If you're someone who has always stuffed your holiday decor into mixed-and-matched boxes and tote bags, then packed them into an overflowing closet or cluttered, unfinished basement, it's time for a change. Storing Christmas decorations properly not only helps keep your home in order, but it also protects your valuable, sentimental, or fragile belongings. Unlike other holiday decorations or home decor, the Christmas holiday season includes items that are particularly tricky to pack and easy to break, such as delicate ornaments, wreaths, artificial trees, and strings of lights.

In this guide, we're breaking down our top holiday decoration storage tips and affordable seasonal storage ideas to help make your post-holiday organization easier.

Declutter Before You Store

The less you have to pack, the easier it is. This is true of any decor, but especially Christmas decorations. If you're like many families, you add a few pieces each year. Whether it's a new Christmas tree or Christmas ornaments, the items add up fast, leaving you to purchase more storage bins and find room for it all once the holiday is over.

To help save space, before you start putting things away, begin by decluttering. Donate or toss any items that are broken or outdated, or decor presents you've received this year that just aren't your style.

If you don't have a shelf in the garage, attic, closet, or space under the bed to store your decor, decluttering also means that you won't need to pay for as much storage space.

To begin the decluttering process, start making stacks of ornaments, lights, and other decor, separated by piles or in boxes labeled "keep," "donate," and "replace next year." This will make it easier to get organized and give you a better idea of how much storage space you'll need when you do start packing.

Use the Right Containers

Whether you're filling a storage room in your basement or a storage unit, choosing the right containers is important. Cardboard boxes are less expensive and come in a variety of sizes. However, they can't hold as much weight or stand up to years of use like plastic storage bins. 

Another great way to get organized, make more space, and protect your fragile items is to use customized containers. There are tons of ornament storage ideas available, ranging from special boxes for ornaments to inserts for plastic storage containers to protect and organize them. 

Even if you're using special inserts, it's a good idea to pad particularly special ornaments with bubble wrap or make sure each is carefully wrapped in tissue paper. If you store your holiday decor in solid plastic bins that don't display what's inside, make sure to add labels. This can help you stay organized and quickly find what you need when you're ready to decorate next year.

You can also use storage bags to store Christmas trees or wreaths instead of the original cardboard boxes, which take up more space and break down over time. Just make sure you don't stack heavy items on your wreath or tree bags. If you have soft holiday decorations like pillows and blankets, use vacuum-sealed bags. Cord organizers are great for wrapping up lights and preventing tangling.

Investing in high-quality containers to store your belongings can help keep them safe in your house or storage unit from one season to the next. Getting creative with your storage and using special containers for ornaments or wreaths and trees not only makes them easier to store and keep organized, but also makes it easier to decorate your apartment or house next holiday season.

Muscular Moving Men sells sturdy boxes and packing kits that are great for putting away and storing seasonal decor.

Consider a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit

Unless you're lucky enough to have a huge walk-in closet that you can fully dedicate to your Christmas decor and other holiday storage, you're going to need to find a place to stash your storage containers and other decor.

Many families opt to store their holiday decor on a shelf in the garage, in the attic, or in any available space throughout their home, like a spare room, the top shelf of a pantry, or under the guest bed. But this can leave your home unnecessarily cluttered and make it hard to find your decor for the holidays next year. Your lights might end up in one room, your ornaments in the attic, and the rest of your bins piled in the garage.

One great alternative is to rent a climate-controlled storage unit instead of storing your decor in your own home. Not only does this mean less clutter in your house or apartment, but it also makes your decor more easily accessible next holiday season. Having a dedicated holiday decor storage unit means you can add more decorations from one year to the next, without worrying about running out of room to store them.

A climate-controlled storage unit will also help protect decorations that might be damaged by temperature changes. Storing candles or paper items in an outdoor closet or a shelf in your garage or basement can lead to melting and curling that can ruin your decorations. The same goes for items that are difficult to dust, like trees and wreaths.

Another benefit of renting a storage unit for your holiday decor storage is the ability to store wrapping items, like wrapping paper, bows, and gift tags. This means saving leftovers each year so you can save money on buying new, without dealing with unraveling rolls of paper in your closet all year.

Muscular Moving Men's secure, local, climate-controlled warehouse is a great option for Phoenix residents looking for storage after the holidays. Don't add more clutter to your apartment closet or your home's basement floor.

