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What Goes Wrong With Wreaths in Storage
Wreaths are hard to store well because they are wide, flat, and easy to crush. Laid in the bottom of a tote, they get flattened by whatever sits on top. Stuffed in a garbage bag, the picks, bows, and pinecones get knocked loose and the branches set in the wrong direction. By next December you are reshaping branches by hand and gluing decorations back on.
A wreath container fixes this by giving the wreath a round space of its own, keeping dust off, and letting you stack or hang it without pressure on the front.
Step One: Measure the Wreath
Wreath storage is sized by diameter. Measure the widest point of your wreath, including bows and any picks that stick out past the frame, because those are what get crushed in a too-small container.
- Up to 22 to 24 inches: a 24-inch container or bag fits, like the HOMZ 24-inch hard containers or the Hearth & Harbor 24-inch bag.
- 24 to 30 inches: choose a 30-inch bag, like the Whitmor bag or the VENO 2-pack.
- Over 30 inches: most standard wreath bags will be tight. Consider hanging the wreath inside a large clear garment-style cover, or store it in a large flat tote with nothing on top.
Depth matters too. Very full wreaths or wreaths with large bows need a container with enough height, so look for gusseted bags or hard containers with deep bases.
Hard Containers vs Soft Bags
Hard plastic containers, like the HOMZ 24-inch clear wreath containers, protect the wreath from being crushed and can be stacked. They are the best choice for decorated wreaths with glass ornaments, delicate picks, or lights wired into the frame, and for attics where boxes end up stacked. They take more space when empty and cost more per wreath, especially in a three-pack.
Soft bags, like the Whitmor and VENO bags, are inexpensive, light, and easy to hang. They keep out dust and protect against scuffs but not against weight. Hang soft bags from a hook, a closet rod, or a rafter, or keep them on top of a stack.
Low-profile boxes, like the IRIS USA 33 quart wreath container 3-pack, sit in between: they are hard-sided boxes that slide under a bed or onto a deep shelf. They work well for smaller and flatter wreaths and for apartments without attic space.
Hang or Stack?
Hanging is the gentlest way to store a wreath because nothing presses on any side. If you have a closet rod, garage hooks, or exposed rafters, a bag with a hanging loop or handles is ideal. Use a sturdy hook rated for the wreath's weight, and keep bags away from furnaces and water heaters.
If you must stack, use a hard container and put the wreath on top of the stack, not under heavy totes. Store it flat, front side up.
Garland Needs the Same Care
Garland gets tangled and flattened in the same way. The Whitmor bag is labeled for wreaths and garland, and the VENO bags are also sold for garland. To pack garland:
- Remove any ornaments or clips attached to it.
- Coil it loosely in a large circle instead of folding it. Tight folds leave permanent kinks.
- Keep pre-lit garland separate from plain garland so wiring is not crushed.
- Add a label with the length and where it goes ("mantel, 9 ft").
Packing a Wreath Step by Step
- Take it down on a dry day. Outdoor wreaths should be fully dry before storage. Moisture trapped in a sealed bag leads to mildew and rusted wire.
- Remove batteries from battery-operated lights to prevent corrosion.
- Re-fluff and reshape now. Bend branches back into position before it goes in the container. The wreath will hold whatever shape it is stored in.
- Secure loose picks and bows with a twist tie or a dab of floral wire rather than letting them hang.
- Add a layer of tissue over fragile decorations so they do not rub the lid.
- Label the container with the wreath's location, such as "front door" or "dining room window."
Where to Store Wreaths
Wreaths with real pinecones, dried florals, or berries are the most sensitive to heat and humidity. Store those inside the living space: a closet shelf, under a bed, or in a basement with a dehumidifier. Artificial wreaths with plastic branches tolerate garages better, but very hot attics can still make decorations brittle and loosen glued-on picks over several summers.
Keep wreath containers off bare concrete floors, which wick moisture, and away from rodent-prone corners of garages. Hard plastic containers with tight lids are the better choice anywhere pests are a concern.
Organizing Multiple Wreaths Across Seasons
Many households own more than one wreath: a Christmas wreath, a winter wreath that stays up through February, and spring or fall wreaths for the rest of the year. The same containers work for all of them, so it is worth buying a set rather than one bag at a time.
- Use clear containers or bags so you can see which wreath is inside without opening them.
- Store the next season's wreath in front. When the Christmas wreath comes down in January, the winter or spring wreath should be the easiest one to reach.
- Keep a matching hook or hanger in each container so the right hardware travels with the wreath.
Common Mistakes
- Measuring the frame instead of the full wreath. Bows and picks add inches.
- Storing outdoor wreaths damp. Let them dry indoors for a day first.
- Stacking totes on soft wreath bags. Soft bags are for hanging or the top of the pile.
- Leaving batteries in light packs. Corroded battery boxes are a common reason lit wreaths stop working.
When to Buy
Wreath storage is easiest to size during takedown, when you can measure each wreath and see how many you have. That is late December into January, and holiday storage is often part of January clearance, so check current prices then. If your wreaths are already stored in garbage bags, getting containers before you decorate means they come down into something better.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you store a wreath without crushing it?
Give it its own round container sized to the wreath's full diameter, including bows. Hang soft bags from a hook or rod, or use a hard plastic container if it will be stacked with other bins.
What size wreath storage bag do I need?
Measure the widest point of the wreath, including bows and picks. Wreaths up to about 24 inches fit 24-inch containers; wreaths up to 30 inches need a 30-inch bag.
Can I store a wreath in a regular storage tote?
Only if the tote is wide enough to hold the wreath flat without bending it and nothing is stacked on top. A dedicated wreath container is usually easier and protects the shape better.
How do I store a wreath with lights?
Remove batteries, make sure the wreath is dry, and store it in a hard-sided container so the wiring and light sockets are not crushed. Keep it out of very hot attics where wiring and plastic can get brittle over time.
Can I store garland in a wreath bag?
Yes. Several wreath bags are designed for garland too. Coil the garland loosely in a circle rather than folding it, and keep pre-lit garland separate from plain garland.
