How to Store a Christmas Tree So It Lasts Year After Year

Artificial Christmas trees are becoming a more and more popular alternative to the real versions. There are several reasons for this. They’re less of a hassle to purchase as they don’t require a challenging (and potentially terrifying) car trip to transport. They can also save you the cost of buying a new tree each year. Plus, you can choose from a range of different styles, whether you opt for a more classic option, or something non-traditional, like a pink or metallic tree.

However, to make your artificial tree last for many holiday seasons to come, it’s essential to store it properly. While this might not seem too complicated, it does require some thought and planning. Here’s how the pros recommend storing your Christmas tree.

Remove The Ornaments

Brianna Porpora, designer & holiday curator with Jade House Design says the best way to store artificial trees is to start by removing any delicate items or breakable ornaments and packing them up separately.

But don’t just throw your ornaments in a box. Kelly Lambert, senior merchant at home retailer Grandin Road advises dusting each ornament with a dry cloth before putting it away. “To keep ornaments protected while storing until next year, gently place back into the carton they arrived in or store them in an ornament-specific storage option,” she explains. “It is always best to wrap each ornament in tissue paper for extra protection. If you choose to leave the hooks attached, wrap the ornament with the hook outside of the tissue to avoid scratching the surface of the ornaments.”

Be sure to throw out any broken ornaments that you won’t want to use next Christmas.

Dust the Tree

Before storing, Lambert suggests gently cleaning your tree with a dusting cloth or feather duster. A microfiber cloth is best for this purpose, but any cloth you have on hand will do.

Gently Fluff and Style the Branches

If you didn’t fluff your artificial tree’s branches when you opened it up for the first time, then make sure to do it now to help give your tree a more full and realistic look. Fluffing the branches makes sure they don’t get stuck in their squished and flattened form they likely had when you first took the tree out of its packaging. “Once you’ve done this, every year that follows is much easier when it comes to the setup,” Lambert says. “Some shaping will be needed each year but not as much as the initial shaping.”

Invest in a Storage Bag Made for This Purpose

Don’t just stick your tree back in the box it came in. Instead, use a storage bag or box specifically designed to store Christmas trees. From rolling storage bags to upright stands that let you keep your tree assembled and ready to go for next season, there are options on the market for every storage space, tree size, and home.

Store Everything Together

Set yourself up for success next holiday season by keeping all your tree components in one place. “Keep all pieces together for your tree—all of the sections, the lights, and the stand so you’re not hunting when you go to set it up again the next year,” says Lambert.

Find a Good Spot to Store Your Tree

It’s best to store your tree in a closet or an attic (if you have one). And while you might be tempted to store your tree in a basement, Porpora tells me this isn’t a good idea. “Trees should be stored upright in a cool, dry area and, if possible, elevated in case the basement floods,” she says. 

If you must store your tree in a basement due to space issues, you can always prop a few boxes or plastic totes underneath.