Last updated Jul 24, 2026
Seattle apartments are small. Really small. The average newly built apartment here is just 659 square feet, well below the national average of 887 square feet, according to Seattle apartment data. In a popular neighborhood like Capitol Hill, the average studio is a mere 467 square feet. So when the holidays wrap up and you're left staring at a disassembled tree, tangled lights, and a stack of bins, the question becomes painfully real: where does all of this go?
Stashing seasonal decor in a tight urban apartment means giving up living space you can't spare, especially if you also work from home. Seattle's wet winter weather also makes it important to pack decorations carefully before putting them away for months at a time.
This guide walks through how to prepare holiday decorations for storage, how to pack them properly, and how much storage space you may need. The goal is simple: clear the clutter now so next season's setup is easier.
The Pacific Northwest is famous for its damp, gray winters. Seattle's winter humidity can climb high in December, according to weather-and-climate.com, which is one reason fully drying seasonal items before storage matters.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that indoor moisture control can help reduce mold concerns, and EPA guidance generally recommends keeping indoor relative humidity below 60%. ScienceDirect research also discusses how humidity levels can affect mold growth in indoor environments.
For holiday decorations, the practical takeaway is straightforward: do not pack away damp items. Fabric tree skirts, stockings, paper crafts, cardboard packaging, artificial greenery, and light strands should be clean and fully dry before they go into bins.
Good packing is your first line of defense. The way you wrap, contain, and label your decorations determines how easy they are to retrieve next season.
Cardboard can work for some short-term, low-risk storage, but sturdy plastic bins are often easier to stack, label, and reuse. DAI Restore also recommends checking seasonal decorations carefully before storing them, especially if they have been exposed to moisture.
Clear bins can be useful because you can see what's inside without opening every container. If you use opaque bins, label the top and at least one side so you can identify them even when stacked.
Silica gel packets can be useful inside bins with ornaments, paper decor, or small fabric items. They are not a substitute for drying items first, but they can help with minor trapped moisture inside a closed container.
Glass, porcelain, and crystal ornaments need individual care. Wrap each one in tissue paper or bubble wrap, then place it in a padded box, divided ornament container, or compartment-style storage case. Lenox offers ornament-specific storage tips for fragile pieces.
Egg cartons can work for smaller ornaments, while soft padding between layers can reduce chips and scratches.
Few things are more frustrating than a knotted ball of string lights. Wind each strand around a reel, a piece of cardboard, or another organizer, then secure the end before placing the lights in their own bin. The Christmas Light Emporium also recommends storing lights in a way that prevents tangling and strain on the cords.
Wreaths can flatten if heavy bins are stacked on top of them. Use a dedicated wreath bag or container, and store wreaths upright or hanging when possible. Christmas World offers additional wreath storage tips for keeping their shape between seasons.
For tree skirts, stockings, and soft fabric decor, vacuum-seal bags can reduce bulk when space is tight. Drylok includes vacuum bags as one possible holiday storage tool. Use them only for clean, fully dry items, since sealing damp fabric can create problems later.
Even with careful packing, the storage environment itself still matters. A heated indoor unit can be useful in Seattle because it keeps decorations inside a building and may reduce exposure to colder conditions compared with non-heated spaces.
That does not mean storage can guarantee perfect conditions or prevent every issue. Packing still matters. Clean decorations, dry them completely, use sturdy containers, and avoid storing anything damp, perishable, or prohibited.
Holiday storage guidance from NSA Storage also emphasizes planning and organization. For Seattle renters, the best approach is to combine practical packing with a unit type that fits the items you're storing.
One of the biggest sources of hesitation is figuring out how much space you actually need. The good news: holiday decorations usually do not require much room. For many apartment dwellers, a 5x5 unit can be a useful starting point.
A 5x5 unit gives you 25 square feet of floor space. Depending on bin size, ceiling height, tree size, and how you stack items, it may hold a disassembled artificial Christmas tree, several bins of ornaments and lights, and some seasonal gear.
To make the most of the space, stack heavier, sturdier bins on the bottom and lighter, more fragile containers on top. Label everything clearly so next season's setup is easier.
If you're unsure, review the facility's size guide or ask the storage team for help before reserving.
Beyond packing decorations carefully, a good storage setup can make your home feel more organized. Instead of keeping bins under the bed, behind the couch, or stacked in a closet, seasonal items can live in one place until you need them again.
When choosing a storage facility, look for features such as:
Heated indoor storage, if available
Clear access hours that fit your schedule
Month-to-month leases for seasonal flexibility
Online payments
Elevator access, carts, or dollies where available
Listed security features by location
Since holiday storage is seasonal, flexibility is key. A month-to-month lease can let you store decorations after the holidays and retrieve them when the next season rolls around, without planning around a long-term commitment.
Yes, it can be useful for many renters. Seattle's wet winter weather makes it important to store decorations clean and fully dry. Heated indoor storage may also be a practical option during colder months, depending on what you're storing and which features are available at the facility.
A 5x5 unit offers 25 square feet of floor space, similar to a small walk-in closet. Depending on how items are packed, it may hold a disassembled artificial tree, several plastic bins of ornaments and lights, and some seasonal items. Actual fit depends on bin size, tree size, and how efficiently the space is organized.
Start before anything goes into a bin. Make sure decorations are clean and fully dry, avoid packing damp fabrics or greenery, and use sturdy plastic bins where appropriate. Desiccant packets can be helpful in some containers, but they should not be used as a substitute for drying items first.
Yes. Many storage providers offer month-to-month leases that can work well for seasonal needs. You can store decorations after the holidays and retrieve them when the next season arrives, depending on your rental terms and access schedule.
Disassemble the tree and place the sections in a dedicated tree storage bag or sturdy bin to reduce dust and make moving easier. If you see signs of mold or residue, address the issue before storage and make sure the tree is fully dry. Christmas World offers additional artificial-tree storage guidance.
Holiday decorations carry memories, but they do not need to take over your apartment all year. Pack them clean and dry, use sturdy containers, label everything clearly, and choose a unit size that fits the amount you store.
Ready to clear seasonal clutter? Explore storage options at SecureSpace Self Storage and reserve your space online.
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