The Genius Cinnamon Hack You Need For Storing Holiday Decor In The Basement

It's natural to look forward to having the house decorated for the holidays, but digging the decorations out of storage? Not so much. You might be like thousands of other homeowners and keep your holiday decorations tucked away in bins in the basement. If you haven't been able to get rid of that musty basement smell, you could end up unpacking items that smell a little dank after hiding in the dark for a year. According to a TikTok shared by @megleonardco, you can resolve this issue by adding a couple cinnamon sticks to your storage bins to make your decorations give off a pleasant, festive fragrance — not a funky basement smell.

You can find cinnamon sticks at grocery stores, DIY craft stores, and department stores; online spice retailers like The Spice House; and of course, Amazon. Expect to pay anywhere between $3 and $30, depending on the brand, product weight, and whether or not the sticks are organic. If you prefer to buy in bulk, you can also try out some other unexpected uses for cinnamon around your home.

Wondering how long cinnamon sticks last? According to Texas Real Food, they can last up to four years if stored in an airtight container and away from heat and light. However, most large storage bins aren't airtight, so you likely won't get as long as a lifespan with your sticks. While they might lose their fragrance over time, there are several ways to ensure that the aroma remains for longer.

The longevity of cinnamon sticks' fragrance in a storage bin depends on a number of factors, including the security of the lid bin, the quality of the sticks you bought, and how you manage them. Some bins have standard snap lids that can easily pop open if the bin is very full, allowing the aroma to escape. Others have latching lids, which usually keep the tote closed more effectively. If your storage bin has a snap lid, just make sure not to pack it too tightly so you can prevent the lid from popping off later.

Manipulating the cinnamon sticks regularly is another way to extend the lifespan of the scent in your storage bins. Whole cinnamon sticks become more fragrant when you cut them in pieces, so you can open your storage bins and break the sticks in half every couple months. You can also simply swap them for fresh, new sticks periodically.

Choosing the right kind of cinnamon sticks can also make a difference in how long the aroma lasts. Cuisine at Home included the Fruidles Cinnamon Sticks (available on Amazon) in their list of top picks for cinnamon sticks, describing them as "fresh and extremely fragrant." If you buy a highly fragrant cinnamon stick variety like the one from Fruidles, break them, and replace them with new sticks regularly, you can keep your holiday decor smelling festive all year long.