Halloween is just around the corner, and while the spooky celebrations are winding down, there’s one important task that shouldn’t be overlooked: organizing and storing your Halloween decorations properly. Whether you have a few pumpkins and string lights or an entire yard display that rivals a professional haunted house, now is the perfect time to declutter, organize, and pack away your Halloween items so they’re ready for next year.

As families across America prepare to put away their Halloween decor, smart organization and thoughtful decluttering can save you time, money, and storage space for years to come. Here’s your complete guide to Halloween organization that will make next October stress-free.

( adhesive bats )

The Halloween Spending Reality: Why Organization Matters

 

Before we dive into organization tips, I thought it would be interesting to research how much Americans invest in Halloween each year—because understanding the financial commitment makes proper storage even more important.

In 2024, Americans spent nearly $4 billion on Halloween costumes alone and another $3.5 billion on candy. Wow! Total Halloween spending reached approximately $11.6 billion. That’s a significant investment in a single holiday!

More than 70% of Americans planned to celebrate Halloween in 2024, which means the majority of households have decorations, costumes, and accessories that need proper storage once the holiday ends.

When you consider how much money goes into Halloween each year, it becomes clear why protecting and organizing these items is important. Proper storage helps you:

• Preserve decorations so they last for many years (less waste!)
• Avoid buying duplicates of items you already own but can’t find
• Save money by reusing costumes and decorations
• Make setup easier next October when everything is organized and accessible

Why Now Is the Perfect Time for Halloween Organization

 

The week after Halloween is a smart time to tackle decoration decluttering. Here’s why:

Fresh memory of what worked. You just finished using everything, so you know exactly which decorations looked great, which ones broke, and which ones you never even unpacked.

Avoid rushed packing. Many people quickly throw Halloween items in boxes to make room for Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations. Taking time now prevents damage and disorganization.

Declutter while motivated. Right after the holiday, you’re more willing to part with broken or unused items rather than storing them “just in case.”

Sales are happening. Post-Halloween clearance sales mean you can replace broken items on a budget and note what you need for next year.

Storage space is needed. With Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching, you need to efficiently store Halloween items to make room for the next wave of holiday decorations.

Step 1: Declutter Before You Store

 

The biggest mistake people make is packing away everything without first evaluating what’s worth keeping. Follow this decluttering process:

Sort Everything Into Categories

 

As you take down decorations, create piles:

Keep: Items in good condition that you used and loved this year

Repair: Decorations with minor issues that can be fixed (broken strings of lights, torn fabric, etc.)

Donate: Unused items in good condition that other families could enjoy

Trash: Broken, damaged, or worn-out decorations beyond repair

Ask These Decluttering Questions

 

For each Halloween item, honestly ask yourself:

• Did we actually use this decoration this year?
• Is it in good, working condition?
• Does it fit our current style and aesthetic?
• Would we genuinely use this again next year?
• Could another family enjoy this more than we do?

If you answer “no” to most of these questions, it’s time to let the item go.

Common Items to Declutter

 

Broken string lights: If you haven’t fixed them by now, you won’t. Recycle them properly.

Damaged inflatables: Holes, broken fans, or fading make these eyesores rather than decorations.

Costumes that don’t fit: Kids grow, styles change. Donate costumes in good condition to schools, theaters, or families.

Dried-out fake blood and makeup: These products have expiration dates. Toss anything old or separated.

Broken animatronics: If the motion sensor doesn’t work or the sound is garbled, decide if it’s worth repairing or if it’s time to let it go.

Excess candy bowls and serving dishes: Keep your favorites, donate duplicates.

Worn-out welcome mats and banners: Faded, torn, or stained items detract from your display.

Step 2: Clean Everything Before Storage

 

Never store dirty Halloween decorations. This step is crucial for preventing damage, mold, and pests:

Outdoor decorations: Wipe down all outdoor items with a damp cloth to remove dirt, leaves, spider webs, and moisture. Let everything dry completely before packing.

