How to store your artificial Christmas tree properly – so it stays beautiful for many years
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The holidays are over, everyday life returns—and the festively decorated tree must be put away. But where should you put your artificial Christmas tree? If you store it carefully, you'll enjoy it for many years. Here's how to properly store your artificial Christmas tree so it stays as beautiful as the day it was.
Don’t just “stuff it in somewhere”
Many people hastily pack their tree back into its shipping container or squash it into the nearest corner of the basement. But this often comes back to haunt them the following year: bent branches, snapped tips, and layers of dust. A high-quality tree deserves high-quality storage.
Tip: Use a sturdy zippered storage bag. It protects against moisture, dust, and dirt.
Carefully fold the branches together
With the umbrella system, the branches fold down automatically – saving time. With plug-in systems, you should carefully bend each branch inward, without using force. Make sure that delicate tips don't get caught.
If necessary, use tissue paper or soft cloths between sensitive areas to avoid pressure sores.
Store lighting separately
If your tree comes with integrated lights, you should be especially careful when folding it up. Check that any cables are exposed and not kinked. If you've installed your own lights, be sure to remove them and roll them up separately before storing them – if possible, without tying them together.
Extra tip: Cable ties or toilet paper rolls help keep things organized.
Store in a dry and dark place
The ideal storage location is dry, dark, and moderately temperature-controlled—e.g., a basement shelf, attic, or utility room. Avoid damp rooms to prevent mold growth. Direct sunlight or extreme temperature fluctuations can also damage the material over time.
Before the next use: clean gently
Before you put the tree up next year, you can clean it with a dry microfiber cloth or a gentle feather duster. For models with a lot of texture, a hairdryer on a cool setting or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment (on the lowest setting) will also help.
Conclusion: If you store your artificial Christmas tree carefully, you'll enjoy consistent beauty, stability, and hygiene for many years to come. With proper preparation, it will be the shining centerpiece of your home again in just a few minutes next Christmas.