Here’s Everything You Need to Hang and Properly Store Holiday Decorations

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Getting your holiday decorations up and safely stored away doesn’t have to be chaotic. With the right tools and storage solutions on hand, you can transform what’s often a frustrating annual ritual into a smooth, organized process. Whether you’re hanging a wreath on your front door, mounting string lights along your roofline, or carefully packing away delicate tree ornaments, having essentials like sturdy plastic storage bins, a reliable step ladder, and a versatile cordless drill will make all the difference. We put together a list of key items to help you decorate your home, while also ensuring everything stays protected, organized, and easy to find when the next holiday season rolls around again in a year.

Keep all your holiday decorations protected and organized with these sturdy plastic storage bins from Iris USA. They are available in various sizes, and all of the bins feature handles and latches with an ergonomic design so they are comfortable to move. Each size is available for purchase as a pack of six. These storage bins are semi-opaque to offer some privacy yet just enough visibility to identify what’s inside. Overall, these versatile storage bins can hold virtually any object, and since they’re stackable, they are ideal for narrow or cramped storage areas.

What our tester says: “We loved the versatility of this set of six bins. The 19-quart containers are large enough to hold an ample amount yet still small enough to fit on shelves. We especially appreciate how the molded hand area at the bottom of the bin made it easier to lift. We also like the bins’ stackable design because it makes nesting them into smaller corners easier.”

Hop on the Little Giant Flip-N-Lite step ladder when you need to hang decorations in hard-to-reach places. This model has sturdy aluminum rails, aluminum steps, and edge bracing for solid support yet it weighs only 14 pounds, so it is extremely portable. The ladder is duty-rated Type IA to support up to 300 pounds. It is very easy to use and opens up quickly. The top platform step snaps into place to prevent inadvertent collapse. To fold the ladder, simply lift up the handle on the back of the platform step.  

What our tester says: “The Flip-N-Lite heavy-duty step ladder may not boast many bells and whistles, but it’s stable, portable, and super simple to use.” 

This type of tough tape is helpful when mounting holiday decorations to a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, wood, glass, brick, ceramic, stone, and drywall. Capable of holding up to 15 pounds, Gorilla Tough & Clear Double Sided Mounting Tape is an excellent choice for hanging lightweight items. The crystal clear tape won’t yellow over time. Simply apply tape to the back of an object vertically, allowing for even distribution of weight.

You’ll need a trusty hammer to hang your holiday decor. Craftsman’s 16-ounce fiberglass hammer offers a comfortable rubber grip at an affordable price point. This hammer features a forged steel head, a fiberglass handle, and a textured rubber over-molded grip for comfort and durability.

What our tester says: “In testing, we found that it performed every task well, including driving and removing nails. It also absorbed shock well, and the red design makes it hard to lose…”

Invest in the Irwin Vise-Grip GrooveLock 8-Piece Pliers Set for the holiday season and you’ll end up using it all year long. Packed in a handy canvas tool roll, this set includes all the pliers you’ll ever need: diagonal cutters, slip joints, long-nose, lineman, three different groove locks, and even a 10-inch adjustable wrench. These tools are forged from tough, corrosion-resistant chrome-vanadium steel, so they’ll last a lifetime given average use and care, and they come with cushioned grips for added comfort.

What our tester says: “We named this kit the best overall because of the quality, wide-ranging functionality, user comfort, and value. These pliers performed well on all of our tests, from gripping fasteners to pulling nails. They felt good in-hand, the pivots moved smoothly, and the sizes were ideal.”

Make holiday cleanup a breeze with the tear-proof polyester Primode Rolling Tree Storage Bag. With four handles and three wheels for convenient rolling, this product is easy to maneuver. Interior compression straps hold everything in place, creating a sturdier load. Two top handles and two handles at each end provide anchors to carry and pull the bag, and a single storage pocket on the side creates some extra space. This model comes in three colors: red, green, and black.

Ryobi’s PCL206K2 18-volt ½-inch cordless drill and driver offers a max speed of 1,750 revolutions per minute (RPM) and torque (515 inch pounds) that matches the performance of many higher-priced tool brands. It’s also lightweight, at only slightly over 2.5 pounds. The kit comes with the drill, two 1.5 amp hour batteries, and a charger.

What our tester says: “In our tests, the Ryobi rechargeable drill/driver displayed outstanding drilling and driving speed and power. It drilled effortlessly through a 2×4 with a ⅛-inch twist bit. When we swapped out the twist bit for a spade bit, it drilled a clean, precise hole in just 4 seconds.”

You’ll want a top-notch extension ladder to hang Christmas lights outside. The Werner 28-Foot Fiberglass Glidesafe Extension Ladder is built with lift assist technology that extends the ladder with up to 50 percent less effort than most, sparing your back and arms from unnecessary strain. The ladder uses spring-assisted components—much like a garage door opener—to reduce the force needed to raise the ladder. There is also a built-in lowering assist, which provides a controlled and gentle descent.

What our tester says: “Say goodbye to jarring slams, broken fingers, and rope burns; the GlideSafe technology of the Werner fiberglass extension ladder makes safety a priority. All we had to do was pull downward on the included rope, and the extension part of the ladder slid easily upward, locking in place rung by rung for safety. We also liked the ladder’s dual locking system that prevents ladder extension during transport.”

The Milwaukee M12 is on the heavy side, but fits nicely in the palm of your hand and isn’t too cumbersome for installing multiple screws. This model is less about fancy features and more about getting the job done. This pistol-grip screwdriver uses Milwaukee’s 12-volt lithium-ion batteries to create a mighty peak torque of 175 inch pounds. It has an RPM range of up to 500, which makes setting fasteners quick work.  

What our tester says: “This cordless screwdriver’s battery charges in under 30 minutes with the included charger, so we were able to get back to work after a short break.” 

This ornament storage solution from 612 Vermont offers protection as well as organization and storage. Constructed from durable cardboard and lined with a nonwoven material, this sturdy ornament box features exterior braided handles and a highly visible identification tag. Made from completely acid-free materials, it protects ornaments from fading, discoloration, and damage. The bin is 13.125 inches tall by 16.25 inches wide by 10 inches deep, and it holds up to 60 ornaments that are 3 inches in diameter or less. Collapsible dividers sit in four removable trays. For large or odd-shaped ornaments, you can adjust the space by removing one or two dividers.

 

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