The holidays have come and gone, and now it’s time to take down those beautiful lights that made your home shine this season. But what’s the best way to store your lights to ensure they’re ready to sparkle again next year? At Light Your Night, we know proper storage is key to saving time, money, and frustration when the next holiday season rolls around. Here’s our step-by-step guide to storing your lights like a pro.

1. Inspect and Test Your Lights

Before you pack away your lights, take a few minutes to inspect them for damage.

• Check for Damage: Look for frayed wires, cracked bulbs, or damaged sockets. Replace or repair any issues now to avoid surprises later.
• Test Each Strand: Plug in each strand to ensure all bulbs are working. Replace any burnt-out bulbs before storing them.

2. Untangle with Care

The last thing you want next year is to spend hours untangling a mess of lights. Take time now to avoid that hassle.

• Gently Remove Lights: As you take down your lights, avoid tugging or pulling, which can damage the wires.
• Untangle as You Go: If strands are already tangled, untangle them carefully before packing.

3. Wrap Lights Properly

Proper wrapping is the secret to tangle-free lights next year. Here’s how:

• Use a Cord Reel or Light Organizer: These tools are designed to keep your lights neatly wound and easy to manage.
• DIY Wrapping Options: If you don’t have a reel, use household items like a piece of cardboard, a coffee can, or even a plastic hanger to wrap your lights.
• Label Strands: Write a quick note on masking tape or a tag to identify which strand goes where (e.g., “roofline” or “tree lights”).

4. Choose the Right Storage Containers

Sturdy storage containers protect your lights from damage, dust, and moisture.

• Plastic Bins with Lids: Use stackable bins with secure lids to keep your lights safe from pests and moisture. Light Your Night uses heavy-duty bins in our warehouse to keep our customers’ lights safe and organized.
• Compartmentalized Containers: Consider bins with dividers to separate light strands and avoid tangling.
• Avoid Cardboard Boxes: Cardboard can attract pests and doesn’t protect against water damage.

5. Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Where you store your lights is just as important as how you pack them.

• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Don’t store lights in attics or garages where temperature fluctuations could damage the wires and bulbs.
• Choose a Dry Spot: Moisture can lead to rust or electrical issues, so keep your lights in a dry, climate-controlled area if possible.

6. Bonus Tips for Specialty Lights

If you have specialty lights, like smart LEDs or delicate icicle lights, take extra care during storage.

• Smart Lights: Keep instruction manuals and control devices with the lights for easy setup next year.
• Fragile Decorations: Wrap fragile light-up decor in bubble wrap or tissue paper before storing in a labeled bin.

Why Proper Storage Matters

Storing your lights the right way saves you time and money in the long run. You’ll avoid the frustration of tangled strands, prevent damage, and ensure a quicker, easier installation next year.

Let Light Your Night Handle It!

Did you know that Light Your Night offers takedown and storage services? Our team carefully removes, organizes, and stores your lights so they’re ready to shine again next season. We even test and repair them as needed, so you don’t have to lift a finger! Contact us today for your free quote!