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The holidays are over, the decorations are packed away, and you probably haven't given them a second thought. But here's an unsettling reality: your carefully packed holiday decorations could be growing mold right now in your basement, attic, or garage.
"When your decor is packed into tight bags and containers with little air flow, it creates the perfect breeding ground for mold," Weitz explains. And the problem extends beyond ruined ornaments: exposure to mold on decorations can trigger allergic reactions, respiratory symptoms, and asthma attacks, particularly in children and vulnerable individuals.
The good news? With the right storage strategies, you can protect your decorations—and your family's health—for years to come. Here are the seven biggest holiday storage mistakes that lead to mold, and exactly how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Storing Decorations in Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard is perhaps the single biggest mold enabler in holiday storage. Cardboard absorbs moisture from the air and holds it against whatever is stored inside. It also provides an excellent food source for mold—cardboard is organic material that mold actively feeds on.
The solution: Replace cardboard boxes with airtight plastic storage containers with secure lids. Clear plastic containers are moisture-resistant when properly sealed and let you see what's inside without opening.
Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Storage Location
Where you store your decorations matters as much as how you store them. Many popular storage spots are actually moisture traps.
Unfinished basements often have humidity levels well above the 30-50% range recommended by the EPA. As detailed in our guide to basement mold, basements frequently have cold walls that cause condensation.
Attics experience extreme temperature swings that cause condensation. See our guide to attic mold for more on why attics are problematic.
Crawlspaces are perhaps the worst option. Our guide to crawlspace mold explains why these spaces are so prone to moisture problems.
Mistake #3: Storing Decorations While Still Damp
It's tempting to pack up decorations quickly after the holidays, but putting away items that haven't fully dried is a recipe for mold growth. Allow thorough drying before storage—at least 24-48 hours in a climate-controlled area.
Mistake #4: Wrapping Items in Newspaper or Fabric
Paper and fabric both absorb moisture and provide organic material for mold to feed on. Use bubble wrap or specialized ornament dividers in plastic containers instead.
Mistake #5: Skipping the Inspection Before Storage
Packing up decorations quickly without inspection means potentially storing items that are already contaminated with mold spores—which will spread during storage. If you find mold on decorations, see our guide on cleaning vs. removal to determine whether items can be salvaged.
Mistake #6: Ignoring Humidity Control in Storage Areas
Even the best storage containers can't fully protect against chronically humid environments. According to the CDC, keeping humidity below 50% throughout your home—including storage areas—is essential for mold prevention.
See our dehumidifier guide for selection recommendations.
Mistake #7: Using Airtight Storage Without Moisture Absorbers
If you seal in any moisture, you create a closed environment where that moisture has nowhere to go except into your decorations. Add silica gel packets, moisture-absorbing crystals (like DampRid), or activated charcoal to your storage containers.
What to Do If You Find Mold on Stored Decorations
Before handling moldy items, move containers to a well-ventilated area, wear an N-95 mask, gloves, and eye protection. Our guide on what not to do during remediation covers important safety considerations.
Hard, non-porous items (glass, plastic, metal ornaments) can usually be cleaned. Heavily contaminated porous items should be discarded. If anyone experienced symptoms while unpacking moldy decorations, see our guide on when to see a doctor.
The Connection to Whole-Home Moisture Control
Moldy decorations are often a symptom of larger moisture issues in your home. If moisture problems extend beyond your decoration storage, our guides can help:
For persistent moisture issues, our Find a Pro directory can connect you with qualified professionals, and our contractor vetting guide helps ensure you choose someone qualified.
The Bottom Line
Your holiday decorations represent memories, traditions, and often significant financial investment. Protecting them from mold isn't complicated—it just requires awareness and a few strategic changes to your storage practices.
The seven key principles: Use plastic containers (not cardboard), choose climate-controlled storage locations when possible, ensure items are completely dry before storage, avoid moisture-absorbing wrapping materials, inspect items before storage, control humidity in storage areas, and add moisture absorbers to sealed containers.
Next December, when you open your decoration boxes, you should find ornaments and memories—not mold and musty odors. Start protecting your decorations today.