Storing Halloween Costumes and Decorations: A Guide to Spook-Free Organization

Halloween is one of the most thrilling times of the year. Between the haunted houses, spooky décor, and unforgettable costumes, it’s a season full of excitement. But once the candy bowls are empty and the jack-o’-lanterns have withered, it’s time to tackle the one thing every Halloween lover dreads—storing your costumes and decorations for next year!

If you’ve ever pulled out your Halloween boxes only to find wrinkled costumes, broken decorations, or tangled string lights, you’re not alone. Storing your Halloween treasures properly can make all the difference in preserving their spookiness for next year. In this guide, we’ll break down how to keep your costumes and decorations safe, organized, and ready to haunt again next October. From ghostly garb to ghastly décor, here’s everything you need to know!

Storing Halloween Costumes: Keep Your Spooky Styles in Shape

Halloween costumes are often the star of the show. Whether you’re dressing up as a witch, vampire, or superhero, those carefully crafted costumes deserve proper care to survive the long months in storage. Here’s how to store them so they’re just as fabulous (or frightful!) next year.

1. Sort and Separate by Type

Before you start packing, take a few minutes to sort through your costumes. Group them by type, such as full costumes, accessories, wigs, and makeup. This will make it easier to find everything when you’re ready to dress up next year. It’s also the perfect time to decide if there are any items you don’t plan to reuse and can donate or discard.

Full Costumes: Gowns, capes, bodysuits, and masks should all be stored together.
Accessories: Store items like belts, gloves, hats, and shoes separately to avoid damage or tangling.
Wigs: Treat wigs like prized possessions. They’re delicate and can easily tangle or frizz if stored improperly.

2. Clean and Repair Before Storing

It’s easy to forget about that candy smudge or makeup stain on your costume after a night of Halloween fun, but storing dirty costumes can lead to mold, mildew, and discoloration over time. Before packing anything away, make sure to clean and repair your costumes.

Wash or Dry Clean: Check the labels and either hand wash or dry clean costumes, depending on the material. Costumes made from delicate fabrics like velvet or satin should always be dry cleaned to avoid damage.
Spot Clean: For costumes with intricate embellishments, spot cleaning is your best bet. Use a mild detergent and a damp cloth to gently dab away stains.
Air Dry: Make sure everything is fully dry before storing. Even a small amount of moisture can lead to mold growth.
Repair: Sew on any loose buttons or hems, and reattach any velcro or zippers that might have come loose during Halloween festivities.

3. Choose the Right Storage Materials

Using the right storage containers is key to keeping your costumes in top condition. Here are a few options:

Garment Bags: Full-length costumes like vampire capes, princess gowns, or superhero suits should be hung in breathable garment bags to avoid wrinkles and protect them from dust.
Acid-Free Tissue Paper: If you’re folding costumes, wrap them in acid-free tissue paper before placing them in boxes. This prevents fabric from yellowing or getting damaged over time.
Plastic Bins: For items that can be folded, like simpler costumes, use airtight plastic bins. These bins protect your costumes from moisture, dust, and pests.
Labeling: Clearly label each bin or bag so you know exactly what’s inside. You’ll thank yourself when next Halloween rolls around!

4. Storing Accessories

Costume accessories can be fragile, especially hats, masks, and jewelry. Here’s how to store them properly:

Wrap Hats and Masks: Use bubble wrap or tissue paper to protect fragile hats, helmets, and masks from getting crushed. Store them in a hard-sided box or plastic bin.
Shoes and Boots: Stuff shoes and boots with tissue paper to help them hold their shape. Place them in dust bags or pillowcases to keep them clean.
Jewelry and Props : For smaller accessories like fake jewelry, swords, or wands, use zip-top bags or small boxes to keep them organized and untangled.

5. Storing Wigs

Wigs can make or break a Halloween costume, but they’re also tricky to store. Here’s how to keep your wigs looking fabulous:

Clean Before Storing: Use a wig shampoo to gently clean wigs before storing them. Make sure they’re completely dry before packing them away.
Detangle with Care: Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle wigs, starting at the ends and working your way up. Never brush wigs when they’re wet!
Use Hairnets and Wig Stands: For short wigs, fold them inside out and place them in a hairnet before storing. For longer wigs, braid the hair loosely and store it in a net. Ideally, store wigs on wig stands in a cool, dry place.

