Seasonal Storage Made Simple: 5 Hacks to Stay Organized All Year

Sometimes it feels as if every season brings a new round of digging through storage. In spring and summer, out come the patio chairs and garden tools. Come fall and winter, it’s time for the holiday decorations. There’s something satisfying about having seasonal staples to look forward to each year—but keeping everything organized in between seasons can be a real headache unless you have a plan.

Here are five simple ways to organize your seasonal storage without the stress.

Label everything

That means everything.

Since nearly a year might pass before you pull certain items out again, it’s smart to give yourself a little assist with helpful notes. Here are a few easy ways to do that.

Create hyper-specific storage bin labels. Mark your containers by season, holiday, activity, room—or a mix of these. A box labeled “Halloween Front Porch Decorations” tells you not only what’s inside it, but when you’ll need it and where it should go. Don’t be shy with details—it will ultimately make things easier.
Make inventory lists. Take your labeling a step further by writing (or typing) a quick list of everything in each bin, especially if you think you may need to find something specific later. This is particularly useful if you decorate in phases or dip into storage throughout the year for items such as outdoor sports gear.
Tag items with helpful notes. If you’re storing anything that might raise questions later, tape a quick note with extra info. For example, label holiday lights with where they should be strung.

Store it smarter

Storage options have come a long way—sleek, compact, and surprisingly affordable. The key is organizing your seasonal storage in a way that makes sense for how (and when) you use it.

Invest in modern solutions. Today’s smart storage options help you maximize space without breaking the bank. Look for things such as vacuum-sealed bags, rolling bins that fit under furniture, or collapsible/expandable boxes.
Create a color-coding system. Use season-appropriate colored bins to make items easy to spot. For example, store Christmas décor in red or green bins, and stash your fall gear in orange ones. It’s a quick visual cue that saves time and effort.
Use transparent bins. Not into color coding? Clear plastic bins allow you to see what’s inside without digging through everything—perfect for when you’re in a hurry or just need one item.
Maximize vertical space. If you’re tight on storage space, consider using wall-mounted shelves or overhead racks in garages, basements, or closets. Vertical storage keeps floor space clear and is ideal for seasonal storage bins that don’t require regular access.

Photograph each seasonal setup

This tip is especially helpful for seasonal or holiday décor: While each room or space is still fully decorated, take a few photos to document it.

If you decorate multiple rooms or have a lot of items, photos will remind you exactly where everything goes—saving you time and stress next year. You can even go the extra step and print the photos to tape to the lids of your storage bins.

Know when to let it go

Clutter control is key to staying organized. Instead of letting unused items collect dust and take up room, toss or donate anything you’re no longer using.

As you’re packing things away for the season, ask yourself a few honest questions: Do you actually want or need this? Have you used it this year—or in recent years? Does it hold any sentimental value?

If you’re only keeping something “just in case,” it’s probably not worth the space.

Leave notes for future you

Since your seasonal items won’t resurface for months, do your future self a favor: Jot down a few reminders before packing everything away.

This could include problems you encountered, changes you want to make next year, or small things to remember. Maybe you chipped an ornament and want to handle it more carefully next time. Maybe one of your patio covers needs patching. If you don’t want to (or can’t) deal with it now, a quick note will ensure you won’t forget later.

Seasonal storage doesn’t have to be a hassle. With these five simple strategies, you can take control of your space, cut the clutter, and make decorating next season easier than ever.