How to Properly Store Your Artificial Christmas Tree for Longevity
As the holiday season comes to an end, it’s time to take down your beautiful artificial Christmas tree and store it away for next year. While you might be ready to reclaim your living room space, properly storing your tree is essential for preserving its condition and ensuring it’s ready to shine again next holiday season. Here’s how to store your artificial tree the right way, so it lasts for years to come!
1. Take Down Your Decorations Carefully
Before you start storing your tree, remove all ornaments, lights, and tinsel. Gently unwrap any garlands or ribbon, taking care not to tug too hard on branches or strands of lights. Place delicate ornaments in a sturdy box or ornament storage container to prevent them from getting broken during storage. If you used a tree skirt, fold it neatly and store it with your tree for easy access next year.
2. Disassemble Your Tree
Most artificial trees come in multiple sections. Start by carefully removing each section, making sure you don’t pull or twist the branches too forcefully. If the tree is pre-lit, take extra care with the lights to avoid damaging the wiring. Label each section (if necessary) so you know how to assemble it next year without any confusion.
3. Fluff the Branches Before Storing
If your tree has been fully assembled and decorated, the branches may have become bent or misshapen. Take a few moments to gently fluff and shape the branches before storing the tree. This will help preserve their appearance and ensure the tree looks full and lush when you pull it out next holiday season.
4. Store Your Tree in a Sturdy Container
Proper storage is key to protecting your tree from dust, moisture, and damage. Invest in a heavy-duty tree storage bag or box that’s designed for your tree’s size. Many pre-lit artificial trees come with their own storage bags, but if yours didn’t, make sure to purchase one. You’ll want a bag or box that is large enough to hold the tree without cramming it in, which can cause branches to become misshapen.
5. Avoid Storing in Attics or Damp Areas
When it comes to storing your artificial tree, location matters. Avoid storing it in places with extreme temperatures, such as attics or garages, where the heat in summer or the cold in winter can cause the tree’s materials to degrade over time. A cool, dry closet or storage room is ideal. If you have no choice but to store it in a garage or attic, make sure the tree is wrapped tightly and protected from the elements with a plastic covering or tarp.
6. Keep It Off the Floor
If possible, store your tree off the ground. Keeping it elevated on a shelf or in a plastic storage bin will protect it from any potential flooding or water damage. It also helps keep it clean and free from dust that may accumulate if it’s left directly on the floor.
7. Check Your Tree Each Year
Before setting up your artificial tree next holiday season, take a moment to inspect it for any damage or wear and tear. Check the lights to ensure they’re still working, and make sure the branches are still in good shape. If any bulbs are burned out, replace them early in the season to avoid frustration when you’re decorating.
Proper storage will help your artificial tree maintain its beauty and functionality for many holiday seasons to come. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your tree will look just as stunning next year as it did when you first brought it home. Happy storing, and here’s to many more years of holiday cheer!
