Best Way To Store Outdoor Christmas Lights: Genius Storage Solutions That Save Time and Prevent Tangles
Proper storage for your outdoor Christmas lights is your secret weapon against tangled messes and damaged bulbs. The best way to store outdoor Christmas lights involves winding them neatly onto a dedicated organizer, like a reel or hanger, and then placing them in a sturdy, labelled bin. This simple method protects your lights from moisture and physical damage, ensuring they shine brightly for seasons to come. Say goodbye to frustrating knots and hello to stress-free decorating!
Ah, the twinkling lights of the holiday season! They bring such magic and cheer to our homes. But when the festive glow fades and it’s time to pack everything away, many of us face the dreaded light tangle. It feels like wrestling an octopus, doesn’t it? You pull out your Christmas lights, only to find a chaotic knot that takes forever to unravel. This frustration not only eats up precious time but can also damage delicate bulbs and wires, making them unusable for next year. Don’t worry, though! We’re going to walk through some super-effective and honestly, quite genius, ways to store your outdoor Christmas lights. Get ready to make next year’s decorating a breeze!
Why Storing Christmas Lights Properly Matters More Than You Think
It’s easy to just shove those strings of lights into a box and call it a day. We’ve all been there! But think of your outdoor Christmas lights as delicate plants – they need proper care to thrive. When you just toss them around, they’re exposed to all sorts of hazards. Moisture can seep in, leading to corrosion and short circuits, which, let’s be honest, are no fun to deal with when you’re trying to get your holiday decor up.
Beyond the elements, physical stress is a big culprit for light damage. Winding them haphazardly means wires get bent, potentially breaking the internal connections. The bulbs themselves can get knocked around, leading to cracks or breaks. All of this means dimmer lights, flickering strands, or even entire sections that refuse to light up come next holiday season. It’s a shame to have to buy new lights every year when a little bit of thoughtful storage can make your current ones last much, much longer. Plus, a good storage system saves you so much headache and time when you’re ready to decorate again!
The “No-Tangle” Toolkit: What You’ll Need for Genius Storage
Before we dive into the ‘how-to,’ let’s gather your supplies. Think of this as prepping your garden bed before planting – setting yourself up for success! Most of these items are probably around your house already, or they’re easy to find at a craft store, hardware store, or even online.
Here’s a simple list of what can help:
- Storage Bins: Sturdy plastic bins with secure lids are your best friend. They protect against dust, moisture, and critters.
- Light Storage Reels or Hangers: These are specifically designed to keep lights organized. You can buy them or even use simple cardboard.
- Zip Ties or Twist Ties: Useful for securing the end of the light string to prevent unwinding.
- Permanent Marker: For labelling your bins, which is a game-changer for easy retrieval.
- Scissors or Wire Cutters: To trim any old zip ties or remove packaging.
- A Vacuum Sealer (Optional): For those who want extra protection against moisture and pests.
- A Clean, Dry Space: This is crucial! Think garage, attic, or a dry basement closet.
Genius Storage Method 1: The Reel Deal (No Tangles, Guaranteed!)
This is a favorite for a reason – it’s incredibly effective at preventing tangles. Winding your lights onto a reel or a dedicated hanger keeps them neat, straight, and ready to go. It’s a bit like winding a garden hose neatly, but for your festive lights!
Step-by-Step Guide to the Reel Method
Here’s how to do it, nice and easy:
- Gather Your Lights and Reel: Make sure your lights are completely dry. If you’re using a purchased light reel, follow its specific instructions. If you’re making your own, you can use a piece of sturdy cardboard with notches cut into it, or even an old wrapping paper tube (though cardboard is often better for larger spools).
- Plug Them In (Optional but Recommended): Some people like to plug the lights in for a moment to ensure all the bulbs are working before storing. This saves you a surprise next year! Just be sure they are completely cool before winding.
- Secure the End: Find the plug end of your light string. Use a zip tie or a twist tie to loosely secure it to the reel or the beginning of the cardboard so it doesn’t slip off as you wind.
- Start Winding: Begin winding the lights around the reel or cardboard. Don’t wind them too tightly, as this can pinch the wires. Aim for a consistent, even wrap. Keep the bulbs spaced nicely, not bunched up.
- Continue Winding: Work your way down the entire string, making sure the wire is relatively flat and not overlapping itself too much. If you have longer strings, you might need a larger reel or even a second one.
