Storing icicle lights properly is essential for ensuring their longevity and maintaining their pristine appearance year after year. These delicate decorations, often used to adorn homes during the holiday season, can be easily damaged or tangled if not handled with care. By implementing a few simple storage techniques, you can protect your icicle lights from wear and tear and make the decorating process easier when it’s time to display them again. In this guide, we’ll outline some effective methods for how to store icicle lights, helping you keep them in excellent condition for many seasons to come.
Importance of Proper Storage
Proper storage of icicle lights goes beyond just keeping them untangled. By storing them correctly, you safeguard their functionality and appearance, ultimately saving money on replacements. Proper storage helps prevent issues such as broken bulbs, frayed wires, and electrical malfunctions, ensuring that the lights remain safe to use. Additionally, efficient storage saves time when the holiday season arrives, allowing for a hassle-free setup. By taking the time to store your icicle lights carefully, you extend their lifespan and enjoy the beauty they bring year after year.
10 Methods How to Store Icicle Lights
1. Wrapping Around Cardboard Sheets
A simple and effective way to keep icicle lights untangled is by wrapping them around cardboard sheets. Cut a piece of sturdy cardboard to your desired size, depending on the length of the light strand, and wrap the lights around it, leaving a few inches of slack so the bulbs don’t get strained. This method is inexpensive and protects each section of the icicle lights from tangling with others. For added organization, label each cardboard sheet with the area where you typically hang the lights, making it easy to grab the right set next season.
2. Using a Hose Reel
A garden hose reel makes for a convenient and efficient way to store long strands of icicle lights. Begin by attaching one end of the lights to the reel and slowly wind them around, taking care to prevent overlapping or tangling. Hose reels are designed to accommodate long items, making them ideal for lights with multiple strands. When the holiday season rolls around, you can unwind the lights easily and without tangles. Many hose reels also come with a crank handle, which can make the unwinding process even smoother.
3. Storing in Plastic Bins with Dividers
Storing icicle lights in plastic bins with dividers helps keep multiple strands separate and organized. Use cardboard or plastic dividers to separate each section of the lights, preventing tangling and protecting delicate bulbs. This method is especially useful for individuals with multiple light sets. For added organization, you can label each section with the specific location or color of the lights, making it easy to retrieve the exact lights you need when it’s time to decorate again.
4. Using Zip Ties and Bagging
Zip ties can be a great solution for bundling icicle lights neatly. Starting from one end, carefully coil the lights and secure each loop with a zip tie, spacing them out every few inches to prevent shifting. Once tied, place the entire bundle into a resealable bag to protect the lights from dust or moisture. This method is compact, preventing tangles, and ideal for storing multiple bundles in a single container. It’s also great for preventing damage to the wiring, as the zip ties keep the coils secured.
5. Wrapping Around a PVC Pipe
Wrapping icicle lights around a PVC pipe prevents tangling and keeps them easy to unwind. Start by attaching the end of the lights to one end of the pipe and gently wind the lights along the length of the pipe. This keeps each strand secure and can help prevent damage to delicate bulbs. PVC pipes are lightweight and durable, making them a suitable choice for long-term storage. Additionally, this method allows for easy access and makes it simple to roll out the lights when it’s time to use them again.
6. Using Empty Wrapping Paper Tubes
Repurposing empty wrapping paper tubes provides an affordable and practical solution for storing icicle lights. Begin by securing one end of the lights to the tube and wrap the strand along the tube’s length. Wrapping paper tubes are a sustainable option for keeping lights organized and are easily replaced when they wear out. You can place multiple wrapped tubes in a storage bin, keeping them neatly separated. This approach is lightweight, budget-friendly, and works well for shorter light strands or smaller displays.
7. Rolling Lights into a Bundle
For those short on storage materials, rolling icicle lights into a loose bundle can work effectively if done carefully. Start from one end and loosely roll the lights in a circular motion, being cautious not to pull or strain the bulbs. Once rolled, secure the bundle with twist ties or Velcro straps to hold it in place. This method is simple and doesn’t require additional materials, making it ideal for quick storage. Just be mindful to keep the bundle loose to avoid placing too much pressure on the bulbs.
8. Using Original Packaging
If you’ve kept the original packaging for your icicle lights, it can be one of the best storage options. Most icicle light packaging is designed specifically to hold the strands without tangling or damaging the bulbs. Carefully coil the lights as they were when first packaged, and place them back into the box, ensuring they fit snugly without forcing any bulbs into tight spots. The original packaging often has dividers or holders for each strand, protecting the wiring and bulbs, and is often labeled, which helps with quick identification.
9. Hanging on Hooks or Pegboards
For those with ample storage space, hanging icicle lights on hooks or pegboards is an effective way to keep them organized and ready for reuse. Attach hooks along the pegboard or wall, and drape the lights over them in a way that prevents tangling. This method keeps lights easily accessible, so you can see exactly what you have and avoid sifting through a tangled pile. Hanging lights also allows airflow around the strands, which can help reduce the risk of mildew or corrosion over time, especially if your storage area is not climate-controlled.
10. Storing in a Holiday Light Storage Bag
Investing in a holiday light storage bag designed specifically for Christmas lights is another effective method. These bags often come with spools or compartments, allowing you to wind and store multiple sets of lights without tangling. Simply wind each set around the spools provided or place them in separate compartments to keep them from tangling. Many light storage bags are designed to protect lights from dust and moisture, making them perfect for long-term storage. Additionally, these bags often come with carrying handles, making it easy to transport your lights each season.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Proper maintenance and upkeep of your icicle lights are crucial to ensure they remain functional and visually appealing for many seasons. Before storing, always inspect each strand for damaged or burned-out bulbs, and replace them as necessary. Check wiring for frays or exposed wires to prevent electrical hazards. Cleaning the lights with a soft, dry cloth can remove dust and cobwebs that might accumulate over time, preserving their brightness and preventing damage.
Regular testing of the lights before installation can help identify any issues early, allowing you to address them without disrupting your decorative plans. Additionally, storing lights in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or moisture helps maintain their condition and longevity. By following these upkeep practices, you’ll extend the lifespan of your icicle lights and ensure they continue to shine brightly year after year.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When storing icicle lights, it’s easy to make a few mistakes that could reduce their lifespan or compromise their functionality. One of the most frequent errors is haphazardly coiling lights without securing them, leading to tangling and potential damage to the wiring or bulbs. Avoid storing lights in damp locations or under direct sunlight, as moisture and heat can degrade the materials over time. Another common oversight is failing to check each strand for faults before storage, which can result in non-functional lights when you next need them.
It’s also important not to cram too many light strands into one container, as this can cause undue pressure and increase the risk of breakage. Using inappropriate storage materials, such as cardboard boxes with poor sealing, can expose lights to dust and pests. By steering clear of these mistakes, you can ensure your icicle lights remain in top condition for the next festive season.
Conclusion
Properly storing icicle lights is essential for maintaining their longevity and ensuring they’re ready for the next season. From wrapping around cardboard sheets to using specialized storage bags, each of these methods offers a unique way to keep lights organized, untangled, and safe. By choosing the method that best suits your storage space and preferences, you can make holiday decorating easier year after year.