1. Remove Lights Every Year
Removing your lights after the holidays is essential for their longevity. Giving buildings, trees, and shrubs a break helps prevent damage:
For trees: Leaving lights on can restrict growth or cause bark to grow over the wire, which may damage both the tree and your lights.
Exceptions: For large-scale projects, consider stretch string mini-lights, which are designed to be left up a little longer.
2. Wrap Lights Into Coils or Balls
To prevent tangling and make unpacking easier:
Unplug each section and coil it just like an extension cord.
Small sets: Ball them up and secure with masking tape, electrical tape, or twine.
Large projects: Use reels or spools (like the ones C7 and C9 socket wire come on) for easy winding. Cardboard or plastic pieces can also work in a pinch.
3. Label Every String
Organization now saves confusion later:
Label each light string and extension cord with electrical tape and a marker.
Extra tip: Take reference photos of your installation and mark them up for notes on placement and wrapping style—this will make future reinstallation much easier.
4. Use Dry, Breathable Containers
Proper storage keeps your lights dry and untangled:
Storage tubs: Stackable totes are a great option.
Ventilation: Drill small holes in containers to let moisture escape, preventing mold and wire corrosion.
Storage location: Choose a cool, dry place like a closet or basement.
Label containers: Mark each tote with the type and length of lights inside for quick identification next season.
These simple storage strategies will protect your investment and make decorating much easier year after year. If you have questions or need more tips, feel free to reach out to us—happy storing!