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Christmas Tree Ornament Storage Hack (Tik Tok Made Me Do It!)

ByStacy Ling Updated On
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Looking for better ways to store your Christmas tree ornaments? Wait until you see this cool storage hack that I found on Tik Tok!

With lots of Christmas tree ornament storage ideas out there, how do you store your ornaments?

I’ve been individually wrapping mine in tissue paper, paper towels, and packing paper for years in 20-gallon storage containers.

It’s worked and served me well for several years, but after moving this year, I am totally over individually wrapping and unwrapping stuff!

Since I already have several of these huge storage bins, I didn’t want to buy more storage bins.

Use what you already have, am I right?

One day, while I was scrolling Tik Tok, someone shared this Christmas tree ornament storage life hack.

And I thought it was brilliant.

Particularly if you have oddly shaped ornaments of all different sizes like me.

It looked a little less time-consuming in the long run.

So I decided to try this DIY ornament storage trick.

Wait until you see how easy this is to do!

And be sure to check out some extra Christmas tree decoration storage at the end of this post plus an update as to how well this storage method is.

(Posts on stacyling.com may contain affiliate links. Click HERE for full disclosure.)

Christmas Tree Ornament Storage Hack

Every year, I spend SO MUCH TIME individually wrapping and unwrapping ornaments.

I know it’s not the best way to maintain them, but seriously, I’ve been storing Christmas baubles like this for years.

It’s worked for me but it is really time-consuming.

christmas tree ornaments storage life hack where I'm going to stop individually wrap ornaments in tissue paper

Anyway, I saw someone on Tik Tok share her life hack for storing Christmas tree ornaments and I was blown away!

This method is SO much easier.

I can use what I have.

And I only needed to purchase one item to make the life hack work.

christmas tree ornament storage life hack supplies needed included 18 gallon storage container, egg crate mattress, scissors and sharpie marker

Supplies Needed

cutting the egg crate mattress but using storage bin as the template

How to Store Your Christmas Tree Ornaments

To do this storage hack, we’ll be storing Christmas tree ornaments in layers with the egg crate mattress pad serving as the base.

This DIY ornament storage box looks like it will work great for decor that ranges in sizes, textures, and shapes.

If you have oddly shaped and sized ornaments like me, you’ll want to group similarly sized ornaments together on the same layer.

And all we need to do is make a template so we can cut each base layer.

cutting the egg crate mattress to make christmas tree ornament storage hack
  • It’s best if you trace around the bottom of the bin with a sharpie to get a more precise measurement of the layer.
  • I skipped this step and instead, flipped the lid over, eyeballed it, and cut around it. (This method is not as accurate but still worked).
  • Whichever way you decide to do it, once you have your template, layer it on top of the egg crate mattress and cut the rest up.
  • Lay the first layer down on bottom of the storage bin.
  • Arrange like-sized Christmas tree ornaments on the mattress pad until the layer is full.
  • Then lay the next layer down and repeat the process until the storage bin is full.
  • When you reach the top, either top it off with another layer or top it off with soft ornaments so they don’t get crushed.
layering first template on top of rest of mattress to cut out more egg crate layers for the storage bin

Christmas Tree Ornament Storage Hack Observations

What I like about this method is the ornaments stay in place and don’t move around.

Plus they are protected by each layer from damaging one another inside the DIY ornament storage box.

Using the hospital bed size egg crate mattress pad, I was able to cut 8 layers which were more than I needed for one storage bin, so I used them with 2 storage bins.

start first row of egg crate mattress on bottom of storage bin then start layering ornaments

Cutting the templates in a less precise way meant my sizing was off, but it still worked.

Sidenote: I did not store glass balls or mercury ornaments this way because I don’t have that many and wouldn’t have enough to create a full, even layer.

The ones I have, I wrapped up with tissue paper and placed carefully on a top layer.

fill a layer with ornaments of roughly same size shape and width on egg crate mattess in storage bin

If I had more glass ball ornaments, I would prefer storing them in something like THIS ornaments storage box or continue to individually wrap them as I’ve been doing.

