Once the season is over, it’s time to put away your Christmas tree and trimmings for another year. Storing decorations can be tricky, but the right materials and a little planning can turn it into a quick, trouble-free task. In this comprehensive guide, we share expert Christmas storage tips for your tree, baubles, and other Christmas décor.
How to Store Artificial Christmas Trees
When it comes to Christmas tree storage, it’s best to use durable storage bags to preserve the beauty of your tree. Balsam Hill trees come with standard Christmas tree bags made of rip-stop nylon with reinforced handles for easy handling. We also offer rolling tree storage bags so you can transport your tree from one place to another without heavy lifting.
How To Take Down And Store A Traditional Pre-Lit Balsam Hill Christmas Tree
There are two types of traditional pre-lit Christmas trees. We design our Easy Plug® Christmas trees with pre-made light connections inside the trunk. Meanwhile, a classic pre-lit, non-Easy Plug tree has light strings that require manual connection. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1 | Unplug Lights
For non-Easy Plug trees, detach the light connections between the sections. If your tree is not pre-lit, remove the lights and store them separately.Step 2 | Compress Branches
Use both hands to gently compress foliage on each branch before detaching each section.
Step 3 | Detach Sections
Take each section apart from the tree.
Step 4 | Flip Sections
Flip each section over and gently compress the branches. Set each section aside.
Step 5 | Remove Eyebolt
Loosen the bolt in the stand and pull the bottom tree section out. Place the bolt and stand inside their own storage bag.
Step 6 | Cover Connectors
Cover the bottom of each tree section with the attached cap.
Step 7 | Tie Ribbon
Tie a ribbon or lead around the tree sections to secure the branches.
Step 8 | Store Sections
Position the sections in the bag(s) as if they were a pair of shoes in a box, with the pole in the centre. For larger trees, place the odd-numbered sections in one bag and the even-numbered in the other.
Step 9 | Zip Up Bag
Seal the bag properly and store.
How To Take Down And Store A Balsam Hill Flip Tree®
Balsam Hill Flip Trees feature innovative technology that simplifies the setup and storage process. It has a built-in rolling stand that lets you take it in and out of storage easily. Pack up and store your Flip Tree with these steps:
Step 1 | Lock Brakes
Press or step down on the wheels to lock the brakes.
Step 2 | Unplug Tree
Unplug the tree from the power source or wall outlet.
Step 3 | Take Treetop
Detach the top section of the tree.
Step 4 | Compress Foliage
Turn over the top section and gently compress the branches.
Step 5 | Store Treetop
Place the top section in its own storage bag.
Step 6 | Spread Branches
Spread apart the branches in the bottom section to make way for the Flip Tree track.
Step 7 | Press Foot Pedal
Press or step down on the foot pedal while pulling the centre pole towards you.
Step 8 | Flip Bottom Section
Flip the bottom tree section over into storage position.
Step 9 | Secure Light Cord
Gather the light lead and secure it with a twist tie or rubber band. Place the lead within the tree.
Step 10 | Enclose Bottom Half
Enclose the bottom half of the tree in its storage bag.
Step 11 | Pull Up Collar
Place the elastic collar around the top of the tree.
Step 12 | Tuck Branches
Tuck the branches in the bag and secure it with the Velcro closure.
Step 13 | Buckle Straps
Buckle and tighten all the straps to keep the tree compact and ready to store.
Step 14 | Store Accessories
Store small items like gloves, extra bulbs, and remote controls in the small bag and attach it to the main one.
Step 15 | Roll Into Storage
Unlock the wheels and roll your tree into storage, together with the other bag containing its upper section.
Christmas Tree Storage Tips
- Consider moving the storage bag and tree sections to your final storage location before packing them to minimise heavy lifting.
- Returning your tree to its original cardboard box may seem like a good idea, however, these boxes are bound to deteriorate over time. The material is also prone to damage from dust, mites, pests, and other elements. Without proper safekeeping, a cardboard Christmas tree storage box is likely to grow mould and cause irreversible damage to your tree.
- Gently compress each tree section so that it will fit more easily into your storage container. We also recommend tying each section with a ribbon or lead to secure the branches.
- Store your tree in a cool, dry location to prevent it from acquiring a musty odour while in storage. As a precautionary measure, store the tree with a container of baking soda or unused coffee grounds. If you’re storing it in the shed or garage, pick a spot away from sunlight or heat sources and make sure it’s secured against potential pest infestation.
