Storing Your Outdoor Christmas Lights for Next Year

The Art of Storing Outdoor Christmas Lights: A Tale of Tangles and Triumphs

Last year, in a fit of post-holiday blues, I shoved all my Christmas lights into a bag and tossed them into the attic. Let’s just say that come December, what I met in that attic was not a pretty sight. A tangled mess of bulbs and wires stared back at me, challenging me to untangle them without losing my holiday spirit. So, this year, I’m determined to do things differently. I’ll store my outdoor Christmas lights with precision to ensure a smooth and glowing start to the festive season next year. Here are some practical tips and personal insights to help you (and me) avoid the Great Light Tangle of 2022.

Understanding Your Lights

Before you even think about storage, it’s crucial to know what kind of lights you’re dealing with. From robust LED lights to delicate incandescent bulbs, each type requires slightly different care. LED lights are more durable and energy-efficient, which means they’re less likely to break if they get a bit jostled in storage. Incandescent bulbs, on the other hand, are a throwback and need gentle handling to avoid a flurry of filament funerals. (bhg.com)

If you’ve upgraded to features like animated light displays or synchronized music lights, keeping components labeled and untangled is even more essential.

Pre-Storage Checklist

Proper storage starts with a bit of prep. Here’s a checklist to run through before you box up your lights:

• Check for damages: Test each string of lights before storing them. It's easier to replace bulbs or repair strings now rather than during next year’s holiday rush. (houselogic.com)
• Clean your lights: Wipe down your lights with a dry cloth to remove any moisture or debris. Damp lights can cause corrosion or, worse, a short circuit next year.
• Organize by type and length: Sort your lights by size, type, and length. This will make it easier to find what you need next season.

This routine might seem tedious yet trust me, it's a lifesaver. Last Christmas, I spent a good hour trying to figure out why half of my lights wouldn’t turn on. A little squirrel had found a light string to be the perfect chew toy. After that incident, check-ups became a sacred pre-storage ritual.

Storage Techniques to Keep the Tangles Away

Now, let’s talk storage. Because nothing kills the joy of decorating faster than having to detangle a gnarly ball of lights. Here are some foolproof methods to keep your lights neat and ready to shine:

• The Cardboard Wrap Method: Cut a piece of cardboard into a rectangle and wrap your lights around it. This keeps the lights spaced and secure. Make a slit at one end to tuck the plug, ensuring it stays snug and doesn’t unravel.
• Reels for the Real Enthusiasts: If you have a large collection of outdoor lights, consider investing in a reel. Just wind your lights around the reel, and store it away. No fuss, no muss.
• Old Hangers: Yes, hangers! Wrap your lights around an old wooden or sturdy plastic hanger. It’s a great reuse of what you might otherwise throw away and perfect for smaller strings of lights.

If you’ve used stakes for pathways or light clips for clean installs, store those accessories in labeled bags alongside your lights for easy access next year.

Last year, I tried the hanger method and it was a game changer. Not only did my lights stay tangle-free, but they also took up less space. Plus, it felt pretty good to repurpose something that was just hanging around (pun intended).

Creative and Secure Storage Solutions

Choosing the right storage containers can also prevent potential disasters. Here’s where to put your neatly wrapped lights:

• Plastic Bins: Weatherproof and critter-proof, plastic bins are an excellent choice. Label them by content for easier access next year.
• Fabric Bags: If you’re low on space and need something more flexible, fabric bags can work, especially for LED lights. Just ensure they’re kept in a dry place.
• Hang Up in a Closet: If you used the hanger method, why not hang them up in a utility or storage closet? This keeps them off the ground and out of harm’s way.

Take it from me, getting creative with storage can mean the difference between hours of detangling and a few minutes of setting up. I learned that the hard way when my “neatly” stacked pile of light bins turned into a domino display after my cat decided it looked like a fun climbing frame. Since then, secure shelving or isolated storage areas are my go-to.

Final Thoughts and a Nifty Nugget for Next Year

Storing your outdoor Christmas lights might not be the most glamorous part of the holiday wrap-up, but it’s certainly one of the most crucial for preserving your festive spirit—and sanity—for next season. With the right preparation, storage techniques, and a bit of creativity, you’ll be lighting up your home quicker and more efficiently next year.

And here’s a little nugget that I stumbled upon by accident: as you wrap up your lights, whether it’s around a piece of cardboard or a hanger, sprinkle a little fresh cinnamon or place a few cedar wood chips in the storage container. It repels bugs and makes next year’s unboxing a pleasantly fragrant experience!

If your light setup included a more advanced control center, don’t forget to store remotes, smart plugs, and timers in a clearly marked spot too.

Remember, a little effort now saves a lot of frustration later. Happy holidays and even happier un-decorating!