Mastering Christmas Tree Storage: Comprehensive Tips and Tricks
Mastering Christmas Tree Storage: Comprehensive Tips and Tricks
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There's probably nothing more depressing than the feeling of deflation when Christmas is over and it's time to pack up the tree. Even though synthetic Christmas trees have the benefit of not needing to hunt down a real one, taking them down can still be a bit of a hassle. But if you want to preserve your tree for future use, it's worth the effort.
If you're new to the synthetic tree scene or just looking for the best way to store your favorite holiday decoration, then keep reading. We spoke to several experts who shared their top tips for cleaning and taking down an artificial Christmas tree.
- Linda Jones is a professional house cleaner and the Owner of Linda Jones Cleaning Co.
- Samantha Davis is the Founder of Organize Your Home in Denver, CO.
- Mike Smith is the head designer at Holiday Decorations Unlimited in Chicago.
Preparing for Storage
The first step is to remove the ornaments, tinsel, ribbons, and any other extras from the tree. Once they're all taken down and stored away in their boxes, take a moment to inspect the tree and give it a light cleaning before packing it up. So how do you clean a synthetic tree?
"Use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to gently dust the branches. For pre-lit trees, avoid getting water near the wiring and consider using a light vacuum if necessary. For flocked trees, be gentle when wiping the branches and avoid too much friction or water," says Smith.
If you don't have a microfiber cloth or want a quicker cleaning method, Jones suggests using a blow dryer. "An easy way to clean a pre-lit synthetic tree is to use a blow dryer on a low, cool setting. A fan can also be used, but a blow dryer will blow air in a concentrated area. A light brush can also be used to clean the tree," she says.
Taking Down the Tree
Now comes the bittersweet part: taking down the tree section by section. Regardless of the type of tree or its size, the process is the same. "Label each section of a sectional tree to make reassembly easier next year. Disassemble carefully, compressing the branches as much as possible. Wrap each section in plastic wrap or place it in separate storage bags to keep dust away and prevent tangling. This method helps protect both the branches and lights, and reduces setup time next year," says Davis.
If some sections are tough to remove, Jones recommends using WD-40. "This product can dislodge the tightest metal on metal items," she says.
Choosing the Right Storage Method
Now that the tree is cleaned and folded, it's time to put it in its storage container or bag. There are many storage options for synthetic Christmas trees, but Jones has one tip she strongly recommends. "The number one rule for storing synthetic trees is to KEEP THE BOX IT CAME IN. After cleaning, you want to store the tree in the same box, if possible," she says.
But if you don't have the original box, your next best option is a storage bag. "When it comes to storing your tree, a sturdy, resealable tree bag is a much better choice than the original cardboard box, which tends to wear out over time. If you can, go for a bag with wheels – it makes moving the tree much easier," says Smith.
If space is an issue in your home, Davis suggests a slim, upright storage bag that can fit into a closet or under-bed storage. "Just add some silica gel packs inside the storage bag to help control humidity and prevent mold or mildew. It's also a good idea to label the bag with the tree's size or brand to make holiday setup easier next year," she says.
Storing the Tree
With your folded branches labeled and in their own storage bags or boxes, it's time to put the piece in a cool, dry place until next season. Smith advises against storing the tree in the attic. "High temperatures can damage the branches and lights, so avoid this area if possible," he says.
After the festivities of Christmas have ended and it's time to pack away your 'Christmas Decor', don't forget to give your 'synthetic Christmas tree' a light cleaning before storage. According to Mike Smith from 'Holiday Decorations Unlimited', you can use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to dust the branches, avoiding water near the wiring for pre-lit trees. Alternatively, Linda Jones from 'Linda Jones Cleaning Co' suggests using a blow dryer on a low, cool setting for a quick cleaning.
If you're looking to store your 'artificial Christmas tree' for future use, consider following tips from experts. Samantha Davis from 'Organize Your Home' suggests labeling each section of a sectional tree for easy reassembly, disassembling carefully while compressing branches and placing sections in separate storage bags. Linda Jones recommends using WD-40 to dislodge tight metal connections if some sections are difficult to remove.
When choosing the right storage method for your 'Christmas tree', Linda Jones emphasizes the importance of keeping the original box if available. If the box is no longer available, a sturdy, resealable tree bag with wheels is a great alternative, as recommended by Mike Smith from 'Holiday Decorations Unlimited'. If space is a concern, consider a slim, upright storage bag that fits into a closet or under-bed storage, as suggested by Samantha Davis.