How To Store a Christmas Tree: Step-by-Step Guide

Knowing how to store a Christmas tree properly is one of the best ways to protect your holiday investment, especially when your tree is part of the seasonal decor you rely on year after year, along with ornaments and even last-minute Christmas gifts. Artificial trees are designed to last for many seasons, but poor Christmas tree storage can lead to bent branches, tangled lights, moisture damage, and unnecessary wear, shortening their lifespan.

This step-by-step guide explains how to store a Christmas tree properly — from removing decorations and cleaning the tree to choosing the best Christmas tree storage container and location. Whether you’re organizing a small closet, stashing extra boxes after wrapping last-minute Christmas gifts, or planning full Christmas decoration storage, these best practices will help your artificial tree look just as festive next year.

How To Store a Christmas Tree Step-by-Step

If you’ve ever wondered how to store a Christmas tree without damaging it, following a structured process is key. Proper Christmas tree storage protects branches, prevents moisture issues, and saves time when it’s time to decorate again.

Step 1: Remove Decorations and Lights

The first step in effective Christmas tree storage is removing all decorations before packing anything away. Leaving ornaments, garlands, or lights on the tree increases the risk of breakage and makes Christmas decoration storage more difficult and time-consuming later.

How to Store Christmas Lights So They Don’t Tangle

• Wrap each strand around cardboard, a light reel, or a hanger.
• Secure loose ends with twist ties or zip ties.
• Store lights in clearly labeled containers designed for Christmas decoration storage.

Taking the time to organize decorations now makes setting up your tree faster and less stressful next year. For more practical seasonal organization advice, including packing, labeling, and storage strategies, check out these helpful packing and moving tips.

Step 2: Clean the Tree Before Storage

Cleaning is an important but often overlooked part of Christmas tree storage. Dust, pet hair, and debris left on branches can cause discoloration and odors over time.

Best Way to Clean an Artificial Christmas Tree

• Use a microfiber cloth or duster for surface dust.
• Vacuum gently using a soft brush attachment.
• Allow all sections to dry completely before packing.

Never store a damp tree, as moisture can lead to mold, rust, and long-term damage to both branches and internal metal components. Giving your tree enough time to air-dry ensures it stays fresh, structurally sound, and ready to display next holiday season.

When disassembling a Christmas tree, start with the top section and work downward.

Why Christmas Tree Storage is Essential

Have you ever left your Christmas tree and Christmas décor hanging around the house months after the holiday season is over? We totally get it. Putting up décor can be fun for the whole family, but taking everything down can be downright dreadful. But with proper Christmas decoration storage, the task of packing up (and unpacking next year) will be a little less daunting. It gives you a place to store your tree, ornaments, wreaths, and more without wondering where you’ll fit everything — and what broke along the way. 

This is especially relevant if you’re living in a small space; every square foot counts. You wouldn’t want a seasonal item to take over a corner in your home that’s precious real estate for year-round furniture or décor. Likewise, mindlessly stuffing your décor in a closet can ruin it and may force you to spend more money the following year on new decorations. Ultimately, it boils down to this: Christmas tree storage is essential because it can save you money in the long run and declutter your living space. 

Using Christmas tree storage bags makes it easier to protect your tree and simplify Christmas tree storage between seasons.

Step 5: Choose the Right Storage Container

Choosing the right container is critical for long-term Christmas tree storage, as it protects your tree from dust, moisture, pests, and physical damage during the off-season. The best option depends on your available storage space, how often you move the container, and whether you prefer flexibility or maximum protection.

Christmas Tree Storage Bags

Christmas tree storage bags are lightweight, flexible, and easy to carry, making them a popular choice for closets, attics, and short-term storage. When shopping for a bag, look for:

• Thick, tear-resistant fabric
• Reinforced handles for easier lifting
• Water-resistant material to protect against humidity

Some upright Christmas tree storage bags allow you to store a tree with minimal disassembly. If you’re learning how to put a Christmas tree in a bag, gently fold the branches upward, slide the bag over the tree or individual sections, and zip it closed securely. This method helps preserve branch shape while saving time during next year's setup.

