Storing A Utah Christmas In Cardboard Is Right Out

In Utah we love Christmas and we have lots of seasonal decorations. Soon you will have celebrated Christmas and toasted the new year. Then it will be back to storing those charming decorations that bring such cheer.

You might be tempted to store your decor in a cardboard box, but here are a few reasons to reconsider that option.

Visibility

We just “discovered” some decorations that I’d put away. The saying, “out of sight, out of mind,” is so true! If you do use a box, try labeling it clearly so you know what’s inside. No one loves the moment when you find an item you stored to save money—only after you’ve already bought a replacement.

Moisture Barrier

Cardboard doesn’t offer much protection against moisture, either from the outside or from items stored within. Pay attention to the storage area and the possibility of things leaking. Even semi-solids like candles can melt and seep through the box.

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Carboard Deterioration

Cardboard can break down especially in areas with extreme temperature shifts. I remember going into our storage unit years ago and seeing the neatly square stack of boxes that looked like they had melted. From a crisp skyscraper to a Dr. Seuss style building crooked with rounded corners. It had been a wet spring and humidity had taken its toll.

Pests

Som pests chew through carboard, some select it specifically, so if your item is vulnerable to pests think twice about choosing cardboard as a defensive barrier.

Sensitivity of Item being stored

Consider the nature of what you’re storing. If it’s easily crushed, choose a sturdier container with its own lid to protect it from any weight placed on top. Clothes, for example, can be stored between seasons, but they’re also sensitive to moisture and pests. Be mindful of each item’s needs as you pack it away.