Fabric items: Wash or spot-clean Halloween tablecloths, curtains, throw pillows, and fabric banners. Ensure they’re completely dry to prevent mildew.

Plastic decorations: Wipe with all-purpose cleaner to remove grime and sticky residue.

Glass and ceramic: Clean decorative bowls, candle holders, and figurines to prevent dust buildup.

Costumes: Launder or dry-clean costumes before storage. This prevents stains from setting and keeps pests away.

Step 3: Organize by Category

 

Effective Halloween organization means grouping similar items together. Create these categories:

Outdoor Decorations

 

Store all yard displays, inflatables, lawn stakes, and outdoor lights together. This makes setup easier next year since you’ll likely decorate outside first.

Indoor Decorations

 

Group together items like:

• Tabletop decorations and centerpieces
• Wall hangings, banners, and signs
• Candles, candle holders, and flameless lights
• Throw pillows and blankets
• Themed kitchen items

Lighting

 

Keep all Halloween lighting separate:

• String lights (check that they work before storing!)
• Spotlights and floodlights
• Candles and battery-operated lights
• Replacement bulbs and batteries

Costumes and Accessories

 

Organize costumes by family member or by type (kids, adults, pets). Include:

• Complete costume sets
• Accessories like hats, wigs, masks
• Makeup and face paint
• Props and weapons

Candy and Party Supplies

 

If you have leftover sealed candy, store it separately. Also include:

• Candy bowls and serving dishes
• Napkins, plates, cups for Halloween parties
• Party favors and treat bags

Step 4: Choose the Right Storage Solutions

 

The containers you use matter just as much as how you organize. Invest in quality storage solutions:

Clear Plastic Bins

 

Clear bins are ideal for Halloween storage because you can see contents without opening every box. Choose stackable bins in various sizes:

• Large bins for bulky items like inflatables (when deflated) and large decorations – did you see the HUGE tote I recently shared?
• Medium bins for most decorations
• Small bins for delicate items, lights, and accessories

Specialized Storage

 

Ornament organizers: Perfect for delicate Halloween ornaments, small decorations, and glass items.

Wreath storage boxes: Protect Halloween wreaths from crushing and dust.

Light storage reels: Wind string lights around reels to prevent tangling.

Garment bags: Store costumes in breathable garment bags to prevent musty odors.

Ziplock bags: Use for small accessories, batteries, instruction manuals, and costume pieces.

Labeling System

 

Label every single bin clearly with:

• “Halloween” and the year
• General contents (Outdoor Lights, Indoor Table Decor, Kids Costumes, etc.)
• Which room or area it came from

Use a label maker or waterproof markers. Take photos of bin contents and tape them to the outside for easy identification.

Step 5: Pack Strategically

 

How you pack matters for preserving your decorations:

Wrap Fragile Items

 

Use bubble wrap, tissue paper, or newspaper to wrap:

• Glass items
• Ceramic decorations
• Delicate figurines
• Anything breakable

Place heavier items on the bottom of bins and lighter items on top.

Prevent Tangling

 

Nothing is more frustrating than tangled lights and cords. Use these methods:

• Wrap lights around cardboard or plastic reels
• Use twist ties or rubber bands to secure cords
• Store each light strand in individual plastic bags
• Wind extension cords and keep them with outdoor decorations

Protect Inflatable Decorations

 

Deflate inflatables completely and fold (don’t stuff) them carefully. Store in large bins or bags with desiccant packets to prevent moisture damage. Include the fan, stakes, and instructions in the same container.