How to Store Christmas Decorations
The best way to store Christmas decorations is to use dedicated containers that help maintain the condition of your Christmas décor. A well-organised collection also eliminates the need to buy new items every year and makes it easy to find the right accents when it’s time to decorate again.
How To Store Christmas Baubles
Step 1 | Prepare Your Storage Containers
Gather the original packaging of your baubles if they’re designed for reuse. Also consider Christmas bauble storage bags that are designed to hold and protect baubles. We offer rolling bauble chests that can keep up to 120 pieces. As an alternative, use clear plastic containers that let you see the baubles without having to open the lid. This will reduce time spent looking for Christmas decorations when the next Christmas season rolls around.
Step 2 | Remove the Baubles
Place towels around the base of your Christmas tree to catch any fragile baubles that might fall while you’re taking down decorations. Start removing baubles from the bottom of the tree and work your way up. Reaching for the topmost baubles first may cause you to accidentally dislodge those in the lower sections.
Step 3 | Organise Your Baubles
Sort your Christmas baubles according to your preferred system. Storing by style, size, or colour helps make it much easier to decorate based on a specific look. Label the containers and list the contents of each box for faster retrieval. For containers without individual compartments, purchase or create your own cardboard dividers.
Insider’s Tip
If storing Christmas baubles in a garage with a lot of natural light, choose opaque bins and attach detailed labels to the exterior. Clear storage bins allow light to penetrate inside, which can cause the vibrant colours of your baubles to fade.
How To Store Ribbons and Garlands
Step 1 | Remove the Strands
Once you’ve taken down all your baubles, unwrap garlands and ribbons from the tree and carefully straighten them out.
Step 2 | Store the Strands Individually
Wrap each strand around a piece of rigid cardboard to prevent tangling. Then, place the individually wrapped strings inside a durable Ziploc or plastic bag to protect them from getting scratched. Avoid storing multiple garlands in a single container as this could cause tangles and damage.
How to Store Other Christmas Decorations
Christmas decorations with irregular shapes, such as tree toppers and picks, may require separate containers if they don’t fit standard bauble storage boxes. Bring out their original packaging or secure them in individual containers. If you don’t have time to wrap each item individually, line the bottom of your box with shredded paper. Place the items inside and add more shredded paper to keep the pieces from moving around.
Use bubble wrap or plastic foam to protect snow globes and other fragile accents. Store fabric decorations like stockings and tree skirts in vacuum-sealed plastic bags to keep them safe from insects, dust, and dirt.
Step 1 | Clean Your Greenery
Remove dust and dirt build-up from the branch tips using a feather duster or a hair dryer set on low. With a microfibre cloth, gently wipe the larger decorations such as leaves and baubles.
Step 2 | Remove Other Decorations
Pull out any baubles, picks, and ribbons that are not attached to the greenery. Store these accents together with your Christmas tree decorations.
Step 3 | Compress the Foliage
Flatten the tips of your faux greenery to better fit your wreath storage bags. Simply press the foliage in the direction it’s pointing to.
Step 4 | Pack Away Your Greenery
Store your Christmas wreaths and garlands in their original boxes or invest in storage bags that are specially designed to protect your greenery. Balsam Hill’s wreath & garland rolling storage chest provides enough space to hold multiple wreaths and garlands in an optimal position that preserves their form and beauty. It also features versatile containers for baubles and other Christmas decorations.
How To Store Christmas Lights
Avoid damaged bulbs and tangled wires with proper Christmas lights storage. Neatly wrapped light strings will save you time and effort spent detangling and unwinding. Follow these easy do-it-yourself options:
Plastic Bags
Wrap a light strand around your forearm to form a loose circle. To do this, hold one end of the strand, guide it down around your elbow, and bring it back up to your hand. Secure the resulting bundle with twist ties, then store each bundle in its own plastic zipper bag. Label the bag according to the colour or type of light strand. Finally, place all the bags in a durable plastic bin.
Tension Rod
Wind a light strand around your hand and transfer it onto a tension rod. Fit the rods lengthwise in a plastic storage bin along with other lighting accessories, such as extension leads, foot pedal switches, and remote controls.
Cardboard Sheet
Cut small slits at both ends of a cardboard sheet and wrap individual light strands around the sheet. Use the slits to secure the plugs on either end of the strand. Label each sheet, then stack them in a plastic storage bin.
