How To Store An Artificial Christmas Tree: The Guide To Proper Christmas Tree Storage

Many people only consider the height of their Christmas tree, but there are different widths of holiday trees as well. The width, often referred to as the tree’s girth, is measured at the base of the tree, where it is the widest.

While there is no standard to these widths, we see 3 typical categories in which they fall into: slim (“narrow”, “skinny”), regular (“traditional”, “medium”, “standard”), and wide (“full”, “XL”, “girth”).

Always read the product details to verify, but as a general rule of thumb, these dimensions can help you decide which bag you need:

Topiary & Foyer Bags:

Fit: Under 6 ft Tall - For Topiary Trees and Foyer Trees

Medium Bags:

Fit: 6ft - 7.5ft Tall - Slim or Regular Base

Large Bags:

Fit: 7.5ft Tall - Wide Base, 9ft Tall - Slim or Regular Base

XLarge Bags:

Fit: Up to 9ft Tall - Slim, Regular, or Wide Base

XXL Bags:

Fit: 12ft - 15ft Tall - Slim, Regular, or Wide Base

This infographic will help you determine what kind of storage bag will fit your tree best.

In the past, most people took their tree apart into three sections to fit into their tree storage container and then stored the tree by laying it down flat.

Now, there are plenty of storage options that make it possible to leave the sections of the tree stacked and store the tree vertically. There are several reasons this can be beneficial, whether you have limited storage space or just want an easier holiday season set up or tear down.

This method of using an upright tree storage bag isn’t for everyone, so knowing whether you plan to store your tree vertically or horizontally is important when choosing the right Christmas tree storage option. This method can work for a pre-lit Christmas tree as well.

Storing Specialized Artificial Trees

Specialized artificial trees are growing in popularity as aesthetic tastes change. These include fiber optic Christmas trees, which are desirable due to their energy-efficient beauty. Likewise, pencil-style trees (tall, narrow Christmas trees) have a unique shape that makes them aesthetically pleasing and space-efficient.

As always, we advise you to take measurements and use those when choosing a Christmas tree storage bag or box. You may be surprised to learn that your fiber optic tree, once unplugged, is a good fit for our standard upright tree storage bag.

When it comes to storing artificial pencil trees, the height is the most important dimension. Any standard storage bag that accommodates trees up to that height should also adjust to accommodate your pencil tree’s girth.

If you want to store artificial topiary trees, you will need a smaller storage solution. We recommend our topiary tree storage bags, with design elements that keep dust and debris out in between uses.

Often, when someone has a tree professionally decorated, the ornaments will be attached to the tree with wire ties to keep them in the correct place. This is a great way to avoid paying a professional each year to have it decorated.

However, this method doesn’t allow you to fold up the branches on the tree. Because the decorated tree cannot be disassembled to store, it needs to be stored upright and fully decorated with all parts intact.

The best way to store and protect a permanently-decorated tree is by using a decorated upright tree storage bag.

Quality material is important if you want your artificial tree storage bag to last for years, as well as to properly protect your Christmas tree. Chances are, if it's too inexpensive, or looks cheap, then it will have thin, terrible quality material.

Every tree storage bag at Christmas World uses high-quality, thick material (typically a durable polyester), that protects from rips and tears, keeps your tree safe, and is easy to wipe clean.

Wheels may not be necessary for all instances but for larger trees, wheeling the bag is much easier than trying to carry an oversized bag around. For upright tree bags, we suggest adding a rolling tree stand.

Nothing is more frustrating than packing up your tree to move the storage bag to its ‘off-season’ home, and your handles break. Some bags even include reinforced convenient carrying handles, and this helps avoid scratches on hardwood flooring and scuffs on the walls (and a broken back) because the supporting handles allow you to carry your tree to its destination without dragging it throughout your home.

A Few Last Tips for Proper Artificial Tree Storage

Keep your stored tree in a dry area. Though your tree may be artificial, moisture accumulated during storage can still cause some damage. Whether it be the needles on the tree, the wiring and lights, or something else, water or humidity can harm your tree. If possible, store your Christmas tree indoors, in a dry and less humid area.

Label everything! When storing any Christmas decorations, adding labels to your Christmas storage containers will make finding and organizing your holiday decorations easy for you the following year. Many holiday storage containers feature an ID tag holder, making labeling for easy identification as simple as can be.

Trees aren’t the only thing that should be stored in protective Christmas storage containers; wreaths, garlands, breakable ornaments, collectibles like nutcrackers, and even wrapping paper are all typically stored incorrectly or inconveniently.

If you have any questions about storing your tree season after season, need more tree storage ideas at an affordable price, or what the perfect storage option is for you and your tree and holiday season decor, feel free to contact us. Anyone here at Christmas World would be happy to help you out!

Storing Tree Accessories and Decorations

Now that you learned to store away your Christmas tree, you might be standing among a pile of tree skirts, ornaments, and tree toppers. These decorative elements and accessories are often fragile and delicate. Some, such as tree toppers or special ornaments, may hold sentimental value.

If you wouldn’t toss your Christmas Tree into a cardboard box, why would you wrap your most meaningful decorations in newspaper and hope for the best?

Now that your mind is on storing your Christmas tree for the season, here are a few additional storage solutions that will simplify your life and make cleanup a breeze.

• Ornament Storage Solutions:

Multi-tray ornament storage boxes make storing ornaments (and, later, decorating) a snap. Each adjustable container has room for each individual bauble on the tree. Dividers prevent scuffing or bumping during transportation.

You won’t have to deal with dust or debris during the next Christmas season, and there will be no broken ornaments to discard. Plus, the individual trays make it simple to carry multiple ornaments during the decorating process. 

• Decoration Storage Solutions: Where do you keep your nutcrackers, knick-knacks, twinkle lights, and festive collectibles in between Christmases? What about your extra gift wrap, from wrapping paper rolls to gift bags, ribbons, and tissue paper? Specialized storage solutions ensure that every piece of decor gets tucked away safely and securely where you can find it next season. Clear up the clutter and discover peace of mind with tidy storage bags and boxes that prevent damage. damage.
• Wreath Storage Solutions: A beautiful wreath draws the eye to your door, creating a stunning visual centerpiece that sets the tone for the season. When you store them properly, your wreath will look its best year after year. Foam-lined and suspendable storage bags solve your wreath storage problems, adding extra protection. The right wreath storage solution will save you money by protecting your classic holiday decor.