Packing and Storing Holiday Decorations for a Winter Move

Moving during the winter months in Alberta or British Columbia comes with unique challenges—especially if your move happens just after the holidays. For many households in Canmore, Calgary, Banff, and surrounding areas, January means taking down festive lights, treasured ornaments, and cherished family heirlooms. But how do you keep your decorations safe and organized for next year while tackling the stress of relocation? At Moving You Home, we’ve helped countless families with winter moves and know exactly how to protect your holiday spirit for seasons to come.

Why Packing Holiday Decorations Properly Matters (Especially in Winter)

Delicate baubles, handmade crafts, artificial wreaths, and twinkling string lights are all at risk of breakage or weather damage during a move. In Alberta’s chilly climate, fluctuating temperatures and moisture can also impact your decorations—especially if they aren’t packed securely. Choosing the right packing and storage methods ensures each piece arrives safely at your new home, ready to shine again next season.

Locally Recommended Supplies for Winter Moves

For residents moving in and around Canmore, Calgary, or Banff, we always suggest investing in quality packing materials that can handle the elements. Here’s what to have on hand:

• Sturdy, weather-resistant boxes or plastic storage totes
• Bubble wrap and packing paper (avoid newspaper ink on delicate surfaces)
• Sealable, clear plastic bags for organizing small items
• Moisture-absorbing packets (like silica gel) for added protection
• Permanent markers and labels for easy identification

How Do You Store Holiday Decorations to Prevent Damage?

A common question from our Alberta clients is: “How do you store holiday decorations to prevent damage during a move?” The answer lies in careful packing and smart organization. Here’s our expert advice:

• Sort and Declutter: Before packing, sort your decorations. Donate or dispose of anything you no longer use, making your move lighter and more efficient.

• Wrap Fragile Items Individually: Delicate ornaments and figurines should be wrapped separately with bubble wrap or soft packing paper, then placed in compartmentalized boxes.

• Use Original Boxes When Possible: If you saved the original packaging for specialty items (like string lights or heirloom nativity sets), use them—they’re designed for protection!

• Label Everything Clearly: Mark boxes “Holiday Decorations—Fragile” and indicate which room they belong in at your new Canmore or Calgary home.

• Pack Lightly: Avoid overstuffing boxes; heavy boxes are more likely to break or suffer water damage in snowy conditions.

Organizing Decorations for Easy Unpacking Next Year

The last thing you want after a long winter move is to be hunting through boxes for your favourite ornaments next December. Stay organized with these bullet-pointed tips:

• Store items by room or by type (tree decorations, lights, outdoor displays)
• Bundle cords and lights with twist ties or cord organizers
• Photograph your arrangements before packing so you can recreate the magic in your new home
• Place moisture-absorbing packets in each tote to combat Alberta’s winter dampness
• Keep an inventory list taped to the outside of each box

Safe Storage Options in Alberta’s Climate

If your new home isn’t quite ready, or space is tight, secure storage is a must. Moving You Home offers flexible short-term and long-term storage solutions in Canmore, Calgary, Cochrane, and Airdrie. Our climate-controlled facilities protect your holiday treasures from extreme cold, dampness, and pests—so you can focus on settling in, not worrying about your decorations.

Make Your Next Holiday Unpacking a Joy, Not a Chore

Packing and storing holiday decorations doesn’t have to be stressful, even in the heart of an Alberta winter. With the right supplies, smart organizing, and support from your local moving experts, you’ll keep your festive memories intact year after year. At Moving You Home, we’re more than just movers—we help you manage every detail, from packing and transportation to specialized storage.

Ready to move with peace of mind? Book your January move and ask about our packing and storage services for holiday décor. Contact Moving You Home in Canmore today for a free, no-obligation quote and enjoy a smooth start to the year in your new home!