Seasonal decorations are some of the most sentimental things you own. The ornaments that have been on the tree every Christmas since childhood. The Halloween decorations the kids picked out. The Easter basket that belonged to your grandmother. Moving them without damage takes a little more care than throwing them in a box and hoping for the best. Here is how to do it right.
Declutter Before You Pack a Single Thing
Moving is the perfect time to edit your decoration collection. Lay everything out and be honest — are there items that are broken, faded, or that you genuinely have not put out in three years? Donate anything still in good condition and toss anything that is not. The fewer boxes of decorations you move, the less you pay to move them and the less you have to unpack and store at the other end.
Sort by Holiday and Then by Fragility
Before reaching for the bubble wrap, sort everything into groups — Christmas, Halloween, Easter, Thanksgiving, and so on. Within each group, separate fragile items like glass ornaments and ceramic figures from non-fragile ones like fabric garlands, inflatable decorations, and plastic bins. This makes packing faster and ensures your most breakable pieces get the most protection.
Ornaments — The Most Fragile of All
Glass and ceramic ornaments need individual attention. Wrap each one in packing paper first — never bubble wrap directly against the ornament, as the plastic can stick to delicate finishes and cause damage. Once wrapped in packing paper, add a layer of bubble wrap for extra cushioning. Place ornaments in a box with cardboard dividers or cell inserts to keep them from touching each other. Fill every gap with crumpled packing paper so nothing shifts in transit. Label the box FRAGILE on every side.
Cookie tins and egg cartons are surprisingly effective for storing small ornaments — the compartments keep pieces separated and cushioned without any extra wrapping.
Christmas Lights and Garlands
Lights are the item most people shove in a box and then spend forty five minutes untangling the following December. Before packing, wind each string of lights around a piece of cardboard — cut an old box into strips and use those. Secure the end with a twist tie. Pack each wrapped strand separately in a bag or small box. Test your lights before packing if you can — there is nothing more frustrating than discovering a dead strand after moving.
For fabric garlands and wreaths, use large boxes or clear plastic bins. Avoid compressing them under heavy items — they need breathing room to maintain their shape.
The Christmas Tree
If you still have the original box your artificial tree came in, use it. If not, a canvas or polyester tree storage bag is a worthwhile investment — they are built for the purpose and make moving and storing a tree much easier year after year. Disassemble the tree in sections and pack each section wrapped in plastic wrap to keep the branches tight and intact. Never stack heavy boxes on top of a packed tree.
If you have a tree with artificial snow or flocking, expect some shedding when it moves — have a vacuum nearby when you unpack it at the new place.
Bulky and Inflatable Decorations
For large inflatable outdoor decorations, make sure they are completely deflated and fully dry before packing — any moisture trapped inside can cause mold. Fold them loosely rather than sharply, as tight folds can crack or damage the material over time. Pack them in large breathable bins rather than sealed plastic bags.
Heirlooms and Irreplaceable Pieces
If you have handmade ornaments, family heirlooms, or decorations that simply cannot be replaced, do not put them on the truck. Pack them carefully in a small, well-cushioned box and transport them in your own vehicle. The peace of mind is worth it.
Label Everything for Next Year Too
Here is the move that saves you enormous time come December. Label every box not just with FRAGILE but with the specific holiday and a brief contents list — Christmas — glass ornaments, Christmas — lights and garlands, Halloween — ceramic figures. When the holiday rolls around at your new place, you will know exactly which box to open.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I pack seasonal decorations before a move? Seasonal decorations are the ideal place to start packing because you likely do not need them before moving day. Pack them four to six weeks before your move so they are out of the way while you tackle the rest of the house.
Can I use newspaper to wrap decorations? Avoid newspaper for anything delicate — the ink transfers and can permanently stain ornaments and ceramic pieces. Use packing paper instead. It is inexpensive and available at any hardware or moving supply store.
Should seasonal decorations go in plastic bins or cardboard boxes? Clear plastic bins are ideal for long-term storage because you can see the contents without opening them. For the move itself, sturdy cardboard boxes work well as long as they are properly packed and labeled. Avoid old or flimsy boxes for anything fragile.
What do I do with decorations I no longer want? Donation is the best option for anything still in good condition. Organizations across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland accept holiday decorations, and Buy Nothing groups on Facebook are a great way to pass things on to neighbours who will use them.
Got something fragile that needs extra care on moving day? Our team at Brothers Moving handles your belongings with care on every job across BC — give us a call at 604-720-0931 or request a free quote online and we will take it from there.
Brothers Moving serves Metro Vancouver including Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Delta, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Langley, Abbotsford, White Rock and Horseshoe Bay. We also serve Vancouver Island including Victoria, Nanaimo, Courtenay, Campbell River and Parksville, and throughout BC including Kelowna, Kamloops, Penticton, Chilliwack and Prince George.