How to store your Christmas Lights this season
Your future-self will thank you…
Taking down Christmas lights after the holiday season can be bittersweet—but finding a tangled mess of lights next year? That’s downright frustrating. Proper storage not only saves you time but also extends the life of your lights. Here are some creative and practical ways to store your Christmas lights to keep them organized and ready for next season.
Use Cardboard for Wrapping
Save sturdy pieces of cardboard from holiday packaging and cut them into rectangles. Cut small notches on the edges to anchor the ends of the light strings. Wrap the lights around the cardboard, keeping them neat and tangle-free. Label the cardboard with the type or location of the lights for easy identification next year.
Coil Lights Around a Hanger
A standard clothes hanger can double as a storage tool. Start by anchoring one end of the light string on the hook or one side of the hanger, then wrap the lights around the hanger. This method is perfect for shorter strands and makes them easy to hang in a storage closet.
Roll Lights Around a Reel
Garden hose reels or extension cord spools work wonders for Christmas lights. Simply roll the lights onto the reel as you would a hose or cord. This method keeps lights untangled and prevents knots, making setup next year a breeze.
Store in Clear Plastic Bags
For shorter strands, coil them loosely and place them in clear plastic bags. Seal the bags to protect the lights from dust and moisture. Label the bags with a marker so you can quickly find the lights you need. If you don’t have clear bags, use what you have! Grocery bags or Christmas gift bags work well too, just remember to label them clearly.
Repurpose Pringle Cans or Coffee Cans
Wrap light strands around empty Pringle cans or coffee cans. Secure the ends of the strands with tape or rubber bands. You can even use the inside of the cans to store replacement bulbs or fuses for added convenience.
Zip Ties for Bundling
Coil the lights into a loose bundle and secure them with reusable zip ties or twist ties. This method works well for compact storage and keeps strands from getting tangled with one another.
Use a Storage Box with Dividers
Convert a storage box or bin into a light organizer by adding cardboard dividers. Wrap each strand of lights around a piece of cardboard and place them in individual sections. This method ensures everything stays separate and neatly arranged. For a more economic option, wine boxes with divider inserts work great, too.
Final Thoughts
Storing Christmas lights properly can save you hours of frustration when the holidays roll around again. Whether you prefer a DIY approach or invest in specialized storage solutions, the key is to keep your lights tangle-free, protected, and easy to find. With these creative storage ideas, you can focus on enjoying the holiday season instead of wrestling with your decorations!
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