It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
Nothing spreads holiday cheer quite like a beautifully decorated Christmas tree🎄.
Did you know that Oregon is the USA's number one exporter of holiday trees? It's true! In 2024, 4.7 million Christmas trees were harvested annually from the Beaver State. But as much as we love Douglas Firs (Oregon's state tree), there's also something to say about their artificial counterparts. Millions of Americans use artificial trees, and whether it's allergies, cost-effectiveness, or convenience, there are plenty of reasons why.
Artificial trees in all shapes and sizes are growing in popularity. In a survey by Statista, in the United States from October to November 2024, 46% of individuals who planned to put up a Christmas tree chose artificial.
Let's get Started
Does it sound like an artificial tree is in your future? We're here to help. Here are our favorite tips and tricks to ensure you get the perfect artificial tree and store it for years to come.
How to Pick a Tree?
There are a few variables: unlike with its organic counterparts, you get to choose the exact dimensions of an artificial tree. You can select for height, width, fullness, needle quality, and lights.
Size and Space
As for height, width, and fullness, these have more to do with how much space you have available. Generally, apartment dwellers won't likely need something over six feet high. The exception being a large living room with vaulted ceilings may call for an eight or nine-footer.
Width has similar considerations: losing sixteen square feet of your living room to a 4x4 tree is more challenging to justify in a one-bedroom. As for fullness, if you have a lot of large ornaments, go for a tree with a few gaps, while a fuller tree may be hard to fit all the extra regalia.
Needles
The needle type is a little more complicated. The most realistic trees use polyethylene molded needles, which are very realistic, if more expensive. The other option is a PVC needle, which is flatter and softer. They look good, especially at a distance, but they're less realistic up close. Many trees combine the two for a happy medium between realism and budget. Ultimately, the decision is yours, and with ornaments on it, whatever tree you choose will be a beautiful addition to your home.
Lights
As with tree size and the type of needles, there is no correct answer for lights. It's a matter of convenience vs customization. Many cheaply made trees have poor-quality lights that will go out after a season or two, and it's easier just to get a new tree than to go in and pry all of the attached lights from your old one. That being said, a higher-quality tree might have lovely lights that will last years, saving you the effort of putting in lights.
If you enjoy putting in Christmas lights, like to change out the color annually, or have opinions on the type of light you want in your tree, we recommend getting an unlit tree.
Storage
One of the most significant advantages of an artificial tree is that it can be stored and used yearly! Now that your tree is selected, here's how to store it.
Disassemble
First, remove your ornaments. We'll make a blog on storing those someday.
Second, disassemble your tree; typically, it comes in three or four parts and a stand. Make sure to bag any nuts and bolts so you don't lose any.
Prep for Storage
When you set up the tree, you likely fanned out the branches and unfolded them from the central trunk. Now, simply do the opposite. Repackage the tree as closely as possible to how it was when you bought it. We recommend a plastic storage bag or plastic wrap to discourage dust and pests.
If you keep the box, you should be able to store the tree in its original box, and if not, no worries, a plastic bin will still work fine. The original box will likely be cardboard, which is fine, but if it ever tears, make sure to fix or repair the tear with duct tape.
Let Us Help Make Your Holidays Amazing!
We've got a treasure trove of fun tips just waiting for you. Check out the links below! Stay connected by following our Blog for storage tips and social media @downtownselfstoragepdx.
Family Coming for the Holidays?
How to be the Perfect Holiday Host
'Tis the Season for Family, Friends, and Festivity!
KGW Toy Drive
While you're out and about, consider picking up something extra for kids in need! Both of our Pearl District locations are drop-offs for the annual KGW Toy Drive, and every gift goes to a child in need in our community. The drive runs through Tuesday, December 17th. Drop off your unwrapped new gifts at either Downtown Self Storage location in the Pearl District, Portland. All donated toys will be distributed with the help of hundreds of local nonprofit organizations and dedicated volunteers.
Monthly Special!
Now's the time to save BIG with our exclusive deal!
Size and availability restrictions apply.
75% off the first month, 50% off the second month, and 25% off the third!
As the holiday season ramps up, and you need space for all that festive gear—and Downtown Self Storage has you covered! Proudly serving the Pearl District for 30 years, we're the Pearl District and Portland's go-to spot for storage solutions.
U-Haul
Need help moving all those amazing gifts and decorations? Both Downtown Self Storage facilities are certified U-Haul rental locations.
Contact your self-storage professionals for reservations.
DOWNTOWN SELF STORAGE - DAVIS STREET
Website: Davis Street
1305 NW Davis Street
Portland, OR 97209
503-388-4060
DOWNTOWN SELF STORAGE - JOHNSON STREET
Website: Johnson Street
1304 NW Johnson Street
Portland, OR 97209
503-388-4061