Storing Halloween Decorations: Keep Your Haunted House Looking Spook-tacular

Halloween decorations bring the spooky season to life, transforming your home into a haunted wonderland. From inflatable lawn ghosts to delicate glass pumpkins, each decoration deserves special care when packing them away. Here’s how to store everything from string lights to skeletons without a hitch.

1. Sort by Category

Just like with costumes, organizing your Halloween decorations by type is a great way to stay organized. Create categories for outdoor decorations, indoor décor, lights, and fragile items.

Outdoor Decorations: Inflatables, yard signs, and large props.
Indoor Décor: Figurines, tabletop items, and wall hangings.
Lighting: String lights, projectors, and lanterns.
Fragile Items: Anything made of glass, ceramic, or delicate materials.

2. Clean Before You Store

Outdoor decorations can get dirty or muddy, especially if they’ve been out in the elements all season. Take a few minutes to clean them before storage to avoid mold and mildew buildup.

Wipe Down Inflatables: Use a damp cloth to wipe off dirt and grime from inflatable decorations. Allow them to dry completely before folding them up and packing them away.
Dust and Wipe Indoor Décor: Use a microfiber cloth to dust off indoor items. If any items were used outside, make sure they’re clean and dry before packing.

3. Storing Fragile Decorations

Halloween decorations often include delicate pieces like glass pumpkins, ceramic witches, and intricate haunted house figurines. These items need extra protection to avoid breakage.

Wrap in Bubble Wrap: Wrap each fragile item individually in bubble wrap or soft cloths. Make sure there’s enough padding between items to prevent them from bumping into each other.
Use Divided Boxes: For smaller items like figurines or glass pumpkins, use divided storage boxes (similar to what you’d use for ornaments) to keep them safe.

4. Store Lights the Right Way

Halloween string lights, lanterns, and projectors add a spooky glow to your home, but they can be tricky to store without getting tangled. Here’s how to store them stress-free:

Wrap Lights Around Cardboard: To prevent string lights from becoming a tangled mess, wrap them around pieces of cardboard or a light reel. This keeps them neat and ready for next year.
Store Projectors in Their Boxes: If you have Halloween light projectors, it’s best to store them in their original boxes. If you’ve thrown out the packaging, use a small plastic bin with plenty of padding.

5. Packing Large Decorations

Large outdoor decorations, like inflatable pumpkins, skeletons, and gravestones, can be bulky to store. Here’s how to make the most of your storage space:

Deflate and Fold Inflatables: Deflate inflatable decorations completely, then fold them up neatly. Store them in plastic bins to protect them from pests and moisture.
Disassemble Large Props: For items like skeletons or gravestones, disassemble them if possible. This will make them easier to store. Wrap individual pieces in bubble wrap or plastic sheeting to protect them.

6. Use Clear Plastic Bins

When it comes to storing Halloween decorations, clear plastic bins are your best friend. Not only do they protect your décor from moisture, dust, and pests, but they also make it easy to see what’s inside. Label each bin clearly, so you know what’s where.

Plastic Bins for Small Items: For smaller decorations, use clear plastic bins with lids. You can organize items by category or room to make decorating next year easier.
Large Bins for Bigger Décor: Store larger outdoor decorations in oversized bins. Make sure everything is dry before packing it away to prevent mold or mildew.

7. Climate-Controlled Storage for the Win

Much like costumes, Halloween decorations can be sensitive to extreme temperatures. Items like inflatable decorations, string lights, and fragile figurines can warp, melt, or break if exposed to heat or humidity. If possible, store your decorations in a climate-controlled environment to protect them.

Final Touches for a Boo-tiful Halloween Next Year

Storing Halloween costumes and decorations doesn’t have to be a nightmare! By following these tips, you can ensure that your spooky treasures stay in top shape and are ready to use when the next haunting season rolls around. Proper storage not only preserves the quality of your costumes and décor but also saves you time and money next year by avoiding the need for replacements.

If you are in need of extra storage space for your belongings or seasonal items consider a My Stack Box portable storage container. Our portable storage units offer the flexibility and convenience you need, allowing you to store your items securely on your own property or have them transported to a new location hassle-free.