Work in the reverse order
Start with the small ornaments and finish with the larger structure so nothing gets dragged through another layer. Put a tray on a clear table and bring down a few items at a time. Sort out pieces with missing hooks or damaged surfaces while they are visible. Do not pack a repair job as though it were ready to hang. Photograph any grouping you want to repeat before taking the last of it apart.
Give unlike materials different protection
Fragile ornaments need individual support so their weight is not carried by a delicate loop or stem. Store fabric clean and thoroughly dry, following its care label. Keep light strings separate and follow the manufacturer's storage instructions rather than wrapping them tightly around breakable objects. Take batteries out when the device instructions require it. Old retail packaging can work well if it still supports the item; a larger empty box is not automatically an improvement.
Make the first box obvious
Label the outside with the room or scene, not just the holiday. A box marked 'tree: first to open' can hold the stand accessories, skirt and instructions, with fragile ornaments elsewhere. Record what is actually inside before closing it. Store the boxes somewhere suitable for their materials and within comfortable lifting reach. When space is tight, keeping fewer decorations you enjoy every year is easier than repeatedly finding room for a growing collection.
