Answer: 

If you’ve been dreading taking down your holiday lights because of the time and hassle, you’re not alone. As we near the beginning of February, it’s time to bite the bullet and get a move on if you haven’t already. 

If you’ve wondered what you can do this season to make next season’s light hanging easier, we’ve got the answer. Here are a few helpful tips for storing your holiday lights:

Cardboard Cutouts

Hit the recycling bin and grab some sturdy cardboard. Cut the cardboard in the shape of an “I” making sure to leave the ends but make a skinnier middle. This will help keep the lights wound on the board but the ends from slipping off. (Think of it as a dumbbell shape or an anvil.) When you’re ready, wind the lights around the cardboard and then loosely tuck the plug beneath one of the strands to keep them in place. Next year you’ll be able to see if there are any broken bulbs and then unravel the lights right from the cardboard. You’ll want to pack your cardboard light strings in a plastic tote with layers of newspaper or padding to keep them safe. 

Cord Wind Ups

Need something sturdier than the cardboard method? You can purchase ‘cord wind ups’ from Amazon or your local hardware store. They work the same way as the cutouts and you’ll still need to pack them in a storage tote with padding to keep your lights safe. 

Light Storage Reel

Got a lot of lights? Not interested in having a bunch of cutouts or winds to deal with? The light storage reel is the way to go. Also purchasable on Amazon or at your local hardware store. You’ll need to be patient and careful when winding up your lights, but this is a great method for those bigger jobs. Lots of the wheel options come with their own storage cases helping ensure your lights are safe for the year. 

Other Handy Tips:

Large Plant Twist Ties can help secure your thinner light strands making them easy to store. These are also available online or at your local hardware store.

Velcro One Wrap Cable Ties are also great to secure your light strands for storage. Find them online or at the store. They even come in different colors which can help you distinguish which lights go where if your display is more complicated.