Using labeled bins is a smart way to keep your Christmas tree storage space organized year after year.

Christmas Tree Storage Bins and Boxes

A hard-sided Christmas tree bin or Christmas tree storage box offers maximum protection from moisture, pests, and crushing — making it a smart choice for garage organization and other areas where storage conditions can fluctuate. These containers are designed for durability and long-term use.

Look for:

• Heavy-duty plastic construction
• Locking or gasketed lids to keep out dust and insects
• Wheels for easier transport and stacking

A Christmas tree storage box is ideal for homeowners who want the most secure storage solution or plan to store their tree for extended periods between holidays. Properly sealed bins also help maintain the tree’s shape and integrity, reducing wear over time.

Step 6: Add Moisture Protection

Moisture is one of the biggest threats to successful Christmas tree storage, especially when trees are stored for several months at a time. Even small amounts of humidity can lead to mold growth, rust on metal components, or warped branches.

Moisture-Control Tips

• Place silica gel packets inside storage bags or bins to absorb excess humidity.
• Use moisture absorber tubs for larger containers or garage storage areas.
• Avoid unsealed sheds, crawl spaces, or damp basements where moisture levels fluctuate.

Taking a few extra steps to control humidity helps preserve branch shape, protect internal wiring, and prevent corrosion. This helps keep your artificial tree in good condition year after year.

Step 7: Label and Organize Everything

Clear labeling makes future Christmas decoration storage faster, easier, and far less stressful. When everything is clearly marked, you’ll spend less time searching for parts and more time decorating.

Organization Tips

• Label containers with contents, tree height, and section numbers.
• Store lights, stands, and hardware in the same container as the tree whenever possible.
• Keep all Christmas tree storage items together in one designated area.

Organizing now also reduces the risk of losing critical components, such as poles or screws. For more practical ideas on storing seasonal decorations efficiently, explore these helpful tips on decoration storage.

Storing decorations in a designated space helps keep Christmas decoration storage organized and protected between seasons.

Step 8: Choose the Best Storage Location

Where you store your tree plays a major role in how well your Christmas tree storage method works over time. The ideal location protects your tree from extreme temperatures, moisture, and accidental damage.

Best Storage Locations

• Climate-controlled garages
• Dry, well-ventilated basements
• Secure storage facilities

Avoid attics with extreme heat or humidity, as temperature swings can weaken materials and fade color. If space is limited at home, consider off-site options like professional storage unit facilities, which offer a stable environment for long-term storage.

How To Store a Christmas Tree — FAQs

Q: What is the easiest way to store a Christmas tree?
A: The easiest way is to disassemble the tree, fold branches upward, and store it in one of several Christmas tree storage bags or a durable Christmas tree storage box.

Q: Is it better to store a Christmas tree in a bag or box?
A: Both work well. Christmas tree storage bags are easier to move, while a Christmas tree storage box or bin offers stronger protection.

Q: How do you keep a Christmas tree in good condition for a long time?

A: Proper Christmas tree storage, moisture control, and careful handling help extend the life of an artificial tree.
Q: How do you wrap an artificial Christmas tree for storage?
A: First, remove all ornaments and lights, then begin folding each section of the tree from the top down. Once the branches are secured, wrap the sections loosely with plastic wrap to keep them protected and compact. Store the wrapped tree in a dry garage or basement until next year, knowing it will be easier to unpack and ready to display when the holidays return.

When holiday décor starts taking over your home, PODS offers flexible Christmas tree storage solutions.

Store Your Christmas Tree and Holiday Decorations With PODS

When holiday décor starts taking over your home, PODS offers flexible Christmas tree storage solutions. Store your Christmas tree and other holiday decorations inside a PODS portable storage container. Have it delivered right to your driveway, where you can load it on your own time. Then PODS will pick it up and take it to a secure PODS storage facility for as long as you need.

Visit PODS online for a free storage quote or call 877-350-7637.

Bonnie Azoulay Elmann is an NYC-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to the PODS blog. Her work has appeared in Glamour, Health, and Parents, among others. She is an extremely driven digital storyteller who may or may not have a slight obsession with fanny packs.

(Source for image featured at top: Laura James via Pexels)

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}