Why?

Because I’m not sure if the foam used to make the egg crate mattress would damage the glass or mercury ornaments while in storage.

second layer of ornaments on egg crate mattress pieces in ornament storage bin
layering ornaments on egg crate mattress pieces inside gallon storage bin for christmas tree ornament storage hack that I found on TikTok

To avoid any risk, I suggest this DIY ornament storage hack be used for other types of ornaments made from fabric, wood, resin, or plastic.

If you have stored your glass ball or mercury ornaments this way, let me know in the comments how it worked for you.

Layering christmas tree ornaments to store them in gallon containers with egg crate pieces

When I neared the top layer, I reserved my softer ornaments to put on top before the lid so there was a protective layer on top.

Because I had a few extra layers of mattress pad, I wanted to used them in a second storage bin.

Next year, when I take the ornaments out and put them away, it will go much faster than having them individually wrapped.

Soft top layer of ornaments for Christmas tree ornaments storage hack with egg crate mattress pieces inside 18 gallon storage container

How Should I Store My Christmas Tree Decorations?

While it’s really a matter of preference, here are some things to think about before putting your Christmas decor into storage.

More Christmas Tree Decorations Storage Tips

  • Store decor in clear plastic bins so you can see what’s inside.
  • Label bins really well so you know what’s in them.
  • Save those toilet and paper towel cardboard rolls to wrap Christmas or fairy lights around.
  • Remove batteries from lights or other decor items to preserve the battery component. Batteries can corrode while in storage.
  • Keep all of your holiday decor stored together so it’s easier to find next year!
My black lab dog overseeing my work with my DIY christmas tree ornament storage life hack
Koda was making sure I was doing things correctly while trying out this storage hack!
modern farmhouse living room with textured neutrals and King of Christmas 7.5 foot royal fir tree with pops of red and rustic natural neutral christmas decor

Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

Adding a new tree or are you looking to change things up for next year?

Now is a great time to purchase Christmas tree ornaments, skirts, collars, and other decor on sale. Once you know your Christmas aesthetic, shopping for the decorations will be as easy as 1-2-3.

Not sure what your aesthetic is?

Here are 17 Christmas tree decorating ideas to consider.

Oh and here’s 9 more inspiring Christmas tree decorating ideas.

And if you want to go with a flocked Christmas tree here are some decorating ideas to that look amazing with the snow-like look!

flocked christmas tree in vintage farmhouse with painted inlay wood floors decorated with a neutral color palette with ribbon, ornaments, and a garden style touch

And If You Want to Buy a Faux Christmas Tree?

After 23 years of decorating live trees, my husband and I chose to go with faux a few years ago and haven’t looked back.

We could not be happier with the trees we purchased! They are easy up and easy down in a matter of minutes with little fuss.

I shared some of my faux favorites HERE.

close up of flocked tree with crocheted tree skirt

Update on This Christmas Tree Ornament Storage Hack

I just finished decorating this very tree after storing my ornaments with this hack that I found on TikTok.

And it could not be easier to decorate my tree!

The ornaments unboxed in perfect condition and we decorated the tree much faster because there was no unwrapping involved.

close up of king of christmas 7.5' royal fir christmas tree with oversized lanterns from decor steals in vintage farmhouse - LIving room Christmas 2022
christmas tree ornament storage hack
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Christmas Tree Ornament Storage Hack (TikTok Made Me Do It!)

