What is the best way to pack away the Christmas tree?

They NEVER fit back in to the original box! Get a bigger one or use 2 for easier handling.

Wrap it around with cling film (leaving the ends open) instead of using ribbon.

This tutorial shows you how to wrap it. http://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/christmas/plastic-wrapped-christmas-tree-26276456

You can use plastic wrap!!

lol I have used the same 4-1/2 ft tree for the last 3 years and it's in the original box. I just have to wrap duct tape around it on each end once it's in because there is a little bit of bulging on the top of the box. The branches on mine are hinged so I just have to fold them back.

I squeeze each branch to make it tight, fold each hinged branch up then wrap it in an old sheet. Then I wrap the tree covered sheet with a few loops of clothesline. Easy peasy.

if you have the space, just take down some of decorations (or not) and put in basement. my girlfriend keeps hers in an upstairs bedroom/office in the corner !

Flick of the Bic !

I close top put in box . Close each branch like top row one tie with 1 tag row 1 , 3 , 4 ect . Take apart stand put in box tape box done !

We went to plastic balls instead of glass. Our tree is very large about 12 ft tall. We leave it completely decorated except for the garland and shrink wrap it then store it. Then just cut it open when the time comes. Looks fabulous every year.

I store my trees in different ways depending on the size. They all go in the attic do I need to think about how easy it will be to move them up a ladder through the opening. This past year I got an idea from Lowe's Creative Ideas to store trees in round concrete forms. They come in a various sizes and I was able to get most of my trees in the forms.. I did not paint my forms (as they did in the project instructions) and I used 10" diameter forms and made my own "lids" from cardboard secured with duct tape. I believe there is also an 8" form if you have smaller trees.

For the two trees that are larger in both height and width. I wrapped each of them in a tarp and used bungee cords to secure it.

I lay mine on an old sheet with all the branches pointed up and wrap it like swaddling a baby only tighter.