The magic of the season may be behind us, but for many in Eldridge, the real work begins now—putting it all away. From unstringing the lights to boxing up the ornaments, storing Christmas decorations can feel like a daunting task. But with a little organization and a few clever tricks, wrapping up the holidays can be surprisingly simple—and even satisfying.

Whether you’re tucking away a tree or packing up the porch penguins, here’s your go-to guide to smart post-holiday storage and tree recycling.

Start with a System: Don't Just Shove It in a Box

Before you start hauling things to the attic or garage, take inventory of what you used—and what you didn’t. If something was broken, unused, or more frustrating than festive, it might be time to let it go. Once you’ve sorted what to keep, group your décor by category or location (e.g., “indoor tree,” “mantle,” “front yard”) to make next year’s decorating easier.

Swap the Cardboard: Upgrade to Durable Storage

That sagging, taped-up box from 2012? It’s time for an upgrade. Heavy-duty plastic bins with secure lids protect decorations from moisture, pests, and wear. Clear bins are ideal because you can see what’s inside at a glance. Label each bin clearly and consider color-coding (red for tree ornaments, green for outdoor lights, etc.).

Overlooked but important storage upgrades:

• Bubble wrap or tissue paper for fragile ornaments
• Paper towels or fabric scraps for cushioning between décor items
• Stackable bins with handles for easier lifting and organizing
• Dividers or egg cartons for tiny or delicate pieces

Lights and Garland: Tangle-Free Solutions

String lights, beaded garland, and extension cords can quickly turn into a knotted mess. To avoid frustration next year:

• Wrap lights around cardboard pieces, plastic reels, or empty wrapping paper tubes
• Store each strand in a separate bag or box to prevent mixing
• Use sandwich bags for extra bulbs and fuses and tape them to the cord

Artificial Tree? Store It Like a Pro

If you’ve invested in an artificial Christmas tree, protect it so it lasts for years. Instead of stuffing it back into the torn-up box it came in, consider:

• Using a tree storage bag (available for both upright and disassembled storage)
• Storing the fully assembled tree in your garage or attic with the bag over it to protect from dust and critters
• Adding a dryer sheet or cedar packet inside to deter pests and keep things fresh

If you do take it apart, label each section (top, middle, base) so reassembly is seamless next year.

Outdoor Décor: Dry, Organized, and Critter-Proof

Before putting away your outdoor decorations, make sure they’re dry to prevent mildew. Clean any dirt or debris from stakes, cords, and inflatables.

• Store inflatables in their original bags or heavy-duty storage bins
• Remove batteries from timers and battery-operated lights to prevent corrosion
• Zip-tie cords and secure in labeled bins to avoid tangling

Consider using plastic drawers or shelving units in the garage to create a dedicated “holiday corner” that’s easy to access next season.

BONUS TIPS to Make Next Year Even Easier

These simple, often-overlooked steps can save you time, reduce stress, and make next year’s holiday decorating smoother before you even open the first storage bin.

Create a Holiday Inventory Sheet

Before sealing up your bins, jot down what’s inside. You can:

• Tape a printed list inside the lid
• Snap a photo of the contents for digital reference
• Use a notes app or spreadsheet to track everything

This simple step makes setup a breeze next year—especially if others in the household help decorate.

Declutter While You Pack

The post-holiday cleanup is the perfect time to evaluate your décor. Ask yourself:

• Did I use this item this year?
• Is it broken or missing parts?
• Does it still match my style?

Donate gently used items to a local nonprofit or toss what’s damaged. It clears space and cuts down on post-holiday chaos.

Set a Calendar Reminder for Next November

Here’s a genius move: set a reminder now for early November. Include notes like:

• “Stock up on ornament hooks”
• “Check outdoor lights for damage”
• “Buy new command strips”

That way, you’ll hit the ground running next season without scrambling for supplies.

Recycle Your Real Tree — The Easy Way

Still holding onto your real Christmas tree? Good news: you can give it a second life through local recycling programs. Across the Greater Houston area, dozens of drop-off locations are accepting trees through mid-to-late January.

All you need to do is:

• Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel, and stands
• Make sure the tree is not flocked or artificial
• Take it to the drop-off location nearest you

Check the map below to find a Christmas tree recycling site near Eldridge.

These Christmas tree recycling programs are offered by Harris County Precinct 4, City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department, City of Katy, and private providers like Living Earth and CMX Outdoor. Before bringing your tree, call to confirm hours and availability.

A Cleaner, Greener Start to 2026

A little extra care now means a stress-free start to next year’s holiday season. By storing your decorations the right way and recycling your real tree responsibly, you’re saving time, protecting your favorite holiday pieces, and contributing to a cleaner community.

So go ahead, pour one last mug of cocoa (or ice tea, since it feels like spring outside right now), turn up the tunes, and take the time to pack it all away with purpose. Your future self will thank you—and so will your garage.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.