Maximize Space to Minimize Cost

If you do decide to rent a storage unit to store decorations and seasonal items, it's important to ensure you're maximizing your space. In a storage unit, every square foot counts. The more efficiently you pack, the smaller the space you’ll need and the more money you’ll save.

Here are some tips to help you maximize space when packing decorations:

• Disassemble artificial trees and store them in compact bags
• Stack multiple wreaths and store them in special bags to protect them and make them easier to store
• Use ornament bins with dividers to avoid wasting space on bulky packaging
• For delicate ornaments, consider wrapping in tissue paper for extra padding without adding bulk
• Vacuum-seal soft items like garlands, tree skirts, and holiday pillows and blankets
• Label everything clearly in your bins so you don’t waste time — or risk damage — digging out things to decorate next season
• Stack boxes by size and weight to avoid renting a larger unit than necessary
• Place your Christmas tree bag upright to take up less space and avoid damaging your tree while it's in storage
• Use cord organizers to store lights without tangling. Place these cord organizers in storage bins to prevent damage and keep them organized so you're ready to decorate next year.

Pro tip: Muscular Moving Men offers moving-grade boxes and storage kits designed for protecting delicate holiday items, which makes putting away bins even easier.

Bundle Your Move + Storage

Have an upcoming move this year? Instead of moving your holiday decorations from the closet in your apartment to the floor of your new home's basement, take advantage of your move to get a dedicated holiday storage unit.

Muscular Moving Men can pick up and store holiday bins directly without customers needing to haul them. You'll get a brand-new storage space that's organized and ready to go for the next holiday, as well as more closet space in your new home!

This also means you'll have fewer boxes to unpack or find a place to store when you get to your new home. A move is a great chance to get organized — why not finally cross organizing your holiday decorations off your list during your move?

Store Your Holiday Decor With Muscular Moving Men

Learning how to store holiday decorations doesn't have to be complicated. With a few simple tips, you can save money, get organized, and protect your family's special decorations year after year. From decluttering your holiday decor to using the right bins and investing in a storage unit if space is tight, these tips are a great start to storing your holiday decorations better.Don’t let your holiday decorations get ruined in the garage or lost in the attic. Phoenix movers like Muscular Moving Men offer safe, affordable storage options that keep your items in perfect shape for next year. Give us a call today at (877) 434-8668 to get started with a free quote.

Don’t let this be you. Understanding the types of climate-controlled storage goes a long way in keeping your belongings safe.

Understanding the Types of Climate-Controlled Storage

Just like it sounds, climate-controlled storage keeps your belongings cool by controlling the temperature and humidity. There are several different types of climate-controlled storage that give you the extra space you need while taking into consideration factors like temperature, humidity, or both. Others can even be delivered to you, all while keeping your belongings safe. 

Whether you’re storing old family photos, electronics, or artwork, climate-controlled storage can help keep everything in good shape. Let’s break down the different types of climate-controlled storage and see which one is best for your needs.

Temperature-Controlled Storage

Just like the name suggests, temperature-controlled storage keeps the temperature steady, usually between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This is great for items like electronics, wooden furniture and musical instruments that can get damaged if it gets too hot or too cold. 

For example, if electronics get too hot, they might stop working. Wooden furniture can crack or warp in extreme temperatures. Musical instruments can go out of tune or get damaged. It doesn’t take extreme temperatures to damage your devices. Temperature-controlled storage helps prevent these problems by keeping the temperature just right.

Humidity-Controlled Storage

Humidity-controlled storage keeps the moisture level in the air steady, usually between 30% and 50%. This is important for things like paper documents, clothes, and artwork. Too much moisture can cause mold and mildew, while too little can make things brittle and dry.

Think about old family photos or important papers—they can get ruined if they’re stored in a damp place. Clothes can get moldy, and artwork can warp or rot. This is especially important in deterring insects, which are attracted to high humidity spaces. Humidity-controlled storage makes sure the air is just right to keep these items safe and in good condition.

Combination Climate-Controlled Storage

Combination climate-controlled storage units control both temperature and humidity. This means they provide the best protection for a wide range of items that need both kinds of control. 