- Secure the Other End: Once you reach the other end of the light string (usually the male connector), secure it with another zip tie or twist tie. This prevents the whole thing from unraveling.
- Protect Your Reel: Place the wound light reel into your sturdy, labelled storage bin. Ensure the bin lid is securely fastened.
DIY Light Storage Reels: Get Creative!
Don’t have a fancy store-bought reel? No problem! You can easily make one:
- Cardboard Box Method: Cut a piece of sturdy cardboard into a rectangle. Make perpendicular cuts about an inch deep on opposite sides to create slots. Feed the plug end into one slot and wind the lights around the cardboard. Secure the other end into the opposite slot. For longer strands, you might want a bigger piece of cardboard or several smaller ones.
- Bucket or Tub Method: Some people find that winding lights around the inside of a sturdy bucket or plastic tub works well. Start by loosely coiling the lights around the bottom, then build up layers. Secure the ends as best you can.
- Old Hangers: For simpler strands of lights, you can sometimes loop them around the arms of a plastic hanger. Secure the ends with twist ties.
For even more inspiration and visual guides, check out how the brilliant minds at Family Handyman tackle light storage with common household items.
Genius Storage Method 2: The Bucket Brigade (Simple as Can Be)
This method is fantastic for its simplicity and doesn’t require any special tools. It’s perfect if you have a collection of buckets or good-sized plastic containers.
How to Tame Lights with a Bucket
- Choose the Right Bucket: Select a clean, dry plastic bucket or container with a lid that closes securely. A 5-gallon bucket is a good size for many strands of lights.
- Ensure Lights are Dry: Double-check that your light strands are completely dry and cool to the touch.
- Start Coiling: Begin coiling your lights loosely inside the bucket. Start at the plug end and work your way around, layering the lights in a circular motion.
- Keep it Loose: The key here is not to pack them too tightly. You want enough room so the wires aren’t stressed.
- Manage the Cords: As you coil, try to keep the wire relatively flat and prevent kinks. You can run the cord between bulbs to help create a neater coil.
- Secure and Store: Once the bucket is full, coil the last bit of wire and secure the plug and connector ends together with a twist tie. Place the lid on the bucket.
- Label Clearly: Use your permanent marker to label the bucket, noting the type of lights (e.g., “Icicle Lights – Front Gutter,” “Mini Lights – Tree”) and maybe even the color.
This method is straightforward, and the bucket itself offers decent protection. They are also easy to stack!
Genius Storage Method 3: The Hanging Garden (Vertical Storage Champion)
For those of us with limited floor or shelf space, vertical storage is a lifesaver! This method uses specialized hangers or even a simple clothes rack to keep your lights off the ground and easily accessible.
How to Hang Your Lights for Storage
- Get the Right Hangers: You can purchase specialized Christmas light hangers that look like large spools or reels on a frame. Alternatively, consider an old wire coat hanger.
- Wind onto the Hanger: Start with the plug end. Drape or hook it securely onto the hanger. Begin winding the light strand around the hanger frame or arms.
- Keep it Even: Similar to the reel method, wind the lights evenly, avoiding overtightening. Ensure the bulbs and wires aren’t being squeezed.
- Secure the End: Once you’ve wound the entire string, secure the tail end (the connector) with a twist tie or by tucking it firmly into the wrapped lights.
- Hang Them Up: The beauty of this method is hanging! You can hang these specialized hangers or even modified coat hangers on hooks in your garage, basement, or closet.
- Add Protective Covers (Optional): For extra protection, you can place a lightweight plastic bag loosely over each hanging light set. Don’t seal it tightly, as you want to allow for some air circulation.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Reel Method | Excellent tangle prevention, organized winding, easy to manage. | Requires specialized reels or DIY effort; can take up some space. |
| Bucket Method | Very simple, uses common containers, good protection from dust/moisture. | Lights can still get a bit jumbled internally; requires stacking space. |
| Hanging Method | Saves floor space, keeps lights off the ground, easy to view/select. | Requires hangers or DIY frame; may need additional protection from dust. |
Bonus Tip: Vacuum Sealing for Ultimate Protection
If you live in a particularly damp climate or are worried about pests like mice chewing on the wires (a common issue in garages and attics!), consider vacuum sealing your wound lights. After you’ve neatly wound your lights using one of the methods above and placed them in a bin or bag, you can try vacuum sealing the entire package. This removes air, which helps prevent moisture absorption and makes it harder for pests to get to the lights. Just be sure the lights are completely dry before sealing!
