Trick-Free Tips For Halloween Storage

Halloween is all about fun frights, but sometimes the real horror comes on November 1st when you’re staring at a tangled mess of string lights, broken plastic tombstones, and half-melted candles. Halloween storage doesn't have to be spooky - we'll show you!

If you’ve ever shoved everything into one giant bin only to discover cracked pumpkins and flattened witch hats the following year, it’s time to change your storage strategy. Here’s how to keep your Halloween decor in spook-tacular shape year after year. 

Sort Before You Store 

Before you pack up, take a few minutes to declutter. Toss broken props, donate costumes you no longer wear, and keep only the decorations you actually love. Future you will thank present you for doing the hard work now. Halloween storage is the same as any other kind - the less you have, the easier it is! Some of the things you'll store:

• String lights
• Inflatables
• Halloween costumes
• Candles
• Halloween buckets
• Home items - pillows, decorative towels, and the like
• Other assorted decorations you might need Halloween storage for, like large animatronics

Protect Your Pumpkins & Props

Inflatable pumpkins, skeletons, and foam tombstones don’t hold up well when crammed together. Use original boxes if you still have them, or store larger props in sturdy plastic bins with padding (think bubble wrap, old towels, or even leftover spiderwebs). Keep fragile items separate to avoid creepy cracks. 

As for the plastic pumpkins, cauldrons, and candy bowls? Nest them inside one another like Russian dolls before packing. It saves a surprising amount of space and keeps awkward items from rolling around in storage. 

Tame The Tangles 

Halloween lights, stringy garlands, and fake cobwebs can easily turn into a haunted knot. Wrap lights around a piece of cardboard or an old paper towel tube to keep them neat. Place garlands in zipped bags so they don’t snag on everything else. You’ll save hours of untangling when it’s time to deck out the house again next October. 

Store Costumes With Care

Costumes are both investments and memories. Wash or dry clean them before storing, then fold and place in vacuum-sealed or garment bags to prevent dust, pests, or funky smells. If you’ve got bulky pieces (like capes or masks), pack them in labelled bins so they’re easy to grab next year. 

Label Like A Pro 

Don’t just throw everything into “that one black bin.” Use clear containers or slap on bright labels so you can spot “Halloween” at a glance. Even better? Sort by type: lights, costumes, and outdoor props. It’ll make decorating next year a whole lot more treat than trick. 

Feeling extra motivated? Snap a quick photo of what’s inside each bin before you close the lid and keep it on your phone for easy reference next year. It’s like giving your future self a treasure map to all your creepy decor. 

Keep It Cool & Dry

Moisture and heat are a nightmare for most decorations, especially paper or fabric ones. Store bins in a cool, dry place — not your damp basement or stuffy attic. If space at home is tight, a climate-controlled self storage unit is the perfect solution to keep your bats, ghosts, and goblins safe until next year. 

Self Storage: The Real Treat

Between the inflatable yard displays, bins of costumes, and string lights galore, Halloween decorations can take up more room than you’d think. A self storage unit gives your home some breathing space while keeping your spooky stash safe, dry, and organized until next October. With Mini Mall Storage facilities across North America, finding the right spot near you is easier than saying “boo.” 

Looking for other Halloween storage and Halloween decoration guides? Check out our blogs on getting ready for Halloween, the ultimate guide to Halloween decorations, and even more Halloween storage tips!

Find secure and affordable Halloween storage and other seasonal storage near you today!