This type of storage is perfect for antiques, high-value collectibles, and important records. Antiques might be made of different materials like wood and metal, which need stable conditions. Collectibles like rare books or vintage toys need careful preservation to keep their value. Combination storage is a safe solution to cover all of your bases as it ensures your items are protected from both temperature and moisture damage.

Specialized Climate-Controlled Storage

Some items need even more specific conditions. Specialized climate-controlled storage is designed for sensitive items like wine, furs, and high-value collectibles. These units keep the perfect conditions that go beyond regular climate control.

For example, wine needs a specific temperature and humidity to stay good and taste right. Furs need cool temperatures and low humidity to avoid drying out. High-value collectibles, like vintage toys, might need special conditions to keep them in top shape. Specialized storage units are a necessary investment to make sure these items get the exact environment they need.

Mobile Climate-Controlled Storage

Mobile climate-controlled storage units can be delivered to your location. They’re perfect for both temporary needs, like local moves, or long-term storage, like renovating your home. These units keep your stuff safe from extreme temperatures and humidity while being super convenient.

For instance, if you’re renovating your house and need to store furniture, electronics, or other sensitive items, a mobile climate-controlled unit can be brought to your place. You get the flexibility of on-site storage with the protection of climate control, making it easy to access your things while keeping them safe.

Ready to Grab Your Storage Unit?

When choosing a storage unit, think about what kind of items you need to store and the conditions they require. Muscular Moving Men’s climate-controlled storage units offer various options to protect your belongings. Whether you need temperature control, humidity control, or both, we have the right solution for you.

Our storage facilities provide excellent protection for your valuables, keeping them in great condition. Unsure if you need climate controlled storage? Check out this blog where we answer whether or not you need climate controlled storage or contact us today to find the perfect unit for your needs.

Climate controlled storage definitely has its place though. Especially if you are wanting to store particular types of items or you intend on storing your items for a longer period of time and the area where they would be located is subject to extreme temperatures and/or humidity.

There are a lot of options when it comes to deciding upon what type of storage would be the best for your budget and the items that you are going to store. Here are some of the common questions regarding climate controlled storage.

What Is Climate Controlled Storage

Sometimes referred to as temperature controlled storage, climate controlled storage is usually just what it sounds like. But be advised that temperature controlled may be just that as defined by the facility… only the temperature is controlled. True climate control refers to the regulation of both the temperature and the humidity in the storage facility. So, a true climate controlled facility is set up to maintain a steady temperature and humidity levels and are equipped with a dehumidifier as well as HVAC systems.

Remember that there is no official standard as to "climate controlled" so the definition could vary slightly depending upon location as some storage may offer only heated or only cooled, so you'll want to make sure of what the storage company is offering to provide. Ask for the details and their definition of climate controlled.

Generally, the temperature of true climate controlled units remains constant between 55 and 85 degrees. These units are typically indoor units within a larger building or warehouse. Since these units are located inside the facility the air quality is generally cleaner and more dust free and there is less chance of rodents getting into your belongings.

Temperature And Humidity In Climate Control

These are two important elements in the climate controlled equation. Maintaining optimal heat and humidity levels means controlling the moisture which means when the temperature and humidity are properly controlled moisture and mildew won’t begin to form on the items that you've put into storage.

Is Climate Controlled Storage Worth It

This is more of a question as to what value you put on your items that are being stored and how long you intend on storing them. If you are storing sensitive and irreplaceable items, then having them in a climate controlled facility would be of high importance. If you happen to live in a more moderate climate and aren't going to be storing your items for very long then the benefits of a climate controlled unit versus the additional cost may not carry as much weight. The bottom line is that if you place a high monetary or personal value on your items then, yes, you'll probably want to go with the climate controlled option.

What Items Need Climate Controlled Storage

Just about anything will benefit overall if stored in climate controlled storage. However, there are certain items that need to be stored in climate control.

• Furniture (anything made of or containing wood, metal, wicker, leather, or upholstery)
• Electronics
• Media (DVDs, videos, vinyl records, etc.)
• Artwork
• Clothing - particularly anything with leather or lace
• Important Documents
• Photographs
• Books and magazines
• Musical instruments
• Wine
• Antiques
• Collectibles or sets
• Appliances - due to hoses and electronics
• Sports equipment
• Bicycles
• Mattresses
• Vinyl records

The key to whether an item specifically needs the benefit of climate control storage is determined by how the particular item will react to moisture and/or extreme temperatures.

