The last trick-or-treater is gone, and all that’s left is a pile of candy wrappers and a front yard full of ghouls. The post-Halloween cleanup is officially on.
It is tempting to just shove all those skeletons, inflatables, and bins back into the garage or attic. But if you want your expensive decorations to last, a little prep work now saves you from a scary surprise next October when you find a tangled, broken, or mildewed mess.
Here are our essential tips for packing up the haunt.
1. Clean and Dry Everything First
Do not store anything dirty. This is the number one rule. Wipe down plastic skeletons and animatronics to get rid of dust, dirt, or mud. Make sure any fabric elements (like costumes or inflatables) are 100% dry before you fold them. Storing even slightly damp items is a recipe for mold and mildew.
2. Ditch the Cardboard, Use Clear Bins
Cardboard boxes are easily crushed and are a favorite snack for pests. Instead, invest in sturdy, clear plastic bins with latching lids. Clear bins let you see what’s inside at a glance, so you are not opening ten different boxes just to find the spiderwebs.
3. Label Like You Mean It
Your future self will thank you. Use a label maker or a thick marker to label each bin with its specific contents. Do not just write “Halloween.” Write “Outdoor Lights & Skeletons” or “Kitchen & Tabletop Decor.” It makes next year’s setup a thousand times faster.
4. Take Batteries Out of Electronics
This is a big one. Any animatronic, light-up skull, or glowing prop that uses batteries needs to have them removed. Batteries will corrode and leak over time, destroying the electronic components. Put all the remote controls in a single zip-top bag and tape it to the inside lid of the main electronics bin.
5. Stop Tangling Your Lights
Do not just throw your string lights in a pile. You will regret it. Instead, wrap them neatly around a square of cardboard, a Pringles can, or a dedicated light-winder. This prevents tangles and keeps the delicate bulbs from breaking.
6. Give Your Costumes and Fabrics Space
For expensive costumes, wigs, and decorative fabrics, do not just cram them in a box.
- Costumes: Clean them and store them in garment bags.
- Small Fabrics: Vacuum-sealed bags are great for saving space.
- Wigs: Store them on foam wig heads to keep their shape.
7. Protect the Big, Expensive Stuff
Those 12-foot skeletons and giant inflatables are not cheap. For large animatronics, try to disassemble them as much as possible and store them in their original boxes. If you tossed the box, use bubble wrap around fragile joints and moving parts.
Why a Storage Unit is Your Best Bet
Let’s be honest, your garage, attic, and basement are not ideal. They are prone to extreme temperature swings and humidity, which can warp plastic, fry electronics, and ruin fabrics.
A Climate-Controlled Storage unit is the perfect solution. It maintains a stable temperature and humidity level, acting like a spare closet that protects your investment.
Even better? It gets all those bins out of your house. This frees up precious garage and closet space for the next round of decorations. With Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, you will be glad to have the extra room.
MyPlace Self Storage offers a variety of sizes, from a small closet (perfect for a few holiday bins) to larger units. Check out our Size Guide to find your fit, and rest easy knowing our Security Features are keeping your spooky stuff safe until next year.
