The best way to store Christmas ornaments and other holiday treasures is in individual compartments and kept away from temperature swings and humidity. These simple steps prevent most of the chipping, fading, and breakage that can happen in storage between seasons. Whether your keepsakes are made of glass, porcelain, or cherished fabric, here are a few tips for packing away these special objects safely in Omaha’s variable climate.
How to Store Glass and Porcelain Ornaments
Delicate glass, porcelain, and other breakable materials require the most care to prevent chips and cracks. Use a sturdy, compartmentalized ornament storage box with adjustable dividers to separate individual pieces and keep them from knocking against each other. For added cushion, wrap each piece in acid-free tissue paper or soft bubble wrap. To store the box, choose a cool, dry space like an indoor closet to prevent damage caused by Omaha’s fluctuating temperatures and humidity.
Storing Byer’s Choice or Other Fabric-Based Collectibles
Fabric figures like Byers’ Choice carolers and other fabric collectibles need a secure yet breathable environment to protect delicate weaves and hand-painted details. Store fabric treasures in padded, divided boxes or heavy-duty bins lined with clean cotton or acid-free paper. Avoid wrapping them tightly in airtight bags what can trap moisture and crease the fabric. To protect painted finishes and prevent fading or mold, the box should be breathable and kept away from direct sunlight and high humidity.
Finding the Right Storage Space for Your Decorations
The garage or attic are not ideal storage areas. Over time, the seasonal temperature swings and high humidity prevalent in garages and attics can cause delicate glass to crack, painted finishes to chip, and fabrics to mold. An interior closet or other environmentally stable, climate-controlled space is much safer.
When to Start Storing
It’s really up to you and the pieces you own. There’s no strict timeline, and some pieces like wooden incense smokers and ceramic houses may play a festive role in your décor all year long. But for your most treasured and delicate holiday heirlooms, packing promptly after the season is done does reduce the potential for accidental breakage and the need to handling repeatedly for cleaning.
If you have more questions about safe storage of your holiday heirlooms, stop by our store at 120th and Maple St. Our team will be glad to help you find the best storage option for any precious holiday ornament or keepsake – glass, wood, fabric, and more. And if you’re looking for a brand new treasure to add to your collection or gift to someone you love, we’d love to help you there too.
