The Christmas tree is central to festive traditions. It brings the holiday spirit into your home every season, whether it stands proudly in the living room, graces the staircase, or adds warmth to the bedroom. However, like all decorations, eventually, you must disassemble and store your indoor Christmas tree.
We're here to guide you through each step of the process—because proper care for your tree involves dismantling and storage. Follow this tutorial to keep your indoor artificial Christmas tree looking splendid for future celebrations.
Storing Your Indoor Artificial Christmas Tree
Box or Bag?
Although the original cardboard box your tree came in seems like a good storage option, it's not the most effective for maintaining your tree year-round.
Cardboard boxes fail to protect against moisture or mold, and they leave your tree vulnerable to pests like rodents and insects. They don't seal properly and allow dust and other harmful particles to enter. A plastic bag offers more protection.
The cardboard box also doesn't guard against the typical moisture levels found in storage areas like garages, attics, basements, and outdoor sheds. Cardboard deteriorates over time and has multiple entry points, especially at the corners. Over time, cardboard naturally weakens.
Proper Tree Storage
Select a high-quality storage bag that safeguards your tree's components. Note your tree's dimensions (circumference and height) to choose an appropriately sized Christmas tree storage bag.
A well-made storage bag designed for your indoor artificial Christmas tree will have ample space for all parts to fit comfortably. Avoid overfilling the bag to ensure each piece has room to breathe, preventing damage such as broken branches, snapped wires, or shattered bulbs on pre-lit trees. Damage to any electrical components may void warranties.
Before storing your tree for the next holiday season, clean it thoroughly to tackle any glitter, artificial snow, or pet fur. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down non-flocked tree branches, as it avoids the residue left by paper towels and other disposable wipes.
Finally, store your tree in a cool, dark place out of direct sunlight. Avoid areas that can exceed 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
Disassembling Your Artificial Indoor Tree
Ornaments
A significant part of breaking down your tree involves removing the Christmas ornaments that add color and charm.
Unlike the tree, the original packaging for ornaments can often serve as excellent storage. If your ornaments were in segmented boxes with custom spots, your storage is already simplified! Simply place your ornaments back into these compartments.
For ornaments without special packaging, DIY methods can be useful. Plastic cups or egg cartons make for cost-effective storage solutions for small or delicate ornaments.
However, the best way to store your ornaments is using an ornament storage bag. These bags are designed to hold ornaments uniformly, with some capable of storing all your decorations in one organized space.
Stars and Toppers
The star or tree topper holds a special place above all other decorations and deserves appropriate storage.
If your star or tree topper came in sturdy packaging, use it for storage. However, if the packaging is flimsy, find a more reliable solution, especially if it's stored alongside other Christmas decorations.
For specialized storage, consider a hat box or wreath bag. Measure your star or topper and choose a box or bag of the appropriate size, lining it with tissue paper as needed to prevent movement and protect the decoration.
Alternatively, bubble wrap your star or topper and store it in a paper or plastic bag, ensuring ample protection with enough bubble wrap.
Ribbon
Ribbons should be wrapped for storage. Use a spool or piece of cardboard as a base, gently wrapping the ribbon without letting it twist or fold. Secure the end with tape or a safety pin.
Lights
Carefully remove lights from your tree, starting at either the top or bottom. Disconnect each string segment as you go. Once removed, you can either ball them up or wrap them around cardboard.
To ball lights correctly, hold the female end between your thumb and index finger's base, then wind the string around your fingers. Continue winding without twisting the string. Tuck the male plug end under the wrapped wires to secure it.
Alternatively, wrap your lights around a piece of rectangular cardboard, ensuring the string doesn't overlap to avoid twisting and damage.
Tree Skirts
Storage methods for tree skirts vary depending on their style. Simple skirts can be folded or rolled neatly to prevent creases. Embroidered or embellished skirts need special care: cover with snag-resistant material like tissue paper before folding and placing in a box to protect any attached beads, thread, or sequins.
If your storage bag has extra space, you can pack the tree skirt inside, ensuring it doesn't crease.
Tree Collar
Tree collars can be repurposed as open-bottom storage baskets for the rest of the year. Wooden or wicker collars are ideal for this transformation due to their soft edges.
A Word on Warranty
Proper storage is essential to ensure your indoor Christmas tree and other holiday items last long in your care. Additionally, it helps maintain warranties on certain products. Track which items have warranties and store them with extra caution.
If your indoor Christmas tree could talk, it would thank you for following this comprehensive tutorial! If you have any questions about Christmas decorations, feel free to reach out to us. Solve any decorating mysteries by contacting us at [email protected] or call 1-800-391-5280.
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