As we enter the new year, people will now be packing away their Christmas decorations for another year. Whilst it can be tempting to take them down and pack them up as quickly as possible, doing so can often lead to wire damage and broken bulbs.
Lighting experts have now shared six ways to neatly pack away lights to prevent damage and avoid creating a mess when it comes to next year.
Simple hacks include recycling boxes, bubble wrap and zip ties, whilst empty Pringles tubes are being dubbed the best way to store your Christmas lights without tangling them.
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The expert says it is also important to store your lights away from damp conditions, as well as extreme light and heat, to prevent damage that could be disappointing when you take them out again.
Jon Saeed, managing director of LightingLegnds.com said: “It’s really important to store your lights away properly once the festivities are over.
“This will prevent your lights from getting damaged and it also means you won’t be faced with a tangled up mess next Christmas. Things like cardboard or an empty Pringles tube can be a great tool to wrap your lights around to prevent them from getting tangled.
“You’ll also want to avoid storing your lights in a humid or damp environment, over time this can damage your lights and cause rust and corrosion.”
Expert’s six tips to pack away your Christmas lights safely:
Pringles tube
Believe it or not, a Pringles tube being devoured at Christmas can come in handy when the festivities end.
Make an incision in the lid large enough to fit the lights through. Once the plug is at the base of the lid, pop the lid back on and wrap your string of lights around the tube. It’s a hassle-free, inexpensive way to organise your Christmas lights, ready for next year.
A Pringles tube could come in handy -Credit:Getty
Cardboard
At Christmas, all sorts of boxes and cardboard accumulate, and famously, they make excellent storage solutions, even for organising Christmas lights.
Simply take a rectangular piece of cardboard and gently wrap the lights around it. Cut a small slit on one side to secure the end of the lights and hold it in place. Avoid pulling on the wire too much as this can cause damage.
Zip tie
Use zip ties to keep your lights neatly organised. Simply coil the string of lights around in one hand to form a circle, then secure the zip tie around the middle of the bundle. Ensure the zip ties are tight enough to hold everything in place, but not so tight that they damage the lights when you cut them off.
Storage reel
Another option for organising your lights is to use a storage reel. This allows you to easily wind your lights by spinning the reel to gather them up.The reel’s spinning mechanism also makes it much easier to put your lights up again when the time comes.
Bubble wrap
For glass bulbs, bubble wrap, old newspaper, or fabric can be used to prevent breakage. Once you’ve decided how to wrap the light strings, make sure to cover them thoroughly with padding for added protection.
Storage box
Ideally you’ll want to keep your lights in a sturdy, lidded storage box to protect it from moisture. Cardboard boxes work fine too as long as they’re kept in a dry area.
Choose the right location
Keep your lights in a cool and dry location in your home that are protected from moisture and humidity. Places like utility rooms and wardrobes are ideal.