What is the best way to store Christmas string lights?

Christmas string lights bring joy and a festive mood to any home during the holiday season. However, storing these lights properly after the holidays can be a challenge. Improper storage can lead to tangled wires, broken bulbs, and lights that no longer work when you go to string them up the next year. Follow these tips to learn the best way to store Christmas string lights to keep them neat, organized, and functional for years to come.

Why Proper Storage Matters

Christmas string lights are often made of thin wires, delicate bulbs, and small parts that are prone to damage when not stored properly. Leaving lights wrapped haphazardly or jammed into a small box will inevitably lead to tangling, knotting, and broken wires or bulbs. Investing a little time upfront to store lights correctly can save hours of untangling and frustration next Christmas. It also avoids the need to prematurely replace damaged string lights, saving you money in the long run.

Proper storage also helps lights last longer. Exposure to dust, dirt, moisture, and sunlight can degrade plastic and metal parts over time. Storing lights in a cool, dark place minimizes damage from these elements. Any additional steps you can take to keep lights organized, untangled, and protected gives them the best chance of lighting up when you decorate next year.

Getting Started

Before storing lights, always start by testing that each string is still functioning properly. Plug them in and check for any bulbs that no longer light up or flick on and off. Replace any defective bulbs and discard any string lights that are no longer working. It also helps to clean lights before storing to remove any built-up dirt or grime.

Next, remove any light clips or fasteners attached to the strings. These can damage the wires when stored together. It is also advisable to take down any lighting mounted on your home or trees prior to storage. Leaving lights wrapped around permanent structures or trees can put stress on the wires and lead to premature failure.

Materials Needed

To properly store most Christmas string lights, you will need the following supplies:

• Light storage bags: Large plastic storage bags designed for Christmas lights help keep wires untangled.
• Acid-free tissue paper: Wrapping lights in tissue minimizes scratching and bulb breakage.
• Rubber bands: To keep lights neatly coiled and organized.
• Permanent marker: Marking each string makes finding the right lights easier next year.
• Tape: Reinforces closures on storage bags and prevents accidental unsealing.
• Storage boxes: Plastic bins keep storage bags clean, dry, and protected.

General Storage Tips

Keep these general tips in mind as you start packing away Christmas string lights:

• Store lights in small batches – Group together similar light strings in the same storage bags. Avoid overstuffing bags with too many tangled wires.
• Wrap neatly using tissue paper – Fold or roll lights rather than balling them up chaotically.
• Seal bags thoroughly – Eliminate air pockets, press out excess air, and seal with tape for an airtight closure.
• Label bags – Use a permanent marker to identify light types, shapes, and lengths for easy identification.
• Store lights properly – Keep lights in a cool, dry place away from windows, heat, and humidity.
• Inspect condition – Check lights at the start and end of each season for damaged wires, loose connections or cracked sockets.

Follow these basic guidelines, along with the specific methods outlined next, and you can keep Christmas lights organized and working properly for many holiday seasons to come.

Storage Methods by Light Type

There are several popular types of Christmas string lights, each with their own unique shapes, sizes, and materials. Certain storage methods work better for specific light varieties.

Mini Lights

Mini lights are very small bulb Christmas lights on wire approximately the diameter of a pencil. They typically connect end-to-end in either series or parallel circuits. Here are some tips for storing mini lights:

• Wrap strands in tissue paper or plastic wrap to minimize scratching and tangling.
• Coil strands by wrapping around your hand in a circular shape about 6 inches in diameter.
• Secure coiled strands with rubber bands in a few places along the length.
• Group 4-6 strands together in a large plastic storage bag, squeezing out excess air.
• Lay bags flat rather than stacking to avoid damaging wires and bulbs.

Given their small profile, mini lights can tangle very easily. Taking time to wrap carefully and secure with rubber bands helps keep them orderly and neat for next year.

C7 / C9 Lights

These larger, traditionally shaped Christmas lights have a wire about the thickness of an ink pen with sockets sized for C7 or C9 bulb diameters. Tips for storing C7/C9 string lights include:

• Wrap each strand in tissue paper or bubble wrap to prevent scratching and reduce tangling.
• Coil strands by wrapping around free arm in a 10-12 inch diameter.
• Group 2-4 strands in a large plastic storage bag, gently squeezing out excess air.
• Situate bags upright rather than stacking to avoid bulb breakage.
• Fasten coiled strands together with twist ties or elastic bands before bagging.