Wood can become warped, cracked, or begin to rot. Leather can dry out and become discolored and even be susceptible to mildew. Electronics can rust and if moist shouldn't be plugged in. Paper and photographs can actually begin to deteriorate and even crumble.

If you're wondering as to whether something should be in a climate controlled environment ask yourself:

• Could it get moldy or develop mildew?
• Would high heat and cold cause the parts or joints to expand and contract?
• Is it personally or monetarily irreplaceable?
• Is it designed to be stored in a constant environment such as artwork or wine?

Other Factors For Climate Controlled Storage

How long will your items be in storage? If your items are going to be in a storage unit for an extended period that would span seasons, you may want to think twice. You'll want to consider the temperature and humidity conditions that could exist for your items if they were to be in storage that spanned more than one season that would expose them to more extreme temperatures.

Remember that the outside elements are going to eventually get into a standard storage unit. So, you will definitely be exposing your items to moisture at some level unless you do something to pack them so tightly as to keep moisture out.

The Cost Of Climate Controlled Storage

As mentioned earlier the cost of a climate controlled facility is going to be higher than a standard storage unit and costs can vary greatly between different facilities so take the time to do your due diligence.

Controlling the temperature and the humidity for a climate controlled storage facility takes equipment and technology that has to be installed, maintained, and powered, so it's easy to understand the additional costs involved.

At the end of the day, it all depends on the value that you put on your belongings. Most people agree though, that it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to their personal belongings. Make sure that you get full details from any storage facility as to how they define "climate controlled" and what systems that they have in place that actually does control the climate that your belongings will be staying in.

• Get more than enough space - Whether you just have a few pieces of furniture and a couple of boxes or you have a ton of stuff you need to store, make sure that you get a unit that has more than enough space. You'll want to have space that you can keep clear so that you can walk in and get anything that you want to take out.
• Consider climate-controlled units - If you have any items that are temperature sensitive, then you'll need to rent an indoor climate-controlled unit as opposed to an outdoor garage-style unit.
• Don't just pick a unit based on location - A storage unit located near you may be more convenient, but it doesn't mean it's better. Make sure that the storage company is reputable and that they have good security. Check reviews online to see what previous customers thought of their storage units before making a decision.
• Look at the gate hours - Different storage unit facilities have different gate hours. If you want to be able to access your storage at certain times, be sure to pay attention to what the gate hours are.

If you're planning on downsizing and need to rent a storage unit, then use these tips to choose the right storage unit. Be sure to contact us at Muscular Moving Men to schedule your upcoming move today. We can move your items into or out of your storage unit.

What to Store and Save

If you have larger pieces of furniture that have sentimental value as well as financial value, you might want to put them in storage - especially if you think that you may move to a larger home at some point in the future or if you want to leave these items to your children.

If you're keeping toys, supplies, and books for your children, consider narrowing down the collection. For example, high chairs and cribs that were considered safe when your children were young may have since been recalled or phased out. Sorting through items with your children, whether they're still living with you or moved out, can help you narrow things down.

What to Get Rid Of

If you're worried about getting rid of things your children might want, simply ask them. Don't just assume that they'll want everything. This generation of younger adults are tending toward smaller spaces.

Large pieces of furniture and decor items that don't have much use or sentimental value should be sold, donated or tossed. The same goes for clothing you're unlikely to want to wear again. Holiday decorations can be significantly curtailed. Daunting though it may seem, consider going through files or paperwork to shred or recycle what you no longer need. Pictures can be scanned and stored digitally.

We can help you with every step of the moving process. This means that not only can we help you move, we can offer storage and concierge services. Contact Muscular Moving Men for more information today.

If this is the case, it will work better for you if you go with a moving company that offers both the moving and the storage options all in house.

Is the storage facility climate controlled? Be sure to not only ask but find out what specifically "climate controlled" is defined as. The truth is climate controlled can in reality vary quite greatly. For example, if you've wrapped any of your furniture in plastic to protect it and the "climate controlled" facility gets too hot, the plastic could melt into your furniture.

Let The Professional Help

Go with a company that has trained packing and storing professionals. This can be of great help as they have all the materials that they need on hand that can get you packed up. Things such as using the correct size boxes, and efficiently packing your stuff away for you will get you the most efficient use of your storage space and save you money.

