How to Store Christmas Tinsel

As the holiday season comes to a close, it’s time to start thinking about packing away the Christmas decorations. One item that can be especially tricky to store properly is Christmas tinsel. So today, I’ll show you how to store Christmas Tinsel!

Whether you prefer colorful tinsel garlands or shimmering strands of silver, proper storage is key to keeping them in good condition for next year’s festivities.

Why Store Christmas Tinsel?

Not Recyclable

While tinsel has made a major comeback in Christmas tree decorating, it’s important to note that it isn’t recyclable. This means that if you have adorned a fresh tree with tinsel, you’ll need to remove it before disposing of it.

ReUse

On the other hand, if you’ve opted for a faux tree like my beautiful Sea Green Christmas Tree, why not take the extra step to store the tinsel properly for the next holiday season instead of letting it go to waste? The tinsel on this tree is something I haven’t seen before and I love it! So, I would like to keep it for future use, and storing it makes sense.

What to Use to Store Christmas Tinsel

The main issue and frustration for most is keeping the tinsel organized and tangle-free. Below are a few ways to help keep tinsel untangled.

What to Use to Keep Tinsel Untangled (Supplies)

• Reuse Original Backing: While the plastic backing that originally held the tinsel can be reused, the outside packaging can’t. If you keep the plastic tinsel backing, you can reuse it to store the tinsel.
• Toilet Paper Roll or Paper Towel Roll: If you no longer have the original plastic tinsel backing, use a toilet paper roll or paper towel roll (cut down to size) to hold the tinsel. This is the method that I prefer because it is easier to drape used tinsel on a toilet paper roll than on the original plastic backing.
• Plastic Gallon Bag: After gathering the tinsel back together, I recommend storing it in neatly bundled sections within a resealable gallon-sized bag. This method will prevent the tinsel from snagging or becoming tangled with other Christmas decorations during storage.
• Stapler or tape: A stapler or tape is used to help keep the tinsel in place, so it’s a good idea to have these handy.
• Scissors: A scissors is needed to make cuts in the paper roll for the tinsel to sit in.

Step-by-Step: How to Store Christmas Tinsel

Step 1. Down the length of the roll, cut two slits about 1″ apart and about 3 1/4″ long.

Step 2. Gather the tinsel and drape it between the two slits. Pull it down to the bottom of the slit. If needed, adjust the tinsel so that the ends are even. Continue to add tinsel until the tinsel is about half-way up the cut slits. Note: Don’t stress if the tinsel ends aren’t perfectly even. It isn’t even when applying it to a Christmas tree, so it doesn’t need to be stored that way either.

Step 3. When the Christmas tinsel is about 1/2 way up the slits, fold over the 1″ tab towards the inside of the paper roll (should envelop the tinsel), so that the end becomes level with the bottom of the paper roll. Next, staple or tape it closed.

Step 4. Cut off the excess upper portion of the paper roll. This will be used to gather the loose hanging tinsel.

Step 5. Gather the hanging tinsel and place it into the excess cut-off portion of the paper roll. Then, staple the paper roll shut around the tinsel.

Step 6. Place the bundles into a gallon-sized plastic bag to prevent the tinsel from getting snagged or tangled.

How Long Does It Take?

To remove and store all the tinsel from my 7ft. Christmas tree by myself, it took me about 30 minutes and another 15 minutes to remove the tinsel from the garlands on my mantel and shelving unit. It would have taken 20 minutes or less if I had a helper.

By taking the time to properly store your Christmas tinsel, you can ensure that it remains in pristine condition for many holiday seasons to come. Whether it’s neatly bundled in resealable bags or you use another alternative storage solution, your tinsel deserves the same attention as the rest of your cherished decorations. By using this storage method, you not only preserve the beauty of your tinsel but also contribute to a sustainable holiday tradition by reusing these festive adornments year after year!

Do you store and reuse your Christmas tinsel?

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