7 Holiday Decorations That Shouldn't Be Stored in the Attic

The post-holiday cleanup often comes with the familiar temptation to shove all the tinsel and twinkling lights into the closest available box and, as quickly as possible, close the attic door on it all until next December. But while the attic may feel like the most convenient storage solution, it may actually be inhabitable for some of your most cherished holiday decorations. 

"When you take the time to put away decorations in an orderly fashion, they'll be all the easier to put back up again next season—and in the same pristine shape," notes Martha. Aside from saving a headache next year, proper storage locations make a difference, too. Ahead, learn how to store holiday décor and which items shouldn’t be stored in attics for optimal preservation.

Family Heirlooms and Sentimental Decorations

Martha’s experience with irreplaceable collectibles—from heirloom holiday decorations to her storied copper cookware—has taught her that temperature extremes (like those seen in most attics) can cause rapid deterioration to items stored there. Anything treasured or one-of-a-kind is best kept elsewhere.

As far as holiday décor goes, these items may include hand-painted ornaments, heirloom tree toppers, and decorations passed down through generations. "Because of the temperature and humidity fluctuations of attics," Martha writes in decorvow's Organizing, "avoid storing valuable or sentimental pieces there." These items are best kept in climate-controlled spaces like a spare closet or a finished basement where conditions are more stable.

Felt Ornaments, Stockings, and Table Linens

Fabric decorations (e.g. tree skirts, embroidered stockings, and holiday table linens) are especially susceptible to attic storage. Christina Argonish, a full-time artisan who creates felt and clay ornaments says that high heat in attics during summers can weaken fibers, and moisture from humidity can encourage mildew. Pests are also a risk.

"Put these items in a spare closet or the backs of cabinets—even if you have to move other things to do so," Martha says of tapestries and linens in The Martha Manual.

Brass Decorations

Brass is a common material for holiday decorations—think glimmering menorahs and mantle-top reindeer—and it's not suitable for attic storage.

"Not all metals are created equal," notes Martha in The Martha Manual. "This alloy of copper and zinc tarnishes easily," she says of brass. "Many pieces are coated in clear lacquer," she adds, which can easily chip. Best to store these pieces in a temperature-controlled environment.

Paper Decorations and Christmas Cards

Holiday cards and vintage or handmade paper decorations are ultra-fragile, says Argonish. "Paper Christmas crafts can warp and yellow in attics," she says.

For these items in general, Martha says, "Be sure to use archival-quality storage boxes and other supplies, available at most home-supply stores, to protect paper, photographs, and other delicate items from breaking down."

Holiday Lighting

Take note: none of the holiday mood-lighting you use throughout the season belongs in your attic. Holiday candles (like colored tapers and seasonal scents) can misshapen, and their scents degrade in higher heat. Candles are best stored in cool, dark, dry places, such as interior closets or cabinets.

And while lights may seem durable, improper storage can shorten their lifespan. Martha recommends testing lights before storing and bundling them carefully: “Place each strand in a resealable plastic bag, leaving air inside to act as a cushion,” she says.

Even properly stored lights should avoid attic extremes when possible. A garage shelf or basement storage area with more moderate conditions or a dehumidifier will help preserve wiring and bulbs.

Clay Ornaments

Clay creations are commonplace on Christmas trees, but they should be kept clear of attics. The temperature swings can cause these pieces to become brittle or crack, Argonish says.

For safest ornament storage, heed our founder's advice: "Store ornaments in a segmented cardboard box made for this purpose," she says, or reuse a box from a wine store." Fragile ornaments should be wrapped individually in acid-free tissue paper, she adds. "Keep tissue-wrapped ornaments and delicate bows in zippered plastic bags with some air trapped inside for extra padding."

Items You Can Use Throughout the Year

Some holiday essentials can be used year-round. You'll want to keep these items close by. "Plan to keep items you often need, such as extra place settings or gift wrapping supplies, in an accessible location, like in a cabinet near the entrance," says Martha. That way, the next birthday or dinner party that rolls around, you won't have to pull out the ladder (or run to the store).