1. Wrap lights before storing to prevent tangles. Wind lights around cardboard panels from boxes or wrapping-paper tubes. Tape the ends of the strings of lights to the cardboard with low-tack masking tape. "If using tubes, slide extra lights and fuses inside so they'll be easy to find next year," Toney says.
2. Store wrapping paper in hanging garment bags. "The bags are tall enough to hold wrapping paper tubes and ribbon," Toney says. If the garment bag has outside pockets, tuck gift tags, unused cards, and tissue paper in them. Stash the garment bag in the back of the closet for easy access for birthdays and other holidays.
3. Save the original packaging. Toney suggests storing items with small pieces, such as nativity sets or holiday villages, in their original packaging. Not only does this ensure that the box is the right size, but the picture on the box keeps you from having to find a label.
4. Use divided boxes for ornaments. Divided wine or liquor boxes are perfect for storing round or odd-shaped ornaments. They are sturdier than commercial versions and often free at your local store.
5. Make bubble wrap your last step. "Never place bubble wrap directly against an ornament," Toney says. First, wrap fragile or vintage ornaments in acid-free tissue paper. Then add a layer of bubble wrap and place in a cardboard box.
6. Stack flat ornaments. Place flat ornaments, such as icicles, flat snowflakes, and wooden cutouts, between layers of tissue and store them in shoe boxes or labeled gift boxes.
7. Repurpose a hat box. Now you can store wreaths without crushing bows or losing embellishments. Hat boxes are sturdy and come in a variety of sizes.
8. Find a cool place. Toney recommends storing holiday candles in a cool place, such as a basement or the refrigerator. Wrap them in cellophane (available at paper goods or crafts stores) to keep them from melting together or transferring color if they get warm. Don't use plastic wrap or waxed paper. These materials may melt onto the candle in excess heat.
9. Put together a holiday tool kit. Fill a regular toolbox (or a shoe box) with holiday essentials, such as ornament hooks, tape, wire cutters, nylon line, narrow ribbon, scissors, florists' wire, twist ties, and spare holiday light bulbs. Next year all these supplies will be ready to go.
10. Label everything. "The key to good organization isn't just knowing where items are but what they are," Toney says. Label boxes and items before storing them. If you store more than one type of item in a single location, label each section. This will save you a lot of time and frustration next year.

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