How to Store an Artificial Christmas Tree So It Lasts

The short answer: clean the tree, take it apart section by section from the top down, fold the branches up toward the pole without crushing the tips, and pack it in a tree storage bag or rigid bin. Store it somewhere dry, dark and temperature stable, such as a closet or a climate-controlled basement, not a hot attic or a damp garage. Done this way, an artificial tree comes out next December looking the way it did when you packed it.

The 15-minute version

1. Photograph the decorated tree, then take every ornament off.
2. Unplug and check the lights one last time.
3. Dust the branches.
4. Separate the sections, top first.
5. Fold branches up and wrap each section loosely.
6. Bag or box the sections with the stand and cords.
7. Store dry, dark and off the floor.

1. Before you take it down

Take a photo of the finished tree from the front and both sides. Next year it becomes your decorating plan, and it costs nothing now.

Then remove ornaments, ribbon, picks and the topper, working from the top down so nothing falls onto the lower branches. Pack ornaments in a separate container, never inside the tree bag: hooks catch on branches and glass breaks under the weight of the sections.

On a pre-lit tree, plug it in one last time before you unplug for the season. If a section is dark, note which one on a piece of tape. It is far easier to sort out in January than in a rush the following December.

2. Clean it

A season indoors leaves dust on every branch, and dust that sits for eleven months turns dull and gray.

• Run a soft brush or a microfiber duster along each branch, from the trunk out to the tips.
• A hair dryer on the cool setting clears dust from dense tips quickly.
• Skip water and cleaning sprays on indoor and pre-lit trees. Moisture packed into a bag is what causes musty smells.
• If the tree stood outdoors, let it dry completely in a sheltered spot before packing it.

3. Take it apart the right way

Start with the top section and work down. Lift each section straight up out of the one below rather than twisting it, which bends the connectors.

Most artificial trees have hinged branches that fold up toward the center pole. Fold them gently, and stop when the section is compact; you do not need to force it flat. Pressing hard is how tips get permanently bent, and bent tips are what make a tree look sparse in year three.

Tall trees like our 9 ft Slim Douglas Fir assemble by section, so they come apart into manageable pieces. A slim profile also packs smaller than a full tree of the same height.

4. Protect the lights on a pre-lit tree

Built-in lights are the reason most people choose a pre-lit tree, and they need only a little care.

• Leave the lights on the branches. They are designed to stay in place; unwinding them causes more damage than it prevents.
• Coil, don't wrap. Loop the power cord loosely and secure it with a twist tie or Velcro strap, not tightly around the pole.
• Cover the plugs. A small zip bag over each connector keeps out dust and keeps the prongs straight.
• Keep the extras together. Put any spare bulbs, fuses, remote and the manual in one labeled bag inside the storage bag.

Next season, plug in each section before you start fluffing, so any problem shows up before the ornaments go on.

5. Choose the right container

Option	Best for	Watch out for
Original box	The first year or two	Cardboard tears, absorbs moisture and attracts pests over time
Tree storage bag	Most home trees	Choose heavy fabric with handles and a full zipper; check the size against your tree height
Upright storage bag	Slim trees and small closets	Stores the tree partly assembled; needs vertical space
Rigid plastic bin	Garages and basements	Make sure sections fit without bending the tips

Whatever you use, wrap each section loosely in an old sheet before packing it. The sheet keeps tips from catching on each other and on the zipper.

6. Pick the storage spot

Where the tree spends eleven months matters more than how it is packed.

• Best: a closet, under a bed, a climate-controlled basement or a storage room inside the home.
• Use with care: a garage, if the tree is in a sealed bin and raised off the concrete floor.
• Avoid: unfinished attics, which get very hot in summer, and damp basements, where mildew sets in.

Keep the tree out of direct sunlight, which fades the needles, and lay heavy boxes beside it, never on top.

Flocked trees need a little extra care, since the snowy finish is more delicate. Our comparison of flocked vs green Christmas trees covers what to do differently.

7. Storing large commercial trees

A tree for a hotel entrance or a shopping plaza is a seasonal installation, and storage is part of the plan from the day you order it. Look for frames designed to come apart or fold.

The Grand Outdoor Music-Sync LED tree has a foldable steel and aluminum frame, and the Crimson Luxe uses a sectional metal frame, both built to make setup and storage easier from season to season.

• Check the tree after the last storm of the season and let it dry fully before disassembly.
• Number every section and connector with weatherproof labels.
• Store sections on pallets or shelving, not directly on the floor.
• Keep controllers, power supplies and cables in their own labeled case.

For planning the whole display, see our Christmas decorating ideas for businesses.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Packing a damp tree. Even slight moisture leads to mildew and a musty smell.
• Forcing it into a box that is too small. Crushed tips do not fully recover.
• Storing ornaments with the tree. Hooks snag branches and glass breaks.
• Pulling sections apart by the branches. Lift by the pole to protect hinges and wiring.
• Choosing the attic by default. Summer heat is hard on branches, finishes and wiring.

Frequently asked questions

Can I store an artificial Christmas tree in the garage?

Yes, if it is in a sealed bin or a heavy storage bag, raised off the floor and away from car exhaust and chemicals. A space inside the home is still better.

Can I use a vacuum storage bag?

It is better not to. Vacuum compression presses the tips flat and can bend them permanently.

Can I store a tree fully assembled?

Slim trees can be stored partly assembled in an upright storage bag if you have the vertical space. Full trees are easier to protect when taken apart by section.

How do I get rid of a musty smell?

Air the sections outdoors on a dry day or in a ventilated room, then store them with a few moisture absorbers next season.

How long does an artificial Christmas tree last?

With careful packing and dry storage, a quality artificial tree looks good for many seasons. Storage is the biggest factor in how long it keeps its shape.

Find your tree

Browse every size and finish in our artificial Christmas trees collection. Setting up for the first time? Start with how to choose an artificial Christmas tree for your home, then see how to decorate it step by step.