How to Store Your Artificial Christmas Tree
When the Christmas season comes to an end, it's time to pack up your tree and keep it looking its best for next year.
With a little care now, you can avoid a tangled, dusty tree when it’s time to decorate again! Follow these simple steps to keep your artificial tree in great shape for many Christmases to come.
How to store away your Christmas tree: 7 top tips
With just a few easy steps, you can prevent damage to your Christmas tree's branches and lights, and save time setting up next year. Here are seven top tips to help you store your tree away like a pro.
1 - First, clean your artificial Christmas tree
Start by removing any dust or debris that’s accumulated over the festive season. Use a microfibre cloth to wipe down each branch, or grab a can of compressed air to gently blow away dust that’s harder to reach. A light spray of water mixed with dish soap works wonders for spot-cleaning areas.
Let your artificial Christmas tree dry completely before you start packing it up; any leftover moisture can lead to mould or unpleasant odours.
Cleaning your Christmas tree each year might seem tedious, but it keeps the tree looking as new as the day you bought it and prevents dust buildup from transferring into storage.
2 - Wrap the branches close to the centre
Wrapping the branches toward the tree's centre is the trick to fitting a full-size artificial Christmas tree into a storage bag or box.
For trees that aren’t pre-lit, carefully pull each branch inward and secure it with plastic wrap or twine. Be gentle—tugging too hard on branches may cause them to bend or even break.
For larger trees, this step makes it easier to manage sections while adding an extra layer of protection.
3 - Remove any lights that aren't pre-lit
If your artificial Christmas tree isn’t pre-lit, take time to carefully unwind and remove any Christmas lights before packing the tree away. Wrapping lights around the tree itself might seem convenient, but it can damage both the lights and branches during storage.
Coil the lights separately, ideally keeping them in a small storage box or sturdy bag to avoid tangles.
Top tip: Our Ultra Lit trees, Montagna and Montecito, have handy trunk connection systems, which means you can pull the trunk apart without worrying about lights or branches getting in the way.
4 - Disassemble the Christmas tree
If your artificial Christmas tree came in sections, disassemble it. Most trees come in two or three sections, so break it down carefully. Remove the top section first and work your way down, handling each part gently.
Taking it apart keeps branches from getting bent, prevents light connections from tangling, and makes the storage process more manageable.
5 - Use a durable Christmas tree storage bag
A sturdy Christmas tree storage bag is a lifesaver! Cardboard boxes, especially the original ones, don’t hold up well over time, and they offer little protection against moisture and pests.
Our heavy-duty Christmas tree storage bags are made from durable, waterproof materials.
They also feature reinforced handles for easy handling and extra space to accommodate larger trees without needing to force branches or break anything.
Storage bags simplify the packing process and protect artificial trees from dust and damage during the off-season.
6 - Store your artificial tree in a cool, dry place
Finding the right location for your artificial Christmas tree can mean the difference between a fresh tree next year and one that smells musty. Ideal storage spots are cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight.
Attics and basements work well if they’re not too humid or damp. Avoid storing your tree on a basement floor, which can get damp—a cool garage or closet works great.
High heat and humidity can damage the tree’s colour and shape, so avoid areas with extreme temperatures.
7 - Store artificial Christmas trees with bicarbonate of soda or unused coffee grounds
Add a pouch of bicarbonate of soda or unused coffee grounds to your storage bag before sealing it up. This is a quick and effective trick to keep your tree smelling fresh all year long.
Baking soda absorbs moisture and odours, while unused coffee grounds act as a natural deodoriser. This ensures that your artificial tree smells clean and welcoming when it’s time to set it up again.
Find durable Christmas tree storage bags at Christmas Tree World
Wherever you choose to store your artificial Christmas tree, make sure it stays dry, cool, and sealed up. Ensuring the accompanying Christmas tree lights and accessories receive the same treatment will allow you to rinse and repeat this process every year, and you might wind up spending less and less overall during the festive season!
When choosing a zip-up storage bag for your artificial Christmas tree, make sure to invest in one that's a little larger than your tree. This will ensure there is plenty of space to fit the tree, stand, and branches into it without the need for force.
For fibre optic Christmas trees, we also have a fibre optic & slim tree Christmas tree bag, which offers a perfectly snug fit for delicate fibre optic branch tips.
FAQs about the best way to store a Christmas tree
Is it safe to store an artificial Christmas tree in the attic?
Yes, storing your artificial Christmas tree in the attic is fine as long as it stays cool and dry throughout the year.
High heat and humidity can warp or fade branches over time, so make sure your attic has proper ventilation and that the tree bag is sealed to prevent any moisture from getting in.
How do you put an artificial Christmas tree back in a box?
To fit your artificial Christmas tree back in its original cardboard box, start by disassembling it carefully. Fold each branch toward the centre and secure them with ties or string so the tree is as compact as possible. You may also want to wrap individual sections in plastic wrap or an old sheet to prevent dust from settling.
However, keep in mind that cardboard boxes aren’t ideal for long-term storage, as they can invite moisture, dust, and even pests.
A storage bag is a worthwhile upgrade for easier handling and better protection. Unlike cardboard boxes, storage bags offer extra space, reinforced handles, and a durable barrier against wear and tear, keeping your tree in better shape for next season.
Is it better to store a tree in a Christmas tree storage box or bag?
A Christmas tree storage bag generally beats a box for proper storage. While a box can work short-term, bags offer more durability and are better for long-term storage. With reinforced handles and sturdier materials, storage bags are designed to protect against dust, moisture, and wear, keeping your artificial tree in excellent condition year after year.
Plus, a bag’s extra space and flexibility mean less pressure on branches, unlike the tight squeeze of a cardboard box, which can bend and damage delicate tips over time.