Also, by using the professional packers you'll know your belongings will be in the same shape coming out of storage as they were going in. They'll make sure all the furniture is wrapped and the more fragile furniture items are properly blanket protected before moving them into storage.

Mark, label and plan ahead. If you know that there may be some items that you will want to get to before the rest of your stuff, make sure that you let the packers know so they can add these items to your storage vault last for easier access when that time comes.

What Size of Storage Facility?

Without seeing a storage space first, it can be really difficult to judge how much space you will need to adequately store your items. Granted, renting a unit that is too large is a waste of money, but storage that is too small will obviously not suit your needs. To estimate the amount of space you will need, you should make a list of all the items that you wish to store in the space. Also, try and arrange to view the space before going ahead and renting it.

Storage Location

Storage spaces that are close to cities tend to be more expensive than more rural locations. With that being said, you should shop around first and pick something that suits you. If you don't need access to the items frequently then you could get away with storing them in a more rural location.

Try and avoid areas that are known for robberies and crime - even if your space is secured and locked, it can still be broken into, so vet the area beforehand.

Storage Extras

Climate controlled storage - While climate-controlled storage units can be more expensive, they are ideal for storing items that are delicate or of sentimental value.

Ease of access - Standard weekday access to your storage unit may not fit with your day-to-day schedule, however, some storage facilities are accessible 24/7 which may be more suited to your needs.

Security - CCTV and an alarm system are nowadays prerequisites to any storage facility. Fire safety equipment should be installed in the storage space to prevent your items from accidental fire damage.

Speak to us at Muscular Moving Men at 602-923-6400 to find out how we can help you with your storage needs.

Choose the Right Storage Boxes

Shop around - There are many different places where you can get secondhand or used storage boxes. For a start, your local shops may have some that they no longer use, so all you need to do is ask. Alternatively, online is an excellent resource for finding what you need. Craigslist and many other secondhand sources offer free or very cheap storage boxes.

Think about your requirements - Before you go looking around for storage boxes, you must understand what your requirements are. Do you have a lot of stuff to store? Will you be storing delicate items? These are only two of the many questions you need to ask yourself. Before you contact people and companies about secondhand storage boxes, make a list of exactly what you need.

Other packing materials - While you're on the search for storage boxes, consider whether you'll need other packing materials such as tape, newspaper, or packing peanuts. You can usually obtain many of these items from the same place you get your storage boxes.

Get Your Storage Boxes

If you would like to speak to Muscular Moving Men about your storage options, packing materials, or help with moving, simply pick up the phone and dial 602-923-6400 today. We're here to help you with all of your packing and storage needs.

Granted, researching spaces like shipping containers can cause the biggest of headaches; what size do you need? What material should it be made from? How secure is it? Well for a start, the best type of storage container to use is one that's made from metal. Read on to find out more.

Container Types

Shipping containers are designed to be stacked in tall columns on specially built container ships. They come in two standard lengths so that they stack easily, 20 feet or 40 feet. All standard containers are 8 feet tall and 8.5 feet wide and include locking doors and everything needed for stacking on a ship. The maximum weight they can hold is 30 tons. They are always made of a special type of steel designed to survive in harsh climates.

Buying Containers

Used shipping containers can be purchased online, but should always be examined in person before purchasing. Since these are large, heavy and expensive to transport, you will find the best prices closest to major shipping ports. Prices range from $1400 to $5000.

Metal Storage Containers Offer Security

Due to the robust and strong nature of steel, it certainly is the best material to use when choosing a storage container. If your storage container is going to be moved regularly or house very valuable items, steel is best.

Additionally, steel storage containers are difficult to access if the person attempting to access doesn't have a key or code to gain entry. Therefore, it's certainly one of the most secure materials to choose when it comes to storage containers.

More Affordable

Metal storage containers are certainly more cost-effective than other types of storage containers. This is down to the simple fact that metal is cheaper and  easier to mold and shape. Surprisingly, plastic storage containers are more expensive than metal ones and are also flimsier. Wooden storage containers, however, can often be found cheaper, but they don't offer the same level of security.

Muscular Moving Men - Here for You

No matter what you need when it comes to moving and storage, get in touch to find out if we can help you! Dial 602-923-6400 today.