Christmas lights are always a good way to start the holiday spirit. Unfortunately, anyone who installs it will find out that removing and unpacking it can be a chore. Here are a few methods to avoid tangling and help you stay in the holiday spirit when installing Christmas lights.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Storing Lamps using Cardboard
Step 1. Cut a cardboard into a rectangle
Approximately 30 cm x 15 cm should suffice. Make sure the cardboard used is a thicker type of cardboard, such as from a packaging box. If the cardboard is too thin it will warp when you roll the lamp around it.
Step 2. Make a notch on one of the edges of the cardboard
This notch should be large enough to attach to one end of the lamp. It doesn't matter whether the stroke is on the long or wide side – this method can work on both.
Step 3. Roll the lamp around a rectangular cardboard
Do it neatly, from side to side as required. Doing this will make it easier to take it apart the following year.
Step 4. Make another incision wherever the other end of the lamp is when you're done
Insert the tip into the notch as you did before.
Step 5. Wrap the tissue paper around the lamp
To protect the lamp, wrap a layer or two of tissue paper around the cardboard. This will help protect the lamp when stored.
Method 2 of 5: Storing Lamps Using Pringles Cans
Step 1. Prepare an empty Pringles can
Make sure you empty the inside of the jar – this is not to protect the lamp, but if there are Pringles debris inside it can invite insects into your storage area.
Instead, you can also use a cardboard tube from a roll of tissue paper for this method. The steps will be the same, except that you won't be attaching the cap to the cardboard tube
Step 2. Make a slit above the can
Using heavy scissors, make a vertical slit in the top of the can. The length of this gap should be about 2.5 cm.
Step 3. Tuck one end of the lamp into the gap
You can enlarge the gap by cutting it further if there is not enough for the light wire.
Step 4. Roll the lamp around the can
Roll to the bottom of the can, then back to the top. Insert the tip of the lamp into the same slit at the top of the can. You'll find the light coiled around the can with both ends in the slit at the top.
Step 5. Put the lid on the Pringles can
This will prevent the tip from sliding out of the gap and unraveling your lamp when stored.
Step 6. Wrap the can with tissue paper
To protect the lamp when stored, you can wrap several layers of tissue paper around the can. This step is especially important if you are placing the lamp in a cardboard box along with other items.
Method 3 of 5: Storing Lamps Using Hangers
Step 1. Prepare a plastic clothes hanger
Ideally, hangers have small hooks on either side. You can still use this method if there are no hooks on the hanger, but the hooks will make winding the lamp a lot easier.
Step 2. Insert one end of the lamp into one of the hooks
If the hanger doesn't have a hook, you can tie the end of the lamp to the hanger
Step 3. Roll the lamp around the outside of the hanger
Gradually roll toward the other side of the hanger, then return to the starting side. You may need to do this a few times until the entire cord is on the hanger.
Step 4. Insert the remaining end into the other hook
Make sure you leave enough strands to reach the final hook.
If you don't have enough space or your hangers don't have hooks, just tuck the ends between the lights
Step 5. Save the hangers
You can put it in a box, or, because it uses a hanger, you can hang it in an unobtrusive place until next Christmas.
When storing it with other items, be sure to wrap the hanger in tissue paper for protection
Method 4 of 5: Storing the Lamp Using the Power Cord Case
Step 1. Prepare the power cord case
This item can be purchased at most hardware stores. There are several different types. Buy a larger one, which is designed for heavy outdoor power cords.
Step 2. Insert the lamp into the cable holder and wind it up
Be careful to make sure you don't damage the lamp.
Step 3. Insert more lights if you have them
The advantage of this method is that you can put multiple sets of lights in the same place. Just connect the new set of lights to the end of the previous set and keep winding it as long as there is enough room in the cable holder.
Step 4. Save the lamp until the next year
You can place the power cord holder on a shelf, in a box, or hang it if it has a hook.
Method 5 of 5: Storing the Lamp by Rolling It Carefully
Step 1. Pinch the second light in the circuit between your index finger and thumb
By doing this the first and third lights should fall side by side in the palm of your hand.
Step 2. Pull out the fourth lamp and clamp it next to the second lamp
Now the first, third, and fifth lights should be in the palm of your hand.
Step 3. Continue matching the even lights on the top of your hand and the odd lights on the bottom of your hand
Maintaining this order should keep the lights in the same pattern which can prevent tangling.
Step 4. Wrap the remaining wires around the lamp reel and thread both sides in
When finished wrapping, there should be a tight set of bulbs and two plugs remaining. Wrap the small part that attaches to the plug around the lamp coil to keep it from unraveling. Then plug in each other and you're done.
Tips
- Christmas lights are usually not made to last more than 90 days. Chances are if your bulbs are more than three Christmas days old, they'll need to be replaced the following year. Take the initiative now and throw away the already bad lights.
- You can buy a replacement at a discount after Christmas.
