before you buy.
