“Christmas tree storage is great for keeping your artificial tree dust-free and protected in the off-season months,” says Gary McCoy, Lowe’s Store Manager. And yes, it’s necessary; many people, he notes, “might not realize that the box their tree came in will break down or deteriorate over time, making it unsuitable to store their tree.” Sydney Joublanc, the Associate Merchant at The Home Depot, adds that “keeping your tree, and other holiday items, in storage can increase their longevity so that you and your family can enjoy it for years to come.” To help you find the best Christmas tree storage option for your needs, we’ve rounded up our favorites, including the Tiny Tim Totes Premium Upright Christmas Tree Canvas Storage Bag, which we deemed our favorite thanks to its durable material, reasonable price, and spacious size. For more recommendations, check out our list of the best Christmas tree storage units below, including options in all price ranges, sizes, and more. Keep In Mind: Extra-large nine-foot trees might have trouble fitting. Because it’s an upright bag, you won’t have to piece the different parts of your tree together when it’s time for reassembly next year. Take off the bag, and you’ll be good to go. This bag is made from heavy-duty canvas, which keeps the tree protected from dust, moisture, bugs, and other issues. It features a full-length zipper so you can open and close the bag, and buckle straps that wrap around totally. There’s even a cinch cord at the bottom. This lets you easily adjust the fit depending on the size of your tree. To keep things festive all year round, the bag comes in a pretty green color. Price at time of publish: $51 Type: Bag | Dimensions: 45 x 45 x 100 inches | Maximum Tree Size: Nine feet | Material: Canvas | Portable: Yes Keep In Mind: It’s not as sturdy as other options on the market. The tearproof bag features three highly durable, stitch-reinforced handles (two on top and one on the side) so you can transport it easily, and it can be opened or closed quickly thanks to its wide two-way dual zipper. It’s available in four festive colors (red, green, gray, and white), and it even features a handy attached label slot, so you’ll never forget what’s inside. As for downsides, this bag isn’t quite sturdy as some other options, so carrying it safely from one place to another can be a bit of a hassle, even with the handles. But if you’re looking for a low-priced option that can fit a tall tree without issue, this may be the pick for you. Price at time of publish: $18 Type: Bag | Dimensions: 65 x 30 x 15 inches | Maximum Tree Size: Nine feet | Material: Polyester | Portable: Yes Keep In Mind: It’s a bit on the wider side, and dense trees may not fit. This storage bag features four locking wheels, so you can roll the tree around your house without needing to lift it. It’s big enough to fit a tree that’s up to nine feet tall, and it features convenient side handles for carrying that you can even use to hang up the bag if you prefer. Best of all, the bag doubles as a tree skirt. So, when your tree is displayed in your home, you can spread the bag out underneath. The only negative about this bag is that nine-foot trees that are a bit wider and denser than average may not fit. Nevertheless, this is a top-notch storage unit that’s durable, effective, and easy to use. Price at time of publish: $160 Type: Bag | Dimensions: 33 x 33 x 95 inches | Maximum Tree Size: Nine feet | Material: Steel, polyester | Portable: Yes Keep In Mind: It could benefit from more structure. This bag is made from waterproof and tearproof canvas, and it’s also resistant to dust, moisture, and pests running around your attic or basement. The canvas material is durable and sturdy, and there are several reinforced handles so you can transport the bag easily around your home. There’s also a long zipper to make placing the tree inside the bag super easy. Design-wise, this bag is fully festive, coming in either all red with green stripes or all green with red stripes. However, the bag could benefit from a bit more structure, as if you have a super-small tree. So, you might be left with a lot of empty, limp space. Price at time of publish: $26 Type: Bag | Dimensions: 48 x 20 x 15 inches | Maximum Tree Size: 7.5 feet | Material: Canvas | Portable: Yes Keep In Mind: It’s more expensive than most other storage bags. This durable polyester bag features a set of ball-bearing wheels that let you move it around as if it’s a dolly, and even if your tree is especially heavy, you shouldn’t need help maneuvering it around your home. The bag also sports inner compression straps that keep the tree secure. It can be tightened, thanks to its strong and long zipper closure. Price at time of publish: $170 Type: Bag | Dimensions: 60 x 25 x 22 inches | Maximum Tree Size: 12 feet | Material: Polyester | Portable: Yes Keep In Mind: It’s bulkier than the average storage bag. This bag can fit trees up to nine feet tall, but it also comes in six- and seven-and-a-half-foot