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Artificial Christmas trees are a favorite choice among folks thanks to their ease of use. Putting one up is (usually) not as much hassle as going to purchase a live tree and you can avoid the mess of pine needles scattered all over your living room floor that keep coming up no matter how many times you vacuum. They're also great for our fellow black thumbs out there. Nothing that we have to actually keep alive? Count us in! If you care for your artificial tree well, they can last you for years, making them less expensive than live options in the long run. But this brings us to the one problem with artificial trees: how the heck do you properly store them the other 11 months out of the year?
Turns out, there are a few different factors to consider when putting your Christmas tree in storage until the next holiday season, and, no, the cardboard box it came in won't cut it. You spent good money on this tree—be sure you're taking care of it! But we’re here to take the worry out of your holiday season with these tips to storing a Christmas tree, as well as recommending the best Christmas tree storage bags to buy.
How do you store a Christmas tree?
It's recommended that you store your Christmas tree in a room that's dry, out of direct sunlight, and temperature-controlled. Depending on where you live, your attic or garage may have extreme temperatures that won't keep your tree in good condition. You can also store your tree with a container of baking soda or unused coffee grounds to prevent it from getting musty.
Find the Best Christmas Tree Storage Bag to Keep Your Tree Looking Like New
What should I use to store my Christmas tree?
Think twice before using the box your Christmas tree came in for storage, because it's likely made of cardboard and doesn’t provide any additional protective elements for your tree. A bag is a great option for storing your Christmas tree, since there are tons of different varieties. Many Christmas tree bags roll, which makes moving the tree in and out of storage a breeze. Also, aim to buy a bag that has a moisture-resistant layer so that your tree smells fresh next year. A heavy-duty, tear-resistant bag also ensures that rodents and pests can’t break into your tree. Just be mindful of the height and fullness of your tree so that you pick the right sized bag.
There are also storage bin options that allow for a sturdier protection. A solid bin prevents anything from falling on and damaging the tree while in storage. However, it also provides less flexibility in terms of size, so make sure that you find one big enough for your tree.
Okay, I have my Christmas tree bag ready. What do I do?
First, make sure that all of your ornaments and Christmas tree lights are removed from the tree, and that your tree is unplugged if it has a power outlet.
Disassemble your tree into however many sections it has and remove the tree stand. For instance, if it's broken into a bottom, middle, and top part, make sure you have these sections separated before putting in the bag.
Gently push the branches of each section up in order to flatten them for easier storage.
Start placing each section in the bag, making sure not to rip the bag with the pointed end on the bottom section. Be careful with each piece, as completely bending branches could cause permanent damage. Put the stand in last, or keep separate depending on how much space you have.
Finally, place the tree bag horizontally so that it can’t fall over, or in a corner out of the way if it's stored upright.
Buy an Upright Christmas Tree Bag for the Easiest Storage Solution
Can I store my Christmas tree upright?
You can skip disassembling your tree entirely if you buy an upright tree bag. These bags pull up over your tree, so all you have to do is move the tree to storage instead of taking the whole thing apart. (Just make sure you still remove all ornaments and decorations! As tempting as the thought of leaving them all on is, you don't want any getting broken.) While it takes a lot of hassle out of the Christmas tree assemblage, it does require having a space in your home where you can fit a full, upright Christmas tree year-round.
