How to Get Your Christmas Tree Back in the Box

Artificial Christmas trees are a great alternative to the real thing. 

Available in a wide variety of colours, styles, sizes, and shapes, some of these trees put a classic real tree to shame. They come in sizes from 3 foot artificial Christmas trees to 20 foot artificial Christmas trees. Another major selling point of a faux tree is that they are relatively maintenance-free and you can use it every year for many years to come.

But you purchased your tree, you set it up, you decorated it, Christmas came and went, and now it’s time to put your tree away. If you have the space, there’s the option of leaving the decorations on it, wrapping it in something secure, and stowing it away for the year. But, unfortunately, most households lack that extra space. Naturally, the next logical option is to put it back in the box it came in or purchase a Christmas tree storage bag.

This can often be easier said than done, however, and if you’re looking for a little help, here are some tips to help you get your Christmas tree back in the box. 

What You’ll Need:

  • Your Christmas tree
  • The original box or storage bag (or other suitable alternative) 
  • Packing tape
  • Optional: some twine, a sheet, blanket, or giant old t-shirt

Stress-Free Steps To Putting Your Tree Away

Of course, now there’s a dilemma: the tree won’t fit anymore! Was it always this big? Was the packaging always this small? How do you get your Christmas tree back in the box without damaging it? 

We put together this handy guide to help you figure out how to do this stress-free. Your artificial Christmas tree may have fit perfectly in the box to begin with, and by the end of this guide, you’ll know how to get it back in - hopefully without too many ripped box edges, missing needles, or frustrated outbursts.

Step 1: Getting Your Tree Ready

Your first step will be to remove any Christmas tree decorations. Take the time to wrap these up carefully to ensure they’ll be safe until next year. If you have a pre-lit Christmas tree, be sure to unplug it and disconnect any wires. 

Step 2: Taking apart the Christmas tree sections

Due to their nature and the varying sizes, most faux trees come in different sections rather than one piece. If your tree came in separate sections that you had to connect, take it apart carefully; that way, you don’t break any branches or connecting elements; this is essential too if it’s a fibre optic Christmas tree

Once you have all the pieces, you need to pin the branches down against the tree stem. While maintaining firmness, try not to put excess pressure on any joints or connecting parts and keep it together.

Step 3: Storing your tree securely

The next step is to get your tree back in the box or storage bag. There are two methods to do this, the wrapped and unwrapped method. Below you will find instructions on how to do both.

Method One: Wrapping Your Tree

You can make your own fabric “bags” with old sheets, mattress bags, or blankets you aren’t using anymore to create an extra protective layer around your Christmas tree. Place the sections of your tree into their own wrapping and cover until you can’t see the branches poking out.

Then, start stacking the parts of the tree with the wrapping into the box or storage bag. Continue to use caution when stacking the tree’s sections inside a bag, as lack of structure could make it easy for pieces to bend or break against one another.

But alternatively, wrapping thick twine or yarn around the branches may help keep all those pieces pinned down. Be careful with twine or string since you can easily tangle it among all the branches and needles and make it difficult to unfurl in future years. 

Method Two: No Wrapping Method

If you’d rather not use extra padding to wrap your tree, this isn’t a problem as you can still easily get your tree back in its original box or a brand new storage bag by following the below steps. 

  1. First, hold the tree sections as tight as you can without damaging them. 
  2. Next, stack or settle the pieces together as best you can while carefully inserting them into the packaging. It may be challenging to keep smaller bits from falling off, but keeping everything as still as possible without rubbing against too many small pieces can mitigate the loss of needles. 
  3. Once you have the tree in the box, hold it still as you fold the flaps down. 
  4. Start wrapping packaging tape over the flaps to keep them secured.
  5. Finally, don’t forget the stand! If you have to unscrew any parts, be sure to do so; that way, everything can accommodate the space left in the box - if there is any. Now you can slot the pieces anywhere you can make them fit, and you’re done repacking your Christmas tree!

Step 4: Put the Christmas Tree Away

Now that your Christmas tree and decorations are packed into a box, your final step is to put it all away ready for next year. An attic, cellar, or cupboard are ideal storage spaces. Also remember to store your tree away from heat, moisture, or animals to preserve it for as long as possible.

Closing thoughts

Christmas is that magical time of year with beautifully multi-coloured Christmas tree lights and meticulously wrapped presents. The festive season is a wonderful way to connect with family, whether you live under the same roof or many miles away. 

Celebrate a magical festive season this year with your dream artificial Christmas tree from the experts with almost 40 years experience, here at Christmas Tree World.