How to Store Christmas Lights

Co-authored by Robert Rybarski

Last Updated: March 3, 2024 Approved

Christmas lights are always a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Unfortunately, anyone who sets them up knows that getting them out and untangling them can be an aggravating job. Here are a few methods to prevent tangling and help you stay in the holiday spirit while setting up your Christmas lights.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Storing Lights with Cardboard

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Roughly 12 inches (30 cm) by 6 inches should be fine. Make sure this is a heavier piece of cardboard, like from a packing box. If the cardboard is too light it will buckle when you wrap the lights around them.
This should be big enough to tuck one end of the lights into. It doesn't matter if the notch is on the length or width side- this method will work either way.

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Do this neatly, working from one side to the other as needed. This will make unwrapping them much easier next year.
Tuck the end into this notch just like you did with the first one.
To protect the lights, wrap a layer or two of tissue paper around the cardboard. This will help protect them while they're in storage.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Storing Lights with a Pringles Can

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1
Get an empty can of Pringles. Make sure you rinse out the inside of the tube- this isn't to protect your lights, but if there are crumbs left inside it could attract bugs to your storage area.
- As an alternative, you could also use the cardboard tube from a paper towel roll for this method. The steps will be the same, except you won't be placing a lid on the cardboard tube.
Using a pair of heavy scissors, cut a vertical slit on the top of the can. The slit should be about an inch long.
You can widen the slit with further cutting if the wire from the lights won't fit.
Work your way down to the bottom of the can, then go back up to the top. Tuck the end of the lights into the same slit at the top of the can. This should leave you with the lights wrapped around the can with both ends resting in the slit on top.
This will prevent the ends from slipping out of the slit and unraveling your lights during storage.
To protect the lights during storage, you can wrap a few layers of tissue paper around the can. This should be done especially if you're placing the lights in a box with other items.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Storing Lights with a Hanger

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Ideally, the hanger will have a little hook on each side of the body. You can still use this method if you hanger doesn't have hooks, but the hooks will make wrapping the lights much easier.
2
Tuck one end of the lights into one of the hooks. ^{[1]
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- If your hanger doesn't have hooks, you can just tie the end to the body of the hanger.
Gradually work your way to the other side of the hanger, then work back to the original side. You'll probably have to do this a few times to get the whole string on the hanger.
4
Tuck the remaining end into the other hook. Make sure you leave enough string at the end to reach the last hook. ^{[2]
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- If there isn't enough room or your hanger doesn't have hooks, just tuck the end in between the strands of lights.
5
Store the hanger. You can either place the lights in a box, or, since this is a hanger, you can hang it conveniently out of the way until next Christmas.
- If storing with other items, make sure to wrap the hanger in tissue paper for protection.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Storing Lights with a Power Cord Holder

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These are available at most hardware store. There are several different kinds. You'll want a larger one designed for heavy outdoor electrical cords.
Do this carefully to make sure you don't break any lights.
The good thing about this method is that you can put multiple strands of lights into the same place. Just plug the new set of lights into the end of the old one and keep winding as long as you have room on the holder.
You can place the power cord holder on a shelf, in a box, or hang it up if it has a hook.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Storing Lights by Wrapping Carefully

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This should cause the first and third lights to fall next to each other in your palm. ^{[3]
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Now, the first, third, and fifth lights should be in your palm.
Keeping this sequence going should keep the lights in an even pattern that will prevent tangling. ^{[4]
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When you're done wrapping, you should have a tight bunch of lights and the two plugs remaining. Wrap the small sections attached to the plugs around the bunch to keep it together. Then plug them into each other and you're all done. ^{[5]
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What is the best way to store Christmas lights?

Robert Rybarski
Organizational Specialist
Robert Rybarski is an Organizational Specialist and Co-Owner of Conquering Clutter, a business that customizes closets, garages, and plantation shutters to ensure organized homes and lifestyles. Robert has over 23 years of consulting and sales experience in the organization industry. His business is based in Southern California.

Robert Rybarski

Organizational Specialist

Expert Answer

If you store the lights in a container, use a shallow one and avoid stacking the coils on top of each other. That way they won't get tangled while in storage.

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What do you mean by "tissue paper"?

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Tissue paper is a soft, thin paper usually sold in craft stores and stores that sell gifts.

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How do I store several Christmas lights attached to a net? The bulbs are fastened to a 4 x 6 net.

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Find something, like a piece of cardboard, that you can wrap the net around, so that it isn't folded in on itself and doesn't tangle.

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Christmas lights usually are only meant to be used for no more than 90 days. Chances are, if your lights are more than three Christmases old, they will need to be replaced next year. Take the initiative now and throw out worn out lights.

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You can shop for replacements after Christmas, when there will normally be discounts on holiday items.

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How to Store Christmas Lights

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Storing Lights with Cardboard

Storing Lights with a Pringles Can

Storing Lights with a Hanger

Storing Lights with a Power Cord Holder

Storing Lights by Wrapping Carefully

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