After the holidays, it’s time to pack away your Christmas lights thoughtfully to avoid a tangled mess next year. Here are some expert-recommended methods for organized and accessible storage:
1. **Original Packaging:** Keep the original packaging for new lights, but coil them gently following their natural shape. Secure the coil with twist ties before placing them back in the box. Store the box in a cool, dry place.
2. **Clear Ornament Storage Boxes:** Roll each strand into a loose coil and secure it with twist ties before placing them in separate compartments of a clear storage box. Label the box for easy retrieval next year.
3. **Clothing Hangers:** Use large plastic clothes hangers with shirt strap notches to neatly store holiday lights. Hook one end of the lights onto a notch, wrap them around the hanger, and secure the other end on the opposite notch. Protect the hanger with tissue paper before placing it in a storage bin.
4. **Wrapping Paper Tubes:** Repurpose empty wrapping paper tubes to store lights by cutting a small slit on one end for the plug to sit inside. Wrap the lights around the tube and cut another slit on the opposite end to secure them.
By following these methods, you can ensure your Christmas lights are stored safely and neatly until the next holiday season.
Here are some helpful tips for storing your Christmas lights:
1. **Cut to Size**: Professional organizer Sara Bereika suggests cutting the roll to size before wrapping the lights around it for easier storage.
2. **Store on Their Side**: Keep the rolls on their side or stand them up in a bin to prevent damage and dust accumulation.
3. **Stackable Drawer Bins**: Use stackable drawer bins to keep your lights separate and organized. Clear bins help identify decorations easily, and they are great for saving storage space.
4. **Velcro Straps**: Wrap the lights around your elbow and secure with Velcro straps for organized storage. Label each strand for easy identification.
5. **Cardboard**: Cut a piece of cardboard to wrap lights around. Store the wrapped cardboard in a bin to keep lights safe.
6. **Resealable Bags**: Use resealable plastic bags to prevent tangling and store extra bulbs and parts together.
7. **Holiday Light Reel**: Wind lights neatly around a holiday light reel or a power cord reel for easy storage. Label the reel for easy identification next year.
These storage methods will help keep your Christmas lights organized and in good condition for the next holiday season.
To maintain the integrity and functionality of your holiday lights, it is crucial to store them properly when not in use. One effective method is to place the lights on a reel and then store the reel in a storage bin with hard sides. This will help keep the lights protected from any potential damage that could occur during storage. It is important to be cautious not to wrap the lights too tightly, as this could result in damage, as noted by Parravani, an expert in holiday light maintenance.
For storing individual strands of lights, a holiday light wrap can be a convenient option. These wraps are designed to be flat, durable, and shaped like a large letter “I,” with a practical grip at one end. To effectively use a holiday light wrap for storing your lights, follow these steps recommended by Parravani:
1. Begin at one end of the lights and wrap them around the narrow middle part of the wrap.
2. Once the lights are fully wrapped, tuck the end in securely to prevent them from unraveling.
3. Place the wrapped lights in a storage bin with hard sides to ensure they remain protected.
Proper storage techniques like these can help extend the lifespan of your holiday lights and prevent unnecessary damage. For more holiday light maintenance tips and tricks, refer to the original article on Martha Stewart’s website.