The larger bulb size of C7/C9 lights makes them more prone to damage. Packing them vertically in bags provides extra protection for fragile glass bulbs.

LED Lights

LED Christmas lights have become increasingly popular. They consume far less energy, emit less heat, and last much longer than traditional incandescent lights. Keep these tips in mind when storing LED string lights:

• Avoid bending wires sharply to prevent damaging circuit boards.
• Wrap strands loosely using bubble wrap to prevent tangling.
• Coil strands in 8 to 10 inch loops without creasing wires.
• Secure using Velcro strips instead of rubber bands to avoid damaging wires.
• Pack upright in rigid plastic bins rather than bags to prevent crushing.

LED lights are more durable and resistant to breakage. However, their circuit boards and wiring connections can be damaged by excessive sharp bending. Storing them flat in hard plastic containers is ideal.

Icicle Lights

Icicle lights have a series of hanging wire strands with LED bulbs at the end designed to mimic dripping icicles. Their dangling nature makes them challenging to neatly store. Try these tips for icicle lights:

• Connect plugs of each strand together to gather all wires.
• Wind strands around cardboard wrapping paper tubes.
• Position tubes vertically upright in a storage bin padded with tissue paper.
• Hang strands vertically on a wall using sturdy hooks if no space for bin storage.
• Do not coil icicle light wires or let strands kink, tangle, or overlap.

Keeping icicle light strands untangled and hanging vertically is key. Letting the dangling wires overlap or fold over each other makes untangling difficult later.

Rope Lights

Rope lights use multiple LED bulbs encased in a flexible plastic tube that can be bent into shapes. Use these tips when putting away rope lights:

• Never crease or sharply fold rope light tubes to avoid damaging wiring inside.
• Wrap strands in a loose coil at least 8 inches in diameter.
• Bind coil loosely in a few spots with zip ties or velcro strips.
• Pad bottom of storage bin with crumpled tissue to avoid flattening coils.
• Limit stacking multiple coils to avoid crushing lower ones.

The plastic tubing on rope lights is susceptible to creasing and damage from folding. Keeping coils loose and upright minimizes stress on the internal wiring and bulbs.

Alternative Storage Solutions

If you are short on space for bins and bags, consider these alternate storage ideas for Christmas string lights:

Garbage Can

An empty plastic garbage can makes great temporary light storage. Simply wind strands around the inside in a spiral pattern from bottom to top. Place a rag or small pillow at the bottom to pad lights at the end. Tape the electrical cord to the outside so it is easy to locate next season.

Cardboard Tubes

For a quick, easy solution, wrap lights around empty gift-wrapping paper tubes or paper towel tubes. Stuff ends with tissue or paper to hold wires in place, then store tubes upright in a box. Label each tube with the type and length of lights inside.

Plastic Wrap

Wrap each strand individually in plastic wrap to contain wires. Then store upright in a vase, pitcher, or bucket. The plastic wrap keeps wires from getting jumbled while allowing you to quickly slide out one strand at a time.

Wall Storage

Hang lights vertically along a basement wall or other unused space. Attach clips or hooks to cleanly hold each line in place without tangling. This keeps lights neatly organized and avoids taking up floor space.

What Not to Do

Just as important as the right way to store lights, there are also some definite wrong ways that can seriously damage your Christmas lights:

• Do not tightly wrap lights around poles or deck rails outdoors.
• Never bundle unchecked lights that may have defects or damage.
• Don’t tightly pack lights in boxes without protection from scratching.
• Avoid hanging lights in attics or hot garages that reach extreme temperatures.
• Never yank or forcefully unwind tangled light strands.
• Don’t use cheap, thin bags that can tear and expose lights.

Taking shortcuts or improper storage methods will almost guarantee issues with broken bulbs, faulty wires, and hopeless tangles. Follow the proper techniques outlined earlier to avoid these problems.

Conclusion

Properly storing Christmas string lights takes some time and effort up front, but saves you frustration and money in the long run. The right storage keeps light strings organized, untangled, and in good condition year after year. Match your approach to the light type using plastic bins, resealable bags, tissue paper, and specialty materials made for light storage. With some forethought and these storage tips, you can ensure your Christmas lights stay lit and bright for many holiday seasons to come!