With Halloween right around the corner, now is the time to get your decorations out of storage and start decorating in the spirit of the spooky season. As your seasonal items stay stored away from months of each year, it is important to be diligent and check they have lasted well whilst kept in your attic or closets. Failure to keep items stored safely can, in fact, be a risk to home safety. To help you keep items well-preserved each Halloween, we wanted to share our guide to storing your spooky season items at home.
How to store and maintain Halloween items:
1. Costumes
Costumes should be cleaned before storing, as dirt and sweat can degrade fabrics over time. You should always follow the care instructions on the labels for washing or dry cleaning. You should place each costume in a breathable garment bag, as this can prevent moisture build up which is a common cause of mould or mildew. Plastic bags can hold more moisture so be careful when choosing how to store your costumes. You should also store costumes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A good tip is to try labelling your outfits as this will make it easier to find specific items next year without rummaging through everything.
2. String lights and electrical decorations
When getting these out you should inspect all string lights for damage. Check all string lights and electrical decorations, looking for signs of fraying wires or broken bulbs. Replace or repair damaged items to prevent electrical hazards. Older items may have a blown fuse so you must check this before attempting to use any electricals. Older items may be so outdated they no longer meet electrical safety standards so consider the age of your items before you decide if they are worth keeping. When storing cables, use reels or wind them around a tube to avoid tangling. This will keep them organised and prevent damage to the wires.
Any wires should always be stored in cool and dry conditions. Moisture can cause electrical components to rust or short-circuit. Consider using airtight containers with silica gel packets to absorb any moisture. When storing multiple electrical items, ensure they are not stacked in a way that could damage the wires or bulbs. Give each item enough space to prevent crushing.
Any items requiring batteries should also be checked before being put into storage and the batteries should be removed. Batteries left over time can corrode and not only cause damage to your item, but also be damaging to skin and eyes if the residue comes into contact with them.
3. Pumpkins & decorations
Any organic materials, such as real pumpkins, cannot be kept beyond Halloween so don’t bother attempting to preserve these as a keepsake. It’s common for pumpkins to be turned into recipes to get further use from them once they’ve served a purpose decoratively, so take a look online for food inspiration. Keeping pumpkins too long can attract pests and rot, creating unpleasant odours and potential health hazards.
For artificial pumpkins, be sure to store these safely so they can be used the following year. Make sure to clean them before storing to remove any dirt or debris. Store them in a cool, dry place to prevent them from becoming brittle or discoloured. Always keep ornamental items out of the way of sunlight to prevent sun bleaching.
4. Inflatables & large decorations
Anything which can be inflated should have the air removed before you attempt to store it. Wipe over inflatable items to get them clean before putting these into storage to prevent damp and mildew build up which can lead to mould.
If you have it, keep larger items stored in their original packaging and boxes. If the original packaging is not available, use large storage bins or bags that can accommodate their size without compressing them too much. Large decorations should be stored upright to prevent them from being crushed or damaged. You should consider using shelving units or dedicated home storage spaces to keep them safe.
5. Costumes & make-up
Store costumes separately from decorations and accessories by placing each into an individual container. It’s a good idea to keep supplies, make-up, lighting or scary media sound tracks in different bins or boxes for easy access and protection. You can use special acid-free boxes or tissue lined cardboard boxes for storing and preserving costumes especially if it’s made of synthetic fabrics.
Acid-free plastic bins work best for most Halloween decorations and accessories because they can be opened easily each season. These containers also close tightly and prevent pests that destroy the stored items by eating through the container. Plastic containers are sturdy, durable and easy to move from storage to home when it’s time to decorate.
Handy tips for organising your Halloween decorations
- Label everything: clearly label all storage bins and boxes with their contents. This will save you time and effort when you need to find specific items next year.
- Use clear bins: clear storage bins allow you to see the contents without having to open each one. This can be especially helpful for quickly locating specific decorations.
- Keep an inventory: maintain an inventory list of all your Halloween items. This can help you keep track of what you have and what might need replacing.
- Store in a safe location: choose a storage location that is safe from potential hazards like flooding or extreme temperatures. Attics, basements, and garages can be good options if they are dry and well-ventilated.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Halloween items are stored safely and will be ready for use next year. Proper storage not only extends the life of your decorations and costumes but also helps prevent potential safety hazards.
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