Storage

Safely storing artificial trees and decorations for next year

The end of the festive season always comes with the same question:

“Where on earth am I going to put all of this?”

Artificial Christmas trees, wreaths, lights and decorations aren’t just expensive, they’re also surprisingly delicate. Store them badly and you risk bent branches, broken baubles, tangled lights and musty smells when you unpack them next year.

With a little planning and some help from a secure unit at Big Top Self Storage you can keep everything in great condition, ready to sparkle again next season.

Step 1: Clean before you pack

Packing dusty decorations is like sealing in problems for next year. A quick clean now means a much nicer unboxing later.

For artificial trees:

Gently dust branches with a soft cloth or microfiber duster
Shake off loose needles or glitter outside if needed
Make sure the tree is completely dry before packing (especially if it’s been near a real fireplace or condensation-prone windows)

For decorations:

Wipe non-porous items (like plastic baubles and figurines) with a slightly damp cloth and allow to dry
Dust wreaths and garlands with a handheld duster or soft brush
Check lights for broken bulbs or frayed wires and repair/replace now, not next December

Clean decorations are less likely to discolour, smell or attract pests over time.

Step 2: Pack your artificial tree properly

Artificial trees often get the roughest treatment, crammed back into a torn cardboard box and shoved in a corner. A few extra minutes will keep it in much better shape.

How to store your tree:

Remove decorations & lights
Never store your tree fully decorated. Remove all baubles, tinsel and lights to avoid breakage and tangling.
Disassemble carefully
Take the tree apart section by section (top, middle, base). Note any labels that indicate which section is which.
Compress branches gently
Fold branches inwards towards the centre pole, but don’t force them. You want it compact, not crushed.
Use a proper storage bag or box
- A purpose-made tree storage bag or robust plastic box is ideal
- Avoid flimsy, ripped cardboard boxes that can let in moisture and pests
Protect the stand
Wrap the base/stand in an old towel or bubble wrap so it doesn’t scratch other items.

Storing your tree upright in a self storage unit (if the bag allows) can reduce pressure on branches and help it keep its shape.

Step 3: Protect delicate decorations

Fragile decorations are where most damage happens. One rushed packing session can mean years of memories broken.

Best practices for baubles and ornaments:

Use compartment boxes or repurpose wine boxes with cardboard dividers
Wrap delicate ornaments individually with tissue paper or bubble wrap
Avoid newspaper print directly on ornaments, the ink can transfer over time
Place heavier decorations at the bottom of the box and lighter, more fragile items on top
Fill any gaps with soft packing material so nothing moves around in transit

For wreaths and garlands:

Store wreaths in dedicated wreath boxes or hang them inside a large, sturdy box
Wrap garlands loosely in tissue or bubble wrap and coil them gently
Avoid squash points where they can be flattened or misshapen

Label each box clearly with what’s inside. future you will be very grateful.

Step 4: Tame your fairy lights

If there’s one universal festive frustration, it’s tangled fairy lights. Storing them properly saves time, temper and broken bulbs next year.

Simple ways to store lights:

Wind lights around a piece of cardboard or an old cable reel
Wrap each set of lights individually, don’t mix multiple sets together
Check they work before storing and label the box (e.g. “Tree lights – warm white” / “Outdoor lights – cool white”)
Place each wrapped set in a zip-lock bag or small box to keep cables tidy and protected

Keep lights in a cool, dry place to help preserve the wiring and prevent corrosion.

Step 5: Choose the right environment

Where you store your festive items is just as important as how you pack them.

At home, lofts, garages and sheds can be:

Too damp (risk of mould and rust)
Too hot or cold (can warp plastics and damage electrics)
Hard to access, especially with heavy boxes
Attracting pests

A self storage unit at Big Top Self Storage offers a much better environment:

Clean, dry units – kinder to fabrics, plastics and electrics
Secure with CCTV and controlled access
Easy access when you need to drop off or collect items
Various unit sizes – from a few boxes of decorations to multiple trees and displays

Instead of sacrificing half your loft or spare room, you can keep everything safely away from your living space until next year.

Step 6: Label and organise for easy unpacking

Good storage is not just about protection, it’s also about making life easier next time.

When placing items into your Big Top Self Storage unit:

Use strong, stackable boxes with lids
Label each side of the box (not just the top)
Group similar items together:
- Box 1: “Tree 7ft, living room”
- Box 2: “Baubles red & gold, fragile”
- Box 3: “Outdoor lights & extension leads”
- Box 4: “Tableware & festive linens”
Keep the most-used items towards the front of the unit for easy access

You can even keep a simple inventory list (on paper or in your notes app) so you know exactly what’s in storage.