sizes if you prefer one of those choices. To use it, all you need to do is slide the bag over the top, zip it shut, and pull the cinch cord tight. The cover is made from a durable and tear-resistant tarp-like material, so the tree will stay free from issues like moisture and dust when not in use, and the bag can last year after year. Last but not least, there are two nylon handles attached to the bag for easy transportation. Price at time of publish: $19 Type: Bag | Dimensions: 70 x 95 inches | Maximum Tree Size: Nine feet | Material: Nylon, polypropylene | Portable: Yes Keep In Mind: It’s a very basic bag and not especially sturdy. This bag is big enough to fit a nine-foot disassembled tree and accessories like lights and a garland. It features two heavy-duty, reinforced handles on each side. Plus, a loop to pull the bag if needed. There’s a large zipper going all across the bag for easy opening, too. The bag is available in two bright red and dark green colors; both are perfect for the Christmas season. It is a bare-bones bag (with no wheels or other handy features) and isn’t particularly sturdy, however. Price at time of publish: $12 Type: Bag | Dimensions: 65 x 15 x 30 inches | Maximum Tree Size: Nine feet | Material: Tarp | Portable: Yes Keep In Mind: The straps aren’t super strong. The bag features a long zippered closure, a carrying handle, reinforced seams, and a tearproof design that is designed to help it stay durable and last for years. It protects against dust, moisture, and other types of damage, keeping your tree secure and dry for the months you’re not displaying it in your home. At $40, this is a very average-priced storage bag, and although it doesn’t have multiple colors or design options like some others do, it comes in classic grey and black with festive red straps. Just keep in mind that the straps aren’t the strongest out there, so when you’re placing the tree parts in the bag, you’ll want to get a hold of everything to prevent ripping or dropping. Price at time of publish: $40 Type: Bag | Dimensions: 54 × 23.5 × 24.5 inches | Maximum Tree Size: Nine feet | Material: Polyester | Portable: Yes Keep In Mind: It’s not waterproof, unlike many other bags. The polyester bag also features built-in inner compression straps that tighten around the tree, as well as a large zipper opening to ensure quick access. There is also a set of oversized wheels that keep the bag elevated when you’re rolling it from room to room, which is angled just right so that you don’t risk any potentially harmful dragging. Just make note that it isn’t waterproof if moisture is an issue for you. So, it may not be the best bag to fit trees right at that nine-foot limit. Price at time of publish: $50 Type: Bag | Dimensions: 56 x 22.5 inches | Maximum Tree Size: Nine feet | Material: Polyester | Portable: Yes Keep In Mind: It can only fit trees up to 7.5-feet tall. This bin isn’t the absolute largest option, but it can fit trees up to 7.5 feet tall. It helpfully comes with a set of smooth wheels for easy carrying, as well as multiple, easy-to-grip latches to help everything stay secure inside. The base is clear, so you can immediately identify the contents of the bin, and the unique shape of the lid means that the space is maximized to fit as much inside as possible while also protecting the tree’s shape. Price at time of publish: $40 Type: Bin | Dimensions: 15.5 x 20 x 52.5 inches | Maximum Tree Size: 7.5 feet | Material: Plastic | Portable: Yes Keep In Mind: The bags don’t have many shapes to them. The bags are designed from a durable mix of nylon and polypropylene, with several handles that make carrying them around super easy. The material is water-, stain-, and tear-resistant, and it’s strong enough to protect the tree from rodents, dust, and mildew all throughout the year. To use the bags, unpack and unfold them and insert the tree parts, ornaments, or other accessories inside. Price at time of publish: $25 Type: Bag | Dimensions: 48 x 15 x 20 inches (Large), 52 x 15 x 25 inches (XL Bag)  | Maximum Tree Size: 17 feet | Material: Nylon, polypropylene | Portable: Yes Keep In Mind:  It’s pretty pricey. This bag takes just minutes to set up, as all you need to do is open it up, zip it up over the tree, and use the wheels to roll it into the attic or basement. It’ll stand completely upright, with multiple zippers and straps that help lock the tree down and prevent it from moving around or getting hurt when not in use. And as a convenient bonus, during the actual Christmas season, you can use the bag as a tree skirt, so it’s attached and requires little set-up. It attaches directly to your tree stand and compresses it at the base. On the downside, this bag is certainly not cheap, at $180. But if you’re willing to shell out some cash, you’ll be glad you did, as it’s a time-saving and hassle-free storage solution. Price at time of publish: $180 Type: Bag | Dimensions: 65 x 65 x 108 inches | Maximum Tree Size: Nine feet | Material: Polyester | Portable: Yes

