5 Ways To Store Christmas Lights - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Store Christmas Lights PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Robert Rybarski

Last Updated: February 24, 2025 Approved

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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
    • |
  • Video
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  • Expert Q&A
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  • Tips
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This article was co-authored by Robert Rybarski. 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. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 224,369 times.

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.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 5:

Storing Lights with Cardboard

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  1. Step 1 Cut a piece of cardboard into a rectangle. 1 Cut a piece of cardboard into a rectangle. 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.
  2. Step 2 Cut a notch in one side of the cardboard. 2 Cut a notch in one side of the cardboard. 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. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Wrap the lights around the rectangle. 3 Wrap the lights around the rectangle. Do this neatly, working from one side to the other as needed. This will make unwrapping them much easier next year.
  4. Step 4 Cut another notch wherever the other end of the lights is when you're done. 4 Cut another notch wherever the other end of the lights is when you're done. Tuck the end into this notch just like you did with the first one.
  5. Step 5 Wrap tissue paper around the lights. 5 Wrap tissue paper around the lights. 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.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 5:

Storing Lights with a Pringles Can

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  1. Step 1 Get an empty can of Pringles. 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.
  2. Step 2 Cut a slit in the top of the can. 2 Cut a slit in the top of the can. Using a pair of heavy scissors, cut a vertical slit on the top of the can. The slit should be about an inch long.
  3. Step 3 Slip one end of the lights into the slit. 3 Slip one end of the lights into the slit. You can widen the slit with further cutting if the wire from the lights won't fit.
  4. Step 4 Wrap the lights around the can. 4 Wrap the lights around the can. 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.
  5. Step 5 Place the lid on the Pringles can. 5 Place the lid on the Pringles can. This will prevent the ends from slipping out of the slit and unraveling your lights during storage.
  6. Step 6 Wrap the can in tissue paper. 6 Wrap the can in tissue paper. 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.
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Method 3 Method 3 of 5:

Storing Lights with a Hanger

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  1. Step 1 Get a plastic hanger. 1 Get a plastic hanger. 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. Step 2 Tuck one end of the lights into one of the hooks. 2 Tuck one end of the lights into one of the hooks.[1]
    • If your hanger doesn't have hooks, you can just tie the end to the body of the hanger.
  3. Step 3 Wrap the lights around the outside of the hanger. 3 Wrap the lights around the outside 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. Step 4 Tuck the remaining end into the other hook. 4 Tuck the remaining end into the other hook. Make sure you leave enough string at the end to reach the last hook.[2]
    • If there isn't enough room or your hanger doesn't have hooks, just tuck the end in between the strands of lights.
  5. Step 5 Store the hanger. 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.
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Method 4 Method 4 of 5:

Storing Lights with a Power Cord Holder

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  1. Step 1 Get a power cord holder. 1 Get a power cord holder. These are available at most hardware store. There are several different kinds. You'll want a larger one designed for heavy outdoor electrical cords.
  2. Step 2 Insert the lights into the cord holder and wind them up. 2 Insert the lights into the cord holder and wind them up. Do this carefully to make sure you don't break any lights.
  3. Step 3 Plug in more lights if you have them. 3 Plug in more lights if you have them. 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.
  4. Step 4 Store the lights until next year. 4 Store the lights until next year. You can place the power cord holder on a shelf, in a box, or hang it up if it has a hook.
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Method 5 Method 5 of 5:

Storing Lights by Wrapping Carefully

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  1. Step 1 Pinch the second light of the strand between your index finger and thumb. 1 Pinch the second light of the strand between your index finger and thumb. This should cause the first and third lights to fall next to each other in your palm.[3]
  2. Step 2 Pull the fourth light up and pinch it next to the second one. 2 Pull the fourth light up and pinch it next to the second one. Now, the first, third, and fifth lights should be in your palm.
  3. Step 3 Continue matching the even lights to the top of your hand and the odd lights at the bottom. 3 Continue matching the even lights to the top of your hand and the odd lights at the bottom. Keeping this sequence going should keep the lights in an even pattern that will prevent tangling.[4]
  4. Step 4 Wrap the remaining cord around the bunch and plug the two sides in. 4 Wrap the remaining cord around the bunch and plug the two sides in. 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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Expert Q&A

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  • Question What is the best way to store Christmas lights? Robert Rybarski 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 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 0
  • Question What do you mean by "tissue paper"? Community Answer Community Answer Tissue paper is a soft, thin paper usually sold in craft stores and stores that sell gifts. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 7
  • Question How do I store several Christmas lights attached to a net? The bulbs are fastened to a 4 x 6 net. Community Answer Community Answer 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 12 Helpful 9
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • 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. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2
  • You can shop for replacements after Christmas, when there will normally be discounts on holiday items. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

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References

  1. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/5973192/wrap-christmas-lights-around-a-hanger-for-tangle-free-storage
  2. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/5973192/wrap-christmas-lights-around-a-hanger-for-tangle-free-storage
  3. ↑ http://lifeyourway.net/quick-tip-packing-away-christmas-lights/
  4. ↑ http://lifeyourway.net/quick-tip-packing-away-christmas-lights/
  5. ↑ http://lifeyourway.net/quick-tip-packing-away-christmas-lights/

About This Article

Robert Rybarski Co-authored by: Robert Rybarski Organizational Specialist This article was co-authored by Robert Rybarski. 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. This article has been viewed 224,369 times. 1 votes - 60% Co-authors: 17 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 224,369 Categories: Storage Article SummaryX

To store Christmas lights, wrap them around a piece of cardboard and then wrap tissue paper around the lights to protect them. You can also try wrapping the lights around the outside of a coat hanger and hanging them up somewhere convenient for storage. If you want to store multiple strands of lights in one place, plug the strands into each other and then wind them up in a power cord holder, which you can get at your local hardware store. To learn how to store Christmas lights by wrapping them in bunches, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • B. R.

    B. R.

    Nov 25, 2017

    "Great ideas for different and creative ways to safely (and properly) store Christmas lights! I really like the..." more
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Robert Rybarski Co-authored by: Robert Rybarski Organizational Specialist 1 votes - 60% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 17 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 224,369 B. R.

B. R.

Nov 25, 2017

"Great ideas for different and creative ways to safely (and properly) store Christmas lights! I really like the..." more C L Burger

C L Burger

Jan 12, 2022

"I kept the box my lights came in, all wrapped up. Method 5 taught me how to duplicate the wrap so I can safely and..." more Terry Coen

Terry Coen

Jan 8, 2019

"For years I have used different ways of storing Christmas lights, and have found this article to be very helpful..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Dec 6, 2017

"Wrapping the lights carefully in my hand was easier and cheaper in the long run." Anonymous

Anonymous

Nov 29, 2017

"Ideal storage on the coat hanger tip for small spaces." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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