Wire Spool
Wind separate light strands around individual wire spools, and label them accordingly. Avoid winding multiple strands in a single spool, as light strings tend to get buried under other strands and could make unspooling a challenge.
Insider’s Tip
Reuse coffee cans to store light strings. Wash and dry the can, cut a slit in the plastic lid for the plug, and wrap the strand around the outside of the can. Use the inside as storage for extra bulbs or extension leads.
How To Store Christmas Decorations in the Garage
Storing Christmas decorations in the garage eliminates the need to lug bulky boxes filled with delicate baubles up and down stairs, as is often the case with attics or basements. As garages are often dark and cool, they also provide optimal conditions for storing decorations that should not be exposed to sunlight or heat.
However, there are certain items that should not be stored in the garage. These include:
- Décor with perishable or edible components (like gingerbread houses), as they can attract pests or rodents
- Fragile or antique pieces
- Wax candles that may melt or deform in storage
Move on to the next section for ideas where these items can be safely moved and stored until next season.
More Christmas Decorations Storage Tips
After your Christmas decorations are all packed up, it’s time to decide where to place them. If your garage is unavailable, consider other dry and safe spots that are easily accessible but kept away from small children or pets. Here are some common storage locations to get you started:
- Storage room
- Attic
- Garage
- Large cupboards
- Closets (especially in guest bedrooms)
- Cabinets and linen closets
- Empty shelves
If you’re running low on space, try converting empty corners into makeshift storage areas. For example, the space underneath your staircase can house stacks of containers. Turn any unused corner into a hidden storage spot by adding dividers or folding screens.
Safety Tips
Keep these safety tips in mind as you pack away your decorations so everything stays protected while it’s in storage.
Keep Christmas Decorations Away from Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight and prolonged exposure to heat can damage your decorations. Excessive moisture may also ruin Christmas items, so keep them away from extreme changes in humidity and temperature. Use desiccants to help keep your containers dry.
Protect Your Décor Against Pests
Make sure your containers are sealed tight to prevent pests from chewing on the wires and destroying fragile baubles.
Stack Boxes Correctly
When stacking boxes, make sure that they can withstand heavy weight and the occasional bump. Place the heavier boxes at the bottom and the lighter ones on top. Take extra care when storing boxes in the garage. Test the weight of boxes before removing from higher shelves or garage racks. Special care should be taken when storing Christmas decoration boxes high in the garage as well.
Long-Term Maintenance Tips
- Give your tree, greenery, and baubles a quick annual inspection before you pack them away, checking for loose branches, frayed wires, and worn hooks so everything is ready to reuse next year.
- Test each light strand and replace faulty lights or burnt-out bulbs before storage, so your set is ready to shine at the start of the next Christmas season.
- Reassemble and fluff your tree a couple of weeks before the season begins to give the branches time to settle and to catch any issues early.
- Rotate the storage position of your boxes and tree bags from year to year so no single section bears constant weight, which helps you properly store your décor for the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Store Christmas Decorations in an Unheated Garage?
Yes. A garage is often dark and cool, which makes it one of the better Christmas decoration storage ideas for protecting décor from sunlight and heat. Keep containers sealed tight against pests and moisture, and skip storing perishable items, fragile antiques, or wax candles there.
Is It Better to Store a Christmas Tree in a Bag or Box?
A durable storage bag is usually the better choice for an artificial tree. Original cardboard boxes deteriorate over time and are prone to dust, pests, and mould, while a rip-stop nylon tree bag protects the branches and is easier to move.
How Long Should You Keep Your Christmas Decorations Up After Christmas?
There is no strict rule. Many households take decorations down between New Year’s Day and early January. Whenever you choose, clean and inspect each piece before storing so it is ready for next season.
Where Do Most People Store Their Christmas Decorations?
Common spots include a storage room, attic, garage, large cupboards, guest-bedroom closets, cabinets, linen closets, and empty shelves. Learning how to organise Christmas decorations by room or theme, in a dry and accessible location away from children and pets, makes them easier to find next year.
What Is the Most Compact Way to Store Christmas Trees?
Disassemble the tree, gently compress each section’s branches, and tie them with a ribbon or lead before placing them in a fitted storage bag. Position the sections like a pair of shoes in a box, with the pole in the centre, to minimise the space they take up.
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