The holiday season is a magical time filled with festive decorations, family gatherings, and good cheer. Many households go all out with elaborate Christmas light displays to spread holiday joy throughout the neighborhood. But dealing with tangled strands of Christmas lights and finding space to store them can be a headache. Proper storage is key to keeping your Christmas lights organized, protected, and ready to sparkle year after year.
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How Many Lights Do You Have?
The first step is taking an inventory of your current Christmas light collection. Make a list with the number of light strands you have and what type they are. Here are some of the most common types:
- Mini lights – Typically used on Christmas trees and wreaths. Mini lights are available in incandescent and LED.
- C7 and C9 lights – The mid-sized C7 bulbs are known as “Italian lights.” C9 bulbs are slightly larger. These retro lights look great outlining a home.
- Icicle lights – Designed to look like hanging icicles. Work well on roofs and gutters.
- Net lights – Tiny LED lights woven into a flexible net. Often used to decorate bushes.
- Rope lights – Great for wrapping columns, railing, and lining roof edges. Available in mini and C9 bulbs.
- Projection lights – Projects images of holiday shapes onto walls and fences.
- LED strips – Ribbons of small LEDs that can be stuck onto surfaces.
Knowing exactly what you have will determine how much storage space you need. If your collection has gotten out of hand, it may be time to donate or recycle any broken or unused lights to someone who can use them.
Organize by Length
Once you’ve determined which lights to keep, the organizing can begin. Start by untangling each strand of lights and wrapping them so they don’t get knotted up again. There are a few ways to do this:
- Wrap strands around cardboard wrapping paper tubes.
- Coil and secure with twist ties or zip ties.
- Use storage wraps designed for Christmas lights.
- Wrap lights around plastic hangers.
As you’re wrapping each strand, also take note of their length and cord type. Organize and label them accordingly for easy access later on. Recommended groupings include:
- Short strands – 5 to 15 feet
- Medium strands – 15 to 25 feet
- Long strands – 25 feet and up
- Extension cords
- Icicle strands
- Net lights
- Rope lights
- Projection lights
- LED strips
Knowing the length of each light strand will make planning your displays much simpler. No more guessing how many you’ll need for each tree, bush or section of roof trim.
Protect Lights from Damage
To prevent breakage, delicate Christmas lights should be carefully packed away. Here are some tips:
- Wrap each bulb in tissue paper or plastic wrap to prevent scratching.
- Place wrapped strands in resealable plastic bags to waterproof.
- Pack lights in sturdy plastic totes or cardboard boxes to prevent crushing.
- Insert packing paper or bubble wrap between strands for cushioning.
- Keep lights away from heat sources, excessive cold, and damp areas.
Pack any accompanying light clips, fasteners, stakes and extension cords with their matching strands. This keeps all the pieces together so they’ll be immediately ready for setup next Christmas.
Label Storage Containers
Clear labeling is the final organizational step. Identify each storage bin, box or bag with details like:
- Light type and count (50 mini incandescent lights)
- Length (30 ft net lights)
- Location used (Front porch icicles)
- Year purchased
- Any quirks or defects
Making the effort to properly label each container will save massive headaches when it’s time to deck the halls each year. You’ll immediately find the perfect set of lights for each display without having to unpack everything first.
Find the Right Storage Space
Christmas lights should be kept in a protected storage area that is dry, clean and pest-free. Here are some ideal places to store your holiday light collection:
- Attic or garage – Areas out of direct sunlight are best if temperatures and humidity can be controlled.
- Closet shelf – Use sturdy plastic bins that won’t collapse.
- Under beds – Only if boxes can be easily pulled out without damage.
- Basement – Ensure no dampness or risk of flooding.
- Climate controlled storage unit – More costly but will protect lights in harsh climates.
Wherever you decide to store your lights, make it easily accessible. You don’t want to be crawling through mountains of boxes every December. Create a dedicated Christmas storage zone that can be easily identified.
Other Decorations
String lights are not the only decor in need of off-season storage. Follow similar organizing principles with these other Christmas items:
Ornaments
Carefully pack ornaments in compartment boxes with dividers or layers of tissue paper. Fragile heirloom ornaments may need extra protection. Store hooks separately.
Wreaths
Keep wreaths looking fresh by wrapping them in large plastic bags. Store flat in a cool, dry place.
Artificial Trees
Disassemble trees back into labeled boxes each year. Check for any damage to limbs or hinges that may need repair.
Outdoor Inflatables
Allow inflatables to fully air out before storing to prevent mold. Pack away carefully in plastic bins.
Garlands and Tinsel
Wrap garlands around cardboard tubes to hold their shape. Keep tinsel from tangling by hanging strands separately before packing.
Off-Season Usage
Christmas lights aren’t just for December holidays! Consider using your collection in creative ways all year:
- Decorate for other holidays like Valentine’s Day, Easter, Fourth of July, or Halloween.
- Light up game day watch parties.
- Illuminate backyard barbecues and social gatherings.
- Line your home’s walkway to greet dinner party guests.
- Brighten a bedroom or dorm room.
- Add whimsy to shelves, headboards, and cabinets.
- Create a soothing ambiance in your home office.
With some off-season creativity, your Christmas lights can provide cheer and magic all year long!
Conclusion
While unpacking and testing strands of lights each year may not be the most glamorous holiday tradition, having an organized, protected lighting collection makes decorating much more merry. Follow these key Christmas light storage tips:
- Take inventory and purge any unused lights.
- Untangle and wrap strands so they stay organized.
- Sort and group lights according to length and type.
- Pack lights securely to avoid damage.
- Label all containers clearly for easy identification.
- Store lights properly in a suitable climate controlled space.
With a bit of time and effort upfront, you’ll thank yourself each Christmas season when setting up dazzling displays is a breeze. Just unbox the perfectly packaged decor and let your home shine bright!