The holidays are over, and it’s time to take down your decorations—but what’s the best way to handle them? Whether you want to keep them for next year, share them with someone else, or say goodbye, there are smart and efficient ways to tackle this task. This guide will show you how to Cherish Forever, Pass Along, or Get Rid Of your holiday decor. We'll also include tips for boxing and storing items, as well as provide local Knoxville donation spots.
Cherish Forever
If your decorations hold sentimental or practical value, storing them properly ensures they’ll last for years to come. Proper storage not only protects your decor but also makes next year’s setup easier.
Storage Essentials:
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Ornament Storage Boxes: Look for boxes with individual compartments to prevent breakage. Popular options include the Zober Ornament Storage Box (available on Amazon) or the Holiday Living Ornament Organizer from Lowe’s.
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Christmas Tree Bags: Keep your artificial tree dust-free and damage-free with a durable storage bag, such as the Elf Stor Premium Christmas Tree Bag.
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Wreath Storage Containers: Protect wreaths from crushing with containers like the Hearth & Harbor Wreath Storage Bag, found at Walmart or Michaels.
These items can be found at stores like Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes and Target in Knoxville.
Pro Tip: Label your storage boxes by category (e.g., "Ornaments," "Lights," "Mantle Decor") for easier unpacking next year.
Pass Along
Not all decorations need to stay in your home. If you have items that are in good condition but no longer fit your style or needs, consider donating them.
Where to Donate in Knoxville:
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KARM Stores: The Knox Area Rescue Ministries accept holiday decor year-round, and proceeds help support local homeless services.
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Angelic Ministries: Located at 1218 N Central St, this nonprofit assists families in need and welcomes gently used decorations.
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Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee: While primarily focused on food, they occasionally accept seasonal donations; call ahead to confirm.
Why Donate? Your unused decorations could bring holiday cheer to someone else! Plus, donating supports local charitable efforts, which strengthens our Knoxville community.
Get Rid Of
If some of your holiday decorations are broken, outdated, or beyond repair, it’s time to dispose of them responsibly.
Recycling Options:
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Knoxville’s Waste and Resources Management: Recycle materials like metal, plastic, or glass decorations at local centers. Visit their website for guidelines.
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Holiday Light Recycling: Old, non-working Christmas lights can often be recycled. Look for drop-off points at places like Home Depot or Lowe’s during the holiday season.
Disposal Tips:
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Ensure hazardous materials like certain types of lights or batteries are handled appropriately.
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For bulky items, consider calling the City of Knoxville for large item pickup options.
Pro Tip: Before tossing something, see if it can be repurposed. Left over wrapping paper and ribbons can become craft materials for kids.
Real Christmas Trees
If you opted for a real Christmas tree this year, recycling it is the best way to dispose of it. Many local options exist to ensure your tree doesn’t end up in a landfill.
Where to Recycle Christmas Trees in Knoxville:
- City of Knoxville Tree Recycling Program: The city offers free curbside pickup for real Christmas trees during January. Simply place your tree by the curb on your regular yard waste collection day. Make sure to remove all lights, ornaments, and tinsel.
- Ijams Nature Center Treecycling Event: Trees are turned into mulch for local trails and community landscaping projects. Visit the Ijams website for drop-off details.
- Knox County Convenience Centers: Several convenience centers accept Christmas trees for recycling, including the Gov John Sevier and Halls locations. Trees are chipped into mulch for public spaces.
Pro Tip: Some local farms or animal sanctuaries also accept real trees to use as natural habitat material for goats and other animals. Call ahead to inquire!
Why Proper Post-Holiday Clean-Up Matters
Organizing your Christmas decor after the holidays saves time, protects your investment, and keeps your home clutter-free. Whether you’re preserving cherished family ornaments, passing along unused items, or recycling responsibly, these steps ensure that your holiday decor stays beautiful—or finds a new home where it’s needed.
By following this guide, you’ll start the new year with a cleaner, more organized home while supporting Knoxville’s community efforts.
Happy Un-decorating!