Store Costumes Properly

 

• Hang delicate or expensive costumes in garment bags
• Fold and store simpler costumes in bins with tissue paper between layers
• Store accessories in labeled ziplock bags with the corresponding costume
• Keep wigs on wig stands or in hair nets to maintain their shape

Step 6: Find the Right Storage Location

 

Where you store Halloween decorations matters:

Best storage locations:

• Climate-controlled basement or attic
• Spare closet
• Under-bed storage (for flat items)
• Garage shelving (if climate-controlled)

Avoid these locations:

• Damp basements (causes mold and mildew)
• Hot attics (can melt plastics and fade fabrics)
• Outdoor sheds without climate control
• Anywhere with extreme temperature fluctuations

Storage tips:

• Store bins off the floor on shelving units
• Place frequently-used items in easy-to-reach locations
• Stack bins with heavier ones on the bottom
• Keep an inventory list of what’s in storage and where

( bins | garage label maker )

Create a Halloween Inventory

 

As you pack, create a master inventory list. This can be as simple as a notebook or as detailed as a spreadsheet. Include:

• Number of bins and their labels
• Major items in each bin
• Items that need repair or replacement
• Wish list of decorations to buy next year
• Notes about what worked well this year

This inventory prevents buying duplicates and helps you remember what you own when planning next year’s display.

Post-Halloween Shopping Strategy

 

Take advantage of Halloween clearance sales, but shop strategically:

Do buy:

• Replacement items for things you threw away
• Basic staples like orange and purple lights, extension cords
• Quality decorations you’ve wanted but couldn’t afford at full price
• Costume pieces that can be used for multiple characters

Don’t buy:

• Trendy items that might look dated next year
• Duplicates of what you already have
• Items that don’t fit your storage space
• Decorations just because they’re cheap

Involve the Whole Family

 

Halloween organization is a great family activity:

Kids can:

• Sort their own costumes and decide what to keep
• Help clean decorations with supervision
• Draw pictures for bin labels
• Choose which decorations were their favorites

Teens can:

• Take photos of decorations for future reference
• Create the inventory list
• Pack bins strategically
• Help move bins to storage areas

Adults can:

• Make decluttering decisions
• Handle electrical items and repairs
• Organize storage areas
• Plan improvements for next year

Working together makes the process faster and teaches kids valuable organization skills.

Plan Ahead for Next Year

 

As you organize this year’s Halloween decorations, think about next October:

Make notes about:

• What decorations were most effective
• Areas that needed more decor
• Costume ideas that worked well
• What ran out too quickly (candy, batteries, etc.)
• Time it took to decorate and when you started

Create a Halloween setup plan:

• Take photos of your favorite decoration arrangements
• Note which outdoor decorations go where
• Document any special setup tricks or hacks
• List weather concerns (inflatables that blow over, etc.)

Start a “Next Year” list:

• Decorations you want to add
• Costumes to start planning
• Repairs needed before next October
• Storage solutions to improve

The Benefits of Organized Halloween Storage

 

Taking time to properly organize your Halloween decorations pays off:

Save money: No more buying replacements for items you couldn’t find or forgot you owned.

Save time: Next October, setup is faster when everything is organized, labeled, and easy to access.

Reduce stress: No more digging through boxes looking for that one missing decoration or costume piece.

Protect your investment: With billions spent on Halloween annually, proper storage protects these significant purchases.

Enjoy decorating more: When organization removes the frustration, you can actually enjoy the creative process of decorating.

Create family traditions: Organized storage makes it easy to use the same beloved decorations year after year, building family memories.

( adhesive spiders )

Ready to Organize Your Halloween Decorations?

 

This week, before you dive into Thanksgiving and holiday preparations, take a few hours to properly organize your Halloween decorations. Declutter what you don’t need, clean what you’re keeping, and store everything in an organized, labeled system that will make next October so much easier.

Remember, 54% of Americans feel overwhelmed by clutter, and seasonal decorations are a major contributor. By organizing your Halloween items now, you’re not just storing decorations—you’re creating a more manageable, less stressful home environment for the entire year.

Your future self will thank you next Halloween when you can simply pull out organized, labeled bins and start decorating without the stress!

What’s your biggest Halloween storage challenge? Share in the comments below!

Back soon with more!

xo,

Sam

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Looking for the best storage solutions for your Halloween decorations? Check out my Amazon storefront for clear storage bins, organizing systems, labels, and everything you need to keep your seasonal decorations perfectly organized all year long!