How to Store Christmas Lights

Nothing gets you into the Christmas spirit faster than hearing that first holiday song played on the radio. That’s right—as soon as the Christmas carols begin, it’s go time. You have the green light to begin decking the halls to your heart’s content. That means wrapping garland around the fireplace, decorating the Christmas tree, strategically placing mistletoe, and (of course!) stringing Christmas lights. 

It’s all fun and games until you head into storage and find a tangled web of Christmas lights. No matter how carefully you tried to pack them away the previous year, you’re always faced with the same coiled mess.

Well, tangled strands no more! In our guide on how to store Christmas lights, we cover the top Christmas light storage tips. So put on a Santa hat and check out our advice on the best way to wrap Christmas lights to prevent a headache the next time the holidays roll around. 

How To Store Christmas Lights For Next Year

Before jumping into these tips and tricks, be sure to first unravel and detangle your Christmas lights. While you’re at it, inspect each light for missing or burned-out bulbs and replace them before putting them into storage. 

• DIY Cardboard

Using pieces of cardboard is quite possibly the easiest DIY Christmas light storage concept. Find a rectangular-shaped piece of cardboard at least a foot or so wide and create a slit on one side. Next, locate the very end of your strand and slip it into the slit. Then wrap the strand around the cardboard. Once you’ve reached the end of your lights, make another slit in the cardboard and tuck the end piece in to secure it. 

With your Christmas lights neatly wrapped up, you can place the cardboard pieces into a plastic bin until next year. 

• Light and Cord Wind-up

Believe it or not, there are actually devices designed specifically for this purpose. For under $20, you can get a pack of light and cord wind-up holders with two handles on either side that make winding up your lights a breeze. Simply wrap the lights around the built-in hooks to keep your lights organized. 

• Light Reels

Yes, there is actually another option built to keep your lights tangle-free. Just like a bobbin that you might use for holding thread, light reels conveniently wrap your lights around the spool. It’s easy and hassle-free to use; just attach one end of the lights to the reel and slowly spin it as it wraps up the strings. As an added perk, you can use this method for storing other holiday decorations like garland and tinsel strands, too. 

• Clothes Hangers

What’s another way of storing Christmas lights? Clothes hangers! You’ve probably already got plenty in your closet—the ones with grooves or grips work best. Begin by hooking the end of your lights to one strap holder and then tightly (but neatly!) coiling it around the outside of the hanger, just like you would with the piece of cardboard or cord wind-up. Once you’ve made it to the end, secure the end of the strand onto the other strap holder.  

Want to know the best part about this storage option? You don’t have to worry about finding additional storage space because you can just hang them up in a closet. 

• Plastic Sheets

Another one of the best ways to store Christmas lights involves plastic sheets. Lay out a piece of plastic wrap that measures the length of the lights. Place the strands on the sheet and begin rolling the plastic wrap and lights together as if you were rolling up a sleeping bag. Once it’s all bundled up, secure the plastic roll with a piece of tape. 

• Twist Ties

You don’t have to get ultra-fancy if you’re still wondering how to put away Christmas lights. Perhaps one of the easiest and most effective ways involves your arm and some twist ties. Hold on to the end of the strand in one hand. Wrap the string from your elbow to your hand in a loop until you arrive at the end. From here, secure the loop you’ve made with a reusable twist tie. You can then place the loop on a hook or lie it flat in a storage container without worrying about it getting tangled. 

What’s Stor-It?

Stor-It is the largest and oldest storage facility in the state of Idaho. We offer self storage in Boise, McCall, Nampa, and beyond. In addition to offering indoor and outdoor storage spaces in all different sizes, we’re also your go-to for all the best storage advice. 

Whether you need help deciding on the right-sized storage unit or need tips on how to pack your belongings, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to find out more!