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To store a wreath so it survives the off-season, clean and fully dry it, protect any bows and delicate accents, then place it in a hard-sided wreath storage box or hang it in a breathable wreath bag in a cool, dry spot. The two enemies of a stored wreath are crushing and moisture — beat both and an artificial or preserved wreath will look as good next December as it does today. Here's the method that keeps its shape year after year.
Before you store a wreath: clean, dry & protect the bow
Prep decides how the wreath comes out next year. First, clean it — shake or gently brush off dust, and wipe artificial greenery if it's grimy. Then make sure it's completely dry; any trapped moisture invites mold and rust on wire frames. Finally, protect the details: reshape and loosely wrap the bow in tissue so it doesn't crush, and secure any loose picks, berries, or ornaments so they don't snap off or scatter in the box. Two minutes of prep now saves a reshaping session later.
What you'll need
- A hard-sided wreath storage box or a breathable zippered wreath bag.
- Acid-free tissue paper to cushion the bow and delicate accents.
- A sturdy wall hook or padded hanger if you'll store it hanging.
- A cedar block or dry sachet to discourage pests.
- A cool, dry storage spot — a closet or conditioned space, not a damp basement or hot attic.
How to store a wreath step by step
Wrap the bow in tissue and keep out moisture
- Clean it. Shake off dust and gently wipe or brush the greenery so it goes into storage clean.
- Dry it fully. Confirm there's no moisture anywhere, especially on the frame, before it's enclosed.
- Protect the bow and accents. Reshape the bow, wrap it loosely in tissue, and secure any loose picks or ornaments.
- Choose box or bag. Lay it in a hard-sided wreath box for maximum protection, or slide it into a breathable bag for hanging.
- Position it to keep its shape. In a box, let it sit without compression; in a bag, hang it so nothing presses on the form.
- Add pest and moisture control. Tuck in a cedar block or dry sachet, and make sure the storage area is cool and dry.
- Store it correctly. Keep it off the floor and never stack heavy items on top of a boxed wreath.
- Label it. Mark the box or bag so you can find it easily next year.
Storage box vs hanging: keep the shape and avoid crush
The single biggest cause of a ruined wreath is crush damage, so how you store it matters more than what you spend. A hard-sided storage box is the safest option — it resists being squashed even if other boxes end up on the shelf, and it seals out dust and pests. Hanging storage is just as kind to the shape because nothing presses on the wreath at all.
Breathable bag on a hanger
Hanging the wreath in a breathable bag on a strong hook or a padded hanger lets it hang free. Whichever you choose, the rule is the same: never pile weight on a stored wreath, and never lean anything against a hanging one.
Fresh vs artificial wreaths and a cool, dry spot away from pests
Not every wreath is worth storing. Fresh evergreen wreaths dry out, shed, and can't be kept from year to year — compost them and enjoy them as single-season decor. Only artificial and preserved wreaths store for reuse, and they reward good storage with many seasons of life. Location matters too: a cool, dry, stable spot like an interior closet is ideal, while a damp basement invites mold and a hot attic bakes and fades greenery and can soften glue on accents. Keep the wreath off the floor, away from temperature swings, and sealed against dust and insects.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Storing it damp. Any moisture invites mold and rusts wire frames — dry it fully first.
- Crushing it. Never stack weight on a boxed wreath or lean items on a hanging one.
- Trying to keep a fresh wreath. Only artificial and preserved wreaths store for reuse.
- Damp basement or hot attic. Choose a cool, dry, stable spot instead.
- No pest protection. Seal it in a box or bag with a cedar block to keep insects out.
Storing the rest of your decor too? See how to store Christmas garland, how to store Christmas ornaments, and how to store Christmas lights. To display the wreath next season, see how to hang a Christmas wreath and how to put lights on a Christmas wreath. More projects live in the Install & How-To Guides. To shop a wreath or storage, compare the best Christmas wreath and the best Christmas light storage.
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