Looking for better ways to store your Christmas tree ornaments? Wait until you see this cool storage hack that I found on Tik Tok!
Prep Time10 minutes
Active Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Calories:
Cost: $30

Materials

Instructions

  • It’s best if you trace around the bottom of the bin with a sharpie to get a more precise measurement of the layer.
  • I skipped this step and instead, flipped the lid over, eyeballed it, and cut around it. (This method is not as accurate but still worked).
    cutting the egg crate mattress but using storage bin as the template
  • Whichever way you decide to do it, once you have your template, layer it on top of the egg crate mattress and cut the rest up.
  • Lay the first layer down on the bottom of the storage bin.
    christmas tree ornament storage life hack tik tok made me do it
  • Arrange like-sized Christmas tree ornaments on the mattress pad until the layer is full.
    start first row of egg crate mattress on bottom of storage bin then start layering ornaments
  • Then lay the next layer down and repeat the process until the storage bin is full.
    fill a layer with ornaments of roughly same size shape and width on egg crate mattess in storage bin
  • When you reach the top, either top it off with another layer or top it off with soft ornaments so they don't get crushed.
    christmas tree ornament storage hack

Want to Learn How to Decorate With Fresh Greens for the Holidays?

Sign up here to get my email and get a discount on my ebook, 15 Easy Ways to Decorate With Fresh Greens for the Holidays that offers beautiful, budget-friendly, and sustainable holiday decorating inspiration using fresh greens from the landscape.

This 40-page guide is full of simple DIY holiday decorating ideas that includes how to cut, care for, and design with fresh greens, as well as tips to purchase and incorporate faux greens with your holiday decorating style to create a cozy, beautiful, and organic vibe.

From porch styling to cozy centerpiece and tablescape inspiration, wait until you try these budget-friendly holiday decorating ideas using fresh greens for every room in your home.

hanging basket of winter greens on the porch

Looking For More Christmas Decorating Ideas?

Wait until you see these holiday decorating, entertaining, and food ideas to create a cozy home for Christmas.

christmas in the front entry hall with thrift store cabinet, sansevieria snake plant, christmas trees, stair garland with neutral christmas decor

The 10 Days of Christmas

Did you catch the 10 days of Christmas where my friends and I shared daily inspiration to get you psyched up and ready for the holidays?

From Christmas decorating ideas to gift-wrapping ideas, these posts have you covered with lots of creative and budget-friendly ideas.

In case you missed it, you can catch the 10 Days of Christmas lineup here:

easy mantel decor for chirstmas ideas with christmas greenery, candles and fairy lights.

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Thank you so much for following along.

Enjoy a beautiful day! xo

Stacy Ling

About Me

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Get the inside scoop about my background, education, and experience, as well as why I started blogging.

stacy ling cutting dahlias in her garden
Home and Garden Blogger Stacy Ling cutting zinnia flowers in her cottage garden with wood picket fence in front of garden shed

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29 Comments

  1. Any worries about the egg crate mattress pad decomposing or offgassing if your decorations are stored in the attic or garage where it gets hot in the summer?

    Reply

    1. Hi Amy! I’m not worried about it and the Tik Toker who shared it said she’d been storing her decorations this way for several years. I will update the post next year when I pull them out and let you know for sure because that is a very good question!

      Reply

      1. Thank you so much for this idea! I have a lot of very old ornaments from when I was a child and a lot that my children made when they were growing up. I feel this would be a perfect solution instead of just bunching them up in a box.

        Reply

    1. Thanks Paula! After wrapping and moving the last thing I wanted to do again was individually wrap stuff. I love this idea and really wanted to try it! Happy New Year!!! xo

      Reply

  3. Love this idea! I have an old ornament organizer but have long run out of space for all the ornaments so I individually wrap them as well. Need to try this method next year! Pinned!

    Reply

  4. Stacy,
    What a great idea. Thanks for sharing. I’m pinning for next year and sharing on my dirt road adventures.

    Reply

  6. This is life-changing! I need to do this hack after Christmas this year. Thanks for sharing. Pinned!

    Reply

  9. I love this practical and smart approach for ornament storage. It looks like it’s a space saver too! Great post Stacy!!

    Reply

  10. What a great idea Stacy! This is such a great solution to the nightmare I usually have when wrapping up my ornaments again for another year.

    Reply

  13. Okay, I haven’t seen this until now, and it is a game changer Stacy! No more individually wrapped ornaments? Yes please!!
    Thank you so much for sharing and cannot wait to try it out.
    xoxo,
    Brendt

    Reply