Does the thought of untangling that giant, tangled mess of Christmas lights make you groan every single year? You spend hours making everything look magical, then packing it away feels like a frustrating, knotty nightmare. We all want our lights to shine bright next season, but storing them properly often feels like a huge chore. Choosing the right storage solution can be tricky; do you roll them, use a plastic bin, or try those fancy reels? Picking the wrong method means dealing with broken bulbs and frustrating knots when it’s time to decorate again.
Don’t let storage stress steal your holiday cheer! This post dives deep into the best ways to protect your precious lights. You will learn simple, effective secrets to keep every strand neat, organized, and ready to use next December. Get ready to say goodbye to the tangled terror for good and hello to easy setup!
Top Christmas Light Storage Recommendations
- Set of 8 Christmas Light Holders: Our set includes 8 storage holders, providing ample space to store and separate your Christmas lights for easy access next year. Each light holder holds up to 200 Count mini lights or 100 ft of extensions cord - Total pack holds 1600 mini lights or 800 ft!
- Durable and Long-lasting: Made from high-quality materials, these storage holders are built to withstand the test of time, protecting your lights year after year.
- Suitable size: This Christmas organizer is 11.81*4.72in, the right size to store a variety of string lights, extension cords, and will not take up too much space. Convenient to receive in the drawer, the bag to prevent dust accumulation.
- Unique design: ergonomic handle, the built-in hooks can fix plugs, and two hollowed-out designs in the middle are convenient for hanging. A tool can solve multiple problems at the same time, a really good choice.
- All purpose: This storage is suitable for all kinds of holiday light strings and cords, and is a great solution to the light cord storage problem for all your holiday decorations without tangles.
- Cord Wrap for Light Duty Storage: The Woods Cord Wrap reel features a one-piece impact-resistant frame, wall-mount option, and clip for easy cord organization in garages or outdoor reel storage
- Lightweight Storage: This extension cord holder offers a lightweight solution to organization and storage
- Keep It Organized: Keep your workshop, garage, or garden organized with this premium cord storage tool
- Quality Extension Cords: Southwire has a variety of specialty extension cords to meet a variety of indoor and outdoor needs
- Delivering Power Responsibly: Southwire is known for providing innovative products and services and delivering on our promises
- HIGH QUALITY:Lights organizer holders are made of high quality plastic material, is odorless and sturdy, the strong handle is conveniently for you to wind up the cord and carry the light.
- MAX VALVE PACKAGE:You will get 8 peices lights and cord storage, each cord holder allow you to hold up to 100 FT, total package can help you hold 800 FT light cord.
- WITHSTAND TIME OF THE TEST: Our products are built to withstand everyday ropes and wires. The corners of this product have been rounded to avoid scratching your skin while using it.
- WIDELY APPLICATION: Suitable for all kinds of string lights, ropes, electric cords, garland, beads. The lights storage reels is convenient portability. Easily for unravel the ropes from the lights holder. The green color is more suitable for Christmas light, make your home more cleaner and organized.
- HANDLE DESIGN: Considering the convenice of organizing the lihgts, strong handle is designed to ensure a comfortable grip for convenient portability for easy winding.
- Tangle-Free Cord Storage Reel: The Woods Cord Storage reel holds up to 150-feet of 16/3 gauge cord or 125-feet of 14/3 gauge cord; features a lightweight frame, storage hook, and easy grip cord wheel for fast winding
- Lightweight Storage: This extension cord holder offers a lightweight solution to organization and storage
- Keep It Organized: Keep your workshop, garage, or garden organized with this premium cord storage tool
- Quality Extension Cords: Southwire has a variety of specialty extension cords to meet a variety of indoor and outdoor needs
- Delivering Power Responsibly: Southwire is known for providing innovative products and services and delivering on our promises
- Set of 4 Christmas Light Holders: Our set includes 4 storage holders, providing ample space to store and separate your Christmas lights for easy access next year. Each light holder holds up to 200 Count mini lights or 100 ft of extensions cord - Total pack holds 800 mini lights or 400 ft!
- Durable and Long-lasting: Made from high-quality materials, these storage holders are built to withstand the test of time, protecting your lights year after year.
- Suitable size: This Christmas organizer is 11.81*4.72in, the right size to store a variety of string lights, extension cords, and will not take up too much space. Convenient to receive in the drawer, the bag to prevent dust accumulation.
- Unique design: ergonomic handle, the built-in hooks can fix plugs, and two hollowed-out designs in the middle are convenient for hanging. A tool can solve multiple problems at the same time, a really good choice.
