Taking your artificial Christmas tree down after the festivities? A little care when you pack it away will help protect the branches and lights for next year. Remove the decorations, unplug any lights, gently bring the branches in, then put the dry sections in a bag or box with enough room so they aren’t crushed. Store it somewhere cool and dry, following the instructions for your particular tree.
Hinged, hook-on and pre-lit trees don’t all come apart in the same way. If you’re unsure which branches you have, our hinged versus hook-on guide explains the difference.
A simple packing checklist
- Remove the decorations. Take off baubles, hooks, ribbon, garlands and the topper. Unwind separate light strings without tugging them through the branches.
- Unplug and check the tree is dry. Switch off pre-lit lights before touching their connections. Let any damp foliage dry fully before it goes into a bag.
- Take the sections apart in the maker’s order. Support each section as you lift it free, and disconnect plugs by the connector rather than the wire.
- Ease the branches in. Bring tips gently towards the pole; don’t force hinges shut or sharply bend moulded foliage.
- Keep the small parts together. Group hook-on branches by their labels, and put stand fittings, instructions and spare bulbs in a labelled bag.
- Pack and place it carefully. Use a roomy bag or sound box, keep heavy items off the tree, and choose a clean, dry storage spot.
Taking down the tree without bending the branches
Before you dismantle it, look through the foliage for any hooks or baubles you’ve missed. If you added your own lights, lift them away gently and store them separately. A quick photo of hook-on branch labels can make reassembly easier next Christmas.
Work through the sections in the order your tree’s instructions give. Support each one and ease its tips towards the centre. Hinged branches should fold in without force; hook-on branches may need removing and sorting by row or colour. Don’t flatten moulded PE foliage under another section or force a hinge backwards.
Christmas Tree World’s storage guide also recommends removing decorations and compressing branches gently. How much compression is suitable depends on the tree, so follow its own manual first.
| Part of the tree | Before it goes away | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Hinged section | Ease tips towards the pole, supporting the section. | Forcing hinges shut or putting weight on tips. |
| Hook-on branch | Remove and group by its maker label or position. | Mixing different lengths in one unmarked bundle. |
| Pre-lit connection | Unplug as instructed and protect the connector. | Pulling the wire or sharply bending the cable. |
| Stand and fittings | Clean, dry and bag small parts together. | Leaving loose screws in the bottom of a large box. |
On a phone, swipe across the table to see all three columns.
How to store a pre-lit Christmas tree
Switch the lights off and unplug the tree before separating any sections. Some pre-lit trees have plugs between sections; others connect through the pole. Follow the instructions for your model, hold the connector rather than pulling the cable, and avoid tight bends in loose leads. Protect exposed connectors if the maker provides caps or covers.
If a light section isn’t working, make a note before packing the tree away. Never store pre-lit wiring while it’s damp, and don’t crush branches against the cables. Check the connection layout in your own tree’s manual before you take it apart.
Storage bag or original box?
The original box is fine if it still closes without forcing the branches or connectors. A sturdy tree bag can give a shaped tree more room and may be easier to move. Check its length against the longest dismantled section, not the tree’s assembled height.
Don’t use a vacuum bag unless the manufacturer specifically allows it: heavy compression may bend branches or damage pre-lit wiring. If straps came with the tree, use them as directed. Keep the stand and small fittings together, but don’t leave loose screws where they can scratch the tree.
Where should you store an artificial tree?
A clean, cool and dry cupboard or spare room is a good option if you have the space. A loft or garage can also work, but only if it stays dry and avoids major temperature extremes throughout the year. Check for leaks and condensation, keep the packed tree off a floor that might get wet, and don’t stack heavy boxes on top.
Some trees and purpose-made bags are designed to be stored upright, while ordinary sectional trees are meant to be dismantled. If you’d like to leave yours upright, check the maker’s instructions, the bag’s design, the stability of the stand and the available height first. Keep it covered, dry and somewhere it won’t be knocked over.
When you bring it out next year
Check the stand, hinges and any pre-lit wiring before assembly. If the tree feels damp or smells musty, don’t plug it in. Once it’s safe to set up, allow time to reopen the branches; our tree-fluffing guide shows how to work from the trunk out.
Frequently asked questions
Can I store an artificial Christmas tree in its original box?
Yes, if the sections fit without forcing the branches or connectors and the box stays dry. A purpose-made tree bag may give a shaped tree more room.
Can I leave decorations on an artificial tree in storage?
It’s better to remove baubles, hooks, ribbon and separate lights. They can snag or break when the branches are brought in.
How should I store a pre-lit artificial tree?
Unplug it, then disconnect sections as its own instructions direct. Hold plugs rather than pulling wires, protect connectors, and make sure the tree is dry before packing.
Can I store an artificial Christmas tree in a loft or garage?
You can if the space stays dry, reasonably cool and free from major temperature swings. Check for leaks or condensation, and keep the packed tree off a potentially wet floor.
Can I store an artificial Christmas tree upright?
Only if the tree and its storage bag or cover are designed for it, the stand is stable, and you have a dry space where it won’t be knocked over. Otherwise, dismantle it as the manufacturer instructs.
Where is the best place to store an artificial Christmas tree?
Choose a clean, cool, dry spot away from leaks and strong heat. Don’t put heavy boxes on top of the tree.
How do I stop the branches getting bent in storage?
Ease the tips towards each branch rather than folding them sharply. Use a bag or box that fits the sections without crushing them.
Ready for next Christmas
A dry, roomy storage spot and gentle packing give your tree the best chance of keeping its shape. Keep the stand and instructions with it, and next year you can spend your time decorating rather than searching for missing parts.
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