Halloween is a time for family, fun, and unforgettable costumes! But once the spooky festivities dwindle and the last trick-or-treaters wander home, you’re left with a heap of costumes, decorations, and props in need of storage. Don’t let post-Halloween clutter haunt you all year. Here’s Phil, owner of Absolute Moving, with the essential guide to packing up Halloween—making it fun, organized, and stress-free. 

1. Sort Before You Store 

Start by sorting all your costumes and decorations. Group costumes by character or family member, and put accessories, props, makeup, and wigs in separate piles. Take a moment to decide what will make a comeback next year and what’s ready to move on—donate gently-used items and discard anything that’s lost its spooky sparkle. 

2. Clean Everything First 

Costumes and props see a lot of action—face paint, candy stains, outdoor dirt, you name it! Wash or dry clean costumes as recommended on the labels. Wigs should be gently cleaned and detangled. For masks and accessories, use a damp cloth and mild detergent if needed. Outdoor decorations should be wiped down and thoroughly dried before packing. 

Remember: Storing things dirty can lead to mold, mildew, and unpleasant surprises next October. 

3. Repair and Restore 

Check for rips, missing buttons, loose hems, and damage on any items. Take a few minutes for quick repairs—grab a needle and thread for costumes or a glue gun for decor props. Fixing things now means less stress and better condition next year.

4. Packing Costumes: The Essentials 

• Garment Bags: Hang up costumes in breathable garment bags to keep them fresh and wrinkle-free. For bulkier or inflatable costumes, vacuum-sealed storage bags save space and keep dust and pests away. 
• Accessories & Wigs: Store hats, gloves, shoes, and masks in small boxes or labeled bins, wrapping delicate items in tissue paper or bubble wrap. ● Color Coding: Use colored bins or labels (orange for Halloween!) for easy spotting next season. 

5. Organizing Decorations 

• String Lights & Small Props: Prevent tangled lights by wrapping them around cardboard or paper towel rolls. Store them in sturdy boxes with insulation for the bulbs. 
• Fragile Items: Use egg cartons and bubble wrap for mini pumpkins, glass trinkets, or delicate decor. 
• Large Props: Disassemble where possible and wrap pieces individually; store skeletons, gravestones, and big décor in stackable plastic bins. 
• Label Everything: A simple masking tape label (“Front Yard Witch,” “Kitchen Spider Webs”) saves time next year. 

6. Smart Storage Solutions 

Look for vertical space in closets or utility rooms. Suitcases make great off-season storage for essential costumes. Hang wreaths on adhesive hooks inside a closet door. Stackable bins maximize every inch, and clear containers help you see what’s where at a glance. 

7. Climate Control Matters 

Store everything in a cool, dry spot away from sunlight. Basements, attics, or garages are common—but make sure bins are sealed to keep pests and moisture out. Slip a silica gel packet or cedar block into boxes to absorb any lurking moisture. 

8. Community Spirit: Donate and Swap 

Halloween is about community! If you have items you’re ready to let go, consider local donation drives, thrift stores, or next year’s costume swaps in your neighborhood. One family’s outgrown superhero might be another child’s dream next October. 

9. Family Fun: Make It a Game 

Packing up can be an adventure. Challenge the family to see who can organize their costume bin the fastest or invent silly names for decorations as you label them (“Count Spatula’s Bat Cave,” anyone?). Turn a dull chore into a fun tradition.

10. Ready for Your Next Move 

Whether you’re moving this season or simply prepping for another year, these packing tips carry over to any relocation. Absolute Moving is always here to help—making your transitions festive, smooth, and safe. 

Enjoy your spook-free storage and stay frightfully organized… until next year!