For more on tackling common pest problems in your storage areas, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers some excellent, eco-friendly advice.
The Importance of Labelling Your Light Storage
This might sound like a small detail, but trust me, labelling is a huge time-saver and stress-reducer. When you’re rushing to get your decorations up, the last thing you want is to pull out a bin only to realize it’s the wrong type of lights or the ones for the back porch that you don’t need right now.
Take a few extra minutes after you’ve stored your lights
- Be Specific: Don’t just write “Christmas Lights.” Note the color, type (mini, icicle, net), where they were used (front tree, bushes, roofline), and maybe even the bulb count or length.
- Use Durable Markers: A good permanent marker that won’t fade or smudge is ideal.
- Label the Bin and/or the Lights: Labeling the container is most important. You can also tie a waterproof tag directly onto the light string itself if you’re feeling extra organized.
Imagine next year: you need the warm white icicle lights for under the eaves. You stroll to your storage area, scan the labels, grab the correct bin, and voilà! Decorating time feels less like a chore and more like the joyous event it should be.
Where to Store Your Precious Lights
The location is just as important as the method! Your goal is a cool, dry, and dark place. Here are some excellent options:
| Location | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Garage | Ensure bins are sealed to protect from moisture, dust, and pests. Consider elevating bins off the floor. |
| Attic | Can get very hot and humid, which can degrade lights and wires over time. Monitor temperature and use airtight bins. |
| Basement | Often a good choice if it’s dry and climate-controlled. Avoid areas prone to flooding. |
| Climate-Controlled Storage Unit | If you have limited space at home, this is a great, albeit more expensive, option for long-term storage. |
| Interior Closet | A spare closet or even a large linen closet works well if you have the space. |
Avoid storing lights in damp areas like crawl spaces or unsealed sheds. Extreme temperature fluctuations, direct sunlight, and prolonged humidity are the enemies of your light strings!
Frequently Asked Questions about Storing Christmas Lights
Q1: How do I prevent my Christmas lights from getting tangled?
A1: The best way to prevent tangles is to wind your lights neatly onto a dedicated storage reel, hanger, or even a sturdy piece of cardboard. Securing the ends with zip ties or twist ties also helps keep them from unraveling and tangling.
Q2: Can I store outdoor Christmas lights in their original boxes?
A2: While the original boxes might seem convenient, they often don’t offer enough protection. The cardboard can absorb moisture, and the tight packaging can lead to kinks in the wires. Using sturdy plastic bins with lids is a much better option.
Q3: How do I know if my Christmas lights are dry before storing them?
A3: Lay them out on a clean towel in a well-ventilated area for at least 24 hours. Feel them carefully – even a hint of dampness means they need more drying time. Humidity can remain trapped in the wires and bulb sockets.
Q4: Will moisture damage my Christmas lights even if they are stored in a bin?
A4: Yes, if the bin isn’t sealed properly or if there’s significant humidity in your storage area, moisture can still get in. Always ensure your lights are completely dry before packing and that your bins have tight-fitting lids. Vacuum sealing can provide extra protection.
Q5: How long can I expect my Christmas lights to last with good storage?
A5: With proper care and storage, especially LED lights which are more durable, your Christmas lights can last for many years – often a decade or more! Incandescent lights are more delicate and may have a shorter lifespan, but good storage will still extend their life significantly.
Q6: What’s the best way to store different types of lights, like net lights or icicle lights?
A6: For net lights, you can fold them gently and place them flat in a bin, or try winding them around a large piece of cardboard. Icicle lights are best stored by winding them onto a hanger or a large reel to prevent the “icicles” from tangling into a mess.
Conclusion: Bright Holidays Ahead, Effortless Storage Now
Taking a little time now to store your outdoor Christmas lights properly will pay off in spades next holiday season. No more tangled messes, no more frustrating hours spent untangling knots, and fewer damaged lights needing replacement. By using simple tools like reels, sturdy bins, and clear labels, you’re not just storing your lights; you’re investing in stress-free decorating for years to come.
Whether you choose the reel method, the simple bucket brigade, or the space-saving hanging technique, the key is consistency and care. So, as you pack away the sparkle, do it with a plan. Your future decorating self will thank you profusely! Happy storing, and here’s to many bright and beautiful holiday seasons ahead!
