By Colin FosterStoring wreaths and garlands properly comes down to cleaning, cushioning, and keeping them in a stable environment. Dust left on foliage can settle into fibers, and heat or humidity can warp shapes and damage lights. With a few simple supplies, you can keep wreaths and garlands looking full and ready for their next season.
What You Need
Before you pack anything, gather supplies that protect delicate branches and light cords. You do not need a dedicated room; a closet with enough space and stable temperatures works well.
- Soft-bristle brush or vacuum with a brush attachment
- Clean microfiber cloths
- Sturdy storage bag or rigid box for each wreath
- Garland storage bag or a large tube for coiling
- Twist ties, hook-and-loop wraps, or soft cotton string
- Hangers with a broad hook if you plan to hang any pieces
- Labels or tape and a marker
For more help organizing the rest of your seasonal decor, review the decor storage guide. You can also use the decor essentials section for simple setup and care ideas.
How to Store Wreaths and Garlands
Clean and Dry Each Piece
Start by brushing off loose dust and debris. Use the brush attachment on a vacuum for crevices, or a soft brush working in the direction of the greenery. For fabric or flocked items, use lighter pressure to avoid matting the texture. Pay attention to the back of the wreath, where the frame can collect dust. If the care tag allows, wipe leaves and stems with a slightly damp cloth and let everything dry completely before packing. Never store anything damp.
Check and Reshape
Look for bent branches, crushed areas, and loose berries or ornaments. Gently bend stems back into place, fluff branches, and remove any debris stuck between the leaves. Reshaping now makes it easier to pack without causing further damage. If something is broken, repair it or set it aside before storage.
Protect Each Wreath in a Bag or Box
Use wreath storage bags to protect the wreath without flattening it. A storage box with enough room around the sides also works. If the wreath moves around inside the box, tuck acid-free tissue paper or packing paper around it to keep it in position. Store wreaths flat when possible, or hang them by the wire frame if the bag allows. Hanging saves space and keeps the front of the wreath away from heavy items.
Coil Garlands Around a Tube
For garlands, wrapping them around a tube is one of the best ways to avoid tangles and kinks. Use a sturdy cardboard tube, a section of pipe, or a similar cylinder that is long enough to support the garland. Start at one end, loop the garland loosely around the tube, and keep each loop even. For garlands with lights, keep the plug near the outer end and avoid pulling the cord tight. Place the coil into garland storage bags for extra protection. If the garland is too heavy for a tube, lay it in loose loops in a bin instead of folding it back and forth.
Handle Lighting Cords and Plugs with Care
Before storing, check lights and plugs for damage. If your garland or wreath uses battery-powered lights, remove the batteries and store them separately unless the manufacturer says otherwise. For plug-in lights, coil the power cord loosely and use a soft twist tie or hook-and-loop wrap to hold it. For removable light sets, unclip them from the foliage and wrap them around a separate tube or cord reel. Follow the care instructions included with the product, especially when lights are permanently attached.
Choose a Cool, Dry Spot
Cool and dry is the goal. Avoid attics and garages with wide temperature swings or high humidity because heat swings can make stems brittle. Basements can work if they stay dry, but be cautious about damp floors and condensation. A coat closet, hallway cabinet, under-bed bin, or climate-controlled storage area is often better. Keep pieces off the floor and out of direct sunlight, and avoid placing them directly against exterior walls where moisture can form.
Label by Season
Write the season or occasion on each bag, box, or tube with a permanent marker or label tag. For example, mark a spring door wreath, a summer berry garland, or a fall leaf arrangement. You can also note whether the item has lights. Labels save time at setup and keep you from opening every bin. If you store similar pieces, add a short phrase like “front door garland, green needles” so you can tell them apart quickly.
Storage Guide by Type
The table below shows the easiest way to handle common wreath and garland materials.
| Item | Best Storage Method | Key Precaution |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial wreath | Hanging by the wire frame or flat in a dedicated bag or box | Keep pressure off the front decorations |
| Garland with lights | Coil around a wide tube, then place in a garland bag | Keep plugs and bulbs from crushing the branches |
| Garland without lights | Coil around a tube or lay in loose loops in a bin | Avoid tight folds that leave permanent creases |
| Light strings | Wrap around a cardboard panel or cord reel | Never store with batteries left inside |
These methods work for most materials, but always check the tag on each wreath or garland for the manufacturer’s guidance.
Common Mistakes
- Packing dusty or damp items. Dust can work its way into fibers, and moisture can lead to mildew.
- Stacking heavy boxes on top of wreaths. Pressure can smash berries, leaves, and natural branches.
- Folding garland into small containers. Sharp folds can damage wiring and cause permanent kinks.
- Leaving batteries in lights or near heat. Remove them before storage and follow product instructions.
- Choosing a hot attic or damp garage over an indoor closet. Heat swings and humidity are hard on wreaths and garlands.
- Skipping labels. A few seconds of labeling now saves you from emptying every bin later.
Troubleshooting
What if my wreath is flattened?
Hang it in a cool, dry area and fluff the branches with your hands. If it still seems pressed, check the care tag; some synthetic pieces can be gently steamed, but heat can damage others, so follow the tag. For detailed tips, see how to refresh an artificial wreath.
What if the light cord is tangled or damaged?
Untangle the cord gently before storage and inspect sockets, bulbs, and plugs for cracks or exposed wire. If any part looks damaged, follow the product’s replacement instructions and do not use the item until it is repaired.
What if my garland smells musty?
Air it out in a dry, shaded spot and check where it was stored. If the storage area has moisture, move your decorations to a drier location. Use a moisture-absorbing product if needed, and always store items completely dry.
FAQ
Can I store a wreath in a plastic bag?
You can use a dedicated wreath storage bag, but a sealed plastic bag may trap moisture. Make sure the wreath is completely dry and use a storage product designed for wreaths if possible. Check the care tag if you are unsure.
Is it better to hang wreaths or lay them flat?
Both methods work if the wreath is supported. Hanging by the wire frame saves floor space, while laying flat in a bag or box protects the front details. The main thing is to avoid pressure on the decorations.
How should I store garlands with lights?
Coil the garland around a wide tube, keep the plug near the outside, and place the coil in a garland bag. For battery-powered lights, remove the batteries before storage.
Do I need to clean wreaths and garlands before storing them?
Yes. Gently brush or vacuum dust and let any damp areas dry completely. Clean pieces stay in better condition and avoid transferring dirt to other decorations.
Storing wreaths and garlands correctly means fewer repairs, less fluffing, and an easier setup next season. Use these steps, check the manufacturer’s instructions, and keep labels clear so every piece is ready when the season returns.
About Colin Foster
Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our non-christmas seasonal decor guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