What To Know About Christmas Tree Storage Before Shopping

Type

There are three main types of Christmas tree storage: bags, bins, and boxes. Many people opt for bags, as they tend to be roomier, easier to transport, and more protective of the tree inside. Bins are also solid options (and may be easier to handle), while boxes tend to be less worthwhile since they’re not waterproof or as resistant to injury.

Dimensions

Depending on their size, Christmas tree storage bags have different dimensions, so to know if your tree will fit properly, measure it beforehand and compare those measurements to those of the bag. If possible, make sure there are at least a few extra inches of space. So you don’t risk branches causing a tear in the bag.

Maximum Tree Size

Many Christmas tree bags are designed to fit trees up to nine feet tall, but if you have a tree that’s substantially shorter or taller, make sure to purchase a bag that can accommodate that size. As mentioned, try to leave a few extra inches if possible to avoid the risk of tearing and to maneuver the tree around more easily.

Material

Christmas tree storage bags are often made from polyester or canvas material, with nylon also a common choice. These materials are typically waterproof and durable, making all of them great choices for storing a tree year-round.

Portability

Christmas tree storage bags ideally should be portable, as you’ll need to take them from the attic or basement/garage into your living room and vice versa. To make the process easier, look for a bag that comes with wheels, as well as sturdy straps for carrying.

Your Questions, Answered

Is it better to store a Christmas tree in a box or a bag?

According to McCoy, that depends on your goals. “If you want to prioritize ease of transport, I recommend a storage bag on wheels” and with handles, McCoy recommends. But if your main focus is saving space, he suggests using plastic stackable boxes or collapsible upright storage bags. Joublanc adds that bags offer a more “flexible” solution than boxes, but on the other hand, they often boast helpful features like “wheels, extra padding to make transport comfortable and extra compartments for ornaments, tree skirts, and figurines.”

Is Christmas tree storage worth it?

“Yes!” says McCoy. “Christmas tree storage bags will keep your holiday decorations safe and dust-free during the off-season, so they’ll shine every year.” While Joublanc believes “Christmas tree storage is not only a way to keep your holiday décor organized, but it helps keep your items protected against standard wear and tear.”

How do I choose the right size storage for my Christmas tree?

The number one thing is to “pay attention to the tree height listed when purchasing your tree storage bag or box,” says McCoy. Joublanc adds that you can look for storage bags that come with compression straps, as these allow you “to customize the fit to ensure the best storage.”

Who We Are

This article was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, The New York Times, and many other publications. She frequently covers home products and did significant research on Christmas tree storage for this story, including speaking to Gary McCoy, Lowe’s Store Manager, and Sydney Joublanc, Associate Merchant at The Home Depot.