How to Store Away Christmas Lights: Storage Solutions for Tangle-Free Organisation
Written by: Emily Barkham
After the magic of the festive season has faded and the Christmas decorations come down, one task often fills households with dread: storing Christmas tree lights. Twisted wires, stubborn knots, and the fear that half the lights won’t work next year can take the shine off the end of the festive season.
We believe a little care now makes decorating much easier next time. Proper storage not only saves time and frustration, but also helps extend the life of your lights. In this guide, we’ll offer tangle-free tips for how to store away Christmas lights and how you can keep them in perfect condition until next year.
Key Takeaways
- Wrap your lights before packing them away. Use a light storage reel for longer strings, or wrap smaller sets around cardboard or a toilet roll tube to keep them neat and tangle-free for next Christmas.
- Choose the right storage solution. Original packaging or sturdy plastic boxes with lids help protect your lights from dust, moisture and accidental damage. For icicle and curtain lights, carefully drape them over a clothes hanger to keep the strands separated.
- Keep your cables in good condition. Untangle lights gently, wipe away dust with a dry cloth and avoid pulling wires or winding them too tightly to help prevent damage.
- Label each set for next year. Note whether your lights are for indoor or outdoor use, where you display them and their colour or style. Keeping similar sets together makes decorating much easier.
- Check your lights before storing them. Test that they work, make sure outdoor lights are completely dry and remove batteries from battery-operated sets to help prevent corrosion. Store everything in a cool, dry place away from moisture.
Why Does Proper Storage Matter?
Christmas lights may look delicate, but they’re a considered investment. Poor storage can lead to tangled wires, damaged bulbs, frayed cables and corrosion, especially if lights are packed away damp or crushed.
Storing lights correctly helps:
- Prevent knots and tangles
- Reduce wear on wires and connections
- Protect bulbs and LEDs from breakage
- Make decorating quicker and more enjoyable next year
- Taking a few extra minutes when packing away your lights can save hours of untangling (and replacement costs) later.
What is the Best Way to Store Christmas Lights?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to storing Christmas lights, but some methods work better than others depending on the type of lights you have.
- Reels: Light reels are one of the most effective ways to prevent tangles. Simply wind the lights evenly around the reel, keeping tension gentle and consistent. Reels are ideal for longer strings of outdoor Christmas lights, such as tree lights, outdoor festoon lights, or outdoor fairy lights. We recommend our Christmas light storage reel for convenient storage solutions.
- Boxes: Original packaging is often designed specifically to protect lights, making it a great storage option if you still have it. If not, sturdy plastic storage boxes work well. Choose boxes with lids to keep out dust and moisture, and avoid overfilling.
- Hangers: For connectable icicle lights or connectable curtain lights, clothes hangers can be surprisingly effective. Draping lights carefully over a hanger keeps strands separated and ready to hang straight back up next year.
The Best DIY Ways to Store Christmas Lights
If you don’t have reels or storage boxes, plenty of DIY solutions work just as well.
- Cardboard pieces: Cut notches into the edges and wrap lights around the centre.
- Toilet roll tubes: Perfect for smaller light strings; wind the lights around the tube and secure the plug inside.
- Plastic bottles: Feed the lights into the bottle and screw the lid on to keep them contained.
These low-cost options are especially useful if you have multiple sets of lights to store separately.
Storage for Outdoor vs Indoor Lights
Indoor Christmas lights and outdoor lights have slightly different storage needs that are worth considering before you pack them away until next year.
- Indoor Lights: Store indoor lights in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A cupboard, wardrobe or under-stairs storage area works well.
- Outdoor Lights: Outdoor lights are more exposed to moisture and temperature changes, so they need extra care. Make sure they’re fully dry before storage, and keep them in waterproof containers if possible. Avoid sheds or garages that are prone to damp unless your storage boxes are well sealed.
What are the Best Ways to Store Christmas Lights to Prevent Tangling?
The key to tangle-free storage is patience and preparation. Take your time because it will save you plenty by the time next Christmas comes around. Before storing your Christmas lights away, we recommend:
- Lay the lights out flat and untwist any knots.
- Gently wipe down the cable with a dry cloth to remove dust or debris.
- Avoid pulling or stretching wires, especially around the plug and transformer.
- When winding lights, keep them loose rather than tightly coiled. Tight bends can weaken internal wiring over time, increasing the risk of faults next season.
Labelling and Packing Your Christmas Lights
Labelling your lights may seem unnecessary now, but it makes a huge difference when December rolls around again. Use simple tags or masking tape to note:
- Where the lights are used (tree, mantelpiece, garden fence)
- Whether they’re indoor Christmas lights or outdoor Christmas lights
- Colour or style (warm white, multicolour, twinkle, static)
- Pack similar items together and store lights separately from heavier Christmas tree decorations to prevent crushing. Clear storage boxes are particularly helpful, allowing you to see what’s inside without opening everything.
Christmas Light Maintenance Tips Before Storage
Before packing your lights away, it’s worth checking they’re still in good working order.
- Plug them in briefly to ensure all bulbs or LEDs are functioning.
- Replace any faulty bulbs where possible.
- Remove batteries from battery-operated lights to prevent corrosion.
- Make sure lights are completely dry, especially outdoor lights.
Addressing small issues now means you won’t face disappointment or last-minute fixes next Christmas.
Discover Lights4fun’s Versatile Christmas Lights
Good storage isn’t just about packing things away; it’s about setting yourself up for a smoother festive season next year. Take a look at Lights4fun’s quality Christmas decorations and find lasting lights guaranteed to illuminate your home for years to come.