- All purpose: This storage is suitable for all kinds of holiday light strings and cords, and is a great solution to the light cord storage problem for all your holiday decorations without tangles.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Christmas Light Storage
Putting away your twinkling Christmas lights can feel like untangling a giant, sparkly mess. Good storage makes next year’s setup fast and frustration-free. This guide helps you choose the best way to protect your holiday glow.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for light storage, focus on these important features. They make a big difference in how well your lights survive the off-season.
1. Capacity and Size
- Length Capacity: Check how many strands of lights the container holds. Big houses need larger containers. Small apartment dwellers need compact options.
- Sectional Divisions: Some organizers have built-in dividers. These keep different colors or light types separate.
- Portability: Look for strong handles. You will need to carry these boxes up to the attic or down from the garage.
2. Protection and Durability
- Lids and Closures: A secure lid keeps out dust, moisture, and pests. Snap-tight lids are better than loose ones.
- Structure: Rigid containers protect lights from being crushed. Soft bags work well if you store them carefully on a shelf.
3. Ease of Use
- Winding Mechanism: Some specialized reels or spools wind the lights for you. This saves a lot of time.
- Labeling Areas: Clear spots to write what is inside (e.g., “Outdoor C9 Bulbs”) help you find things quickly later.
Important Materials
The material of your storage container affects its strength and how long it lasts.
Plastic Totes
Heavy-duty plastic is very popular. It resists moisture well, which is great for damp basements or garages. Clear plastic lets you see the contents without opening the bin. However, cheap plastic can become brittle in extreme cold.
Fabric and Canvas Organizers
These are often softer and fold flat when empty. They are good for storing delicate LED strands that do not need heavy protection. Make sure the fabric is thick and breathable.
Cardboard Reels and Wraps
These are usually the cheapest option. They work best for short-term storage or for people who use their lights only once or twice. They do not offer much protection against pests or dampness.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
How you store your lights affects their lifespan. Good storage protects your investment.
Quality Boosters
- Cool, Dry Storage: Heat degrades wires and plastic. Store boxes away from furnaces or direct sunlight.
- Pre-Packing Care: Always ensure lights are completely dry before storing them. Moisture causes corrosion.
- Stress-Free Winding: Do not yank or twist the wires tightly when winding them. Gentle winding prevents internal breaks.
Quality Reducers
- Pinching Wires: Storing lights crammed into a small box crushes the wires. This leads to shorts next year.
- Pest Damage: Mice love to chew on plastic insulation. Storing items off the floor helps reduce this risk.
- Improper Bulbs: If incandescent bulbs are stored loose, they often break off the sockets.
User Experience and Use Cases
The best storage solution depends on how you use your lights.
The Year-Round Decorator
If you swap out lights often (e.g., Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day), you need quick-access solutions. Look for rolling carts or stackable bins that are easy to open and close repeatedly.
The Bulk Storage User
People with hundreds of feet of lights need maximum protection. Large, airtight plastic totes are recommended. You stack these away for 11 months of the year. Durability is key here.
The Minimalist
If you only use one or two strands, a simple fabric wrap or an over-the-door hanging organizer saves space. These are simple and inexpensive.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Christmas Light Storage
Q: Should I coil my lights clockwise or counter-clockwise?
A: It does not matter as much as *how* you coil them. Coil them loosely around your hand or a reel. Avoid tight wrapping.
Q: Can I store lights in their original cardboard box?
A: You can, but it is usually not the best idea. Cardboard breaks down, and the box does not offer good protection against crushing.
Q: Is it okay to store lights in the attic?
A: Attics get very hot in the summer. Extreme heat damages wires and plastic. If you must use the attic, choose heavy-duty plastic containers and keep them away from the roof rafters.
Q: What is the best way to store tangled lights?
A: Take the time to untangle them before storage. Storing them tangled guarantees a bigger mess next year. If you must store them tangled, wrap the whole mess loosely around a large piece of cardboard.
Q: Do I need to remove the bulbs before storage?
A: For standard mini-lights, no. For older C7 or C9 bulbs, removing them can prevent breakage, especially if you use a specialized bulb storage tray.
Q: What material is best for protecting lights from moisture?
A: Airtight, thick plastic totes offer the best moisture barrier.
Q: Are there storage solutions specifically for LED lights?
A: Yes. LED lights often need gentler handling than older incandescent bulbs. Look for specialized reels designed for delicate wiring.
Q: How can I keep track of which storage bin holds which lights?
A: Use a permanent marker or adhesive labels on the side of the container. Write down the type (e.g., “Icicle Lights”) and the length (e.g., “150 ft”).
Q: Should I use mothballs in my storage containers?
A: No. The chemicals in mothballs can sometimes degrade plastic and wire insulation over time. Use sealed containers instead.
Q: What is a simple DIY way to store a few strands?
A: Cut a hole in the center of a plastic coffee can lid. Thread the plug end through the hole and wrap the lights loosely around the can. The cord stays neat, and the plug is protected.