How to Store Christmas Lights: 5 Simple Ways for Tangle-Free Decorations
Sep 3, 2026 / Liset Marquez
Storing Christmas lights properly can make holiday decorating easier next year. The best method depends on the type of lights you use: wrap standard string lights around a spool, fold net lights into a tote, and keep extension cords and related accessories with the matching light set.
Before putting lights away, unplug them, check for visible wear, and group each strand by where it was used, such as the tree, porch, roofline, or indoor display.
Key Takeaways
- Wrap standard Christmas lights around a spool, piece of cardboard, or light-storage reel to limit tangling.
- Fold icicle and net lights flat before placing them in a labeled bin.
- Keep extension cords, light clips, and replacement bulbs with the light strands they support.
- Use several smaller labeled containers instead of one heavy tote.
- Public Storage rentals are month to month, which can work well for seasonal holiday storage.
What Is the Best Way to Store Christmas Lights?
The best way to store Christmas lights is to unplug each strand, check it, wrap or fold it based on the light style, and place it in a labeled container with related accessories. Keeping each set separate can make it easier to decorate by room or outdoor area next season.
Christmas Light Storage Ideas at a Glance
| Light Type | Storage Method | Helpful Tip |
| Standard string lights | Spool, reel, or cardboard | Plug the ends together after wrapping to keep the strand contained. |
| Icicle lights | Flat cardboard or a long storage board | Wrap carefully to keep the hanging sections flat. |
| Net lights | Long, narrow tote | Fold the net back and forth before placing it in the container. |
| LED string lights | Spool, reel, or loose ball in a bin | Avoid forcing the strand into a tight container. |
| Extension cords | Coiled and stored with matching lights | Label the cord by the display area or light set. |
| Light clips and small accessories | Small labeled box or divided container | Keep replacement bulbs and clips together. |
1. Wrap Standard Christmas Lights Around a Spool
Wrapping standard string lights around a spool, storage reel, or piece of cardboard can help keep the strand organized. This method works well for indoor tree lights, porch lights, and many outdoor string-light displays.
Start at one end of the strand and wrap the lights evenly around the spool. When you reach the other end, plug the ends together so the cord stays contained while stored.
How to Wrap Christmas Lights for Storage
- Unplug the lights and check the strand for visible wear.
- Remove light clips, hooks, or other accessories.
- Start with one end of the cord and wrap the strand evenly around a spool or cardboard.
- Avoid pulling the strand tightly around the holder.
- Plug the two ends together after wrapping.
- Place the wrapped lights in a labeled bag, box, or bin.
2. Store Icicle Christmas Lights Flat
Icicle lights can be easier to organize when they are stored flat. Use the original packaging insert if it still fits the strand, or cut a piece of cardboard that is long enough to support the hanging sections.
Wrap the main cord around the cardboard while keeping the icicle strands straight. Place the wrapped lights in a bin that is long enough to prevent bending or crowding.
Icicle Light Storage Tips
- Use a flat piece of cardboard or a long storage board.
- Keep the hanging sections aligned as you wrap.
- Use a loose tie or cord wrap to hold the strand in place.
- Label the container with the location where the lights were used.
- Store the container where it will not be crowded by heavier household items.
3. Fold Net Christmas Lights Into a Tote
Net lights are designed to spread across shrubs, bushes, or other outdoor areas. After taking them down, fold the netting back and forth like a blanket or tablecloth instead of winding it into a ball.
A long, narrow tote can help keep folded net lights organized. Label the tote by the outdoor area, such as “front shrubs” or “patio lights,” so setup is easier next season.
Net Light Storage Comparison
| Storage Method | How It Works | Best For |
| Long, narrow tote | Fold net lights back and forth inside the container | Multiple net-light sets or larger displays |
| Lidded bin | Fold a smaller net-light set into a compact square | Small shrubs or short outdoor displays |
| Original packaging | Return the lights to the original insert if it still fits | One small net-light set |
| Labeled bag inside a tote | Keep one folded net-light set in each bag | Organizing lights by yard area |
4. Store LED String Lights in a Loose Ball When Needed
A storage spool is often the easiest option, but a loose ball can work for some LED string lights when space is limited. Gently gather the strand into a loose ball, then place it in a small labeled bin or bag.
This method is best for flexible light strands that do not have large glass bulbs or long hanging sections. Avoid bunching lights tightly, which can make next year’s setup more difficult.
If you have several light strands, keep each one in its own bag or container before placing them together in a larger holiday-decor bin.
5. Keep Christmas Light Accessories Together
Christmas light storage includes more than the strands themselves. Extension cords, light clips, replacement bulbs, timers, and other accessories are easier to find when they stay with the display they support.
Create a small labeled container for each light category. For example, store roofline-light clips with roofline lights and tree-light accessories with tree lights.
Christmas Light Accessory Checklist
- Extension cords
- Light clips or hooks
- Timers
- Replacement bulbs
- Light-storage reels or spools
- Labels or tags for display areas
- Instruction sheets for specialty lights
For battery-operated lights, remove the batteries before packing the strand away. Follow local guidance for recycling or disposing of batteries.
Use Smaller Labeled Bins for Holiday Lights
Several smaller bins can be easier to carry and organize than one large container filled with every holiday light. Group lights by location, color, or display type, then label each bin on more than one side.
For example, you may create separate containers for:
- Indoor tree lights
- Outdoor roofline lights
- Porch or patio lights
- Net lights for shrubs
- Extension cords and accessories
- Indoor decorative lights
A simple phone note or photo of each bin’s contents can also help you remember what is packed away.
Store Christmas Lights With Seasonal Décor
Christmas lights, artificial Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, and other holiday décor can take up room in closets, garages, and entryways after the season ends. Putting away eligible seasonal items can help make more room for everyday living.
Public Storage can be an option for eligible holiday décor that is clean, dry, and not part of your current home setup. Public Storage rentals are month to month, which can fit seasonal storage plans. Use the Public Storage storage unit size guide to compare options for holiday-light bins, artificial trees, and other eligible seasonal décor.
FAQs About Storing Christmas Lights
How do I store Christmas lights so they do not tangle?
Wrap standard light strands around a spool, reel, or piece of cardboard. Fold net lights flat, store icicle lights on a long board, and place each light set in a labeled bag or container.
Can I store Christmas lights in a plastic bin?
Yes. A lidded plastic bin can work well for Christmas lights when the strands are wrapped or folded first. Use labels to identify the type of lights and where they were used.
What is the best way to store icicle lights?
Wrap icicle lights around a long piece of cardboard or storage board, keeping the hanging strands flat and aligned. Place the wrapped lights in a long container that does not bend or crowd them.
How should I store net Christmas lights?
Fold net lights back and forth like fabric, then place them in a long, narrow tote or lidded bin. Label the container by the outdoor area where you use the lights.
Should I remove batteries from Christmas lights before storing them?
Yes. Remove batteries from battery-operated lights before putting the strand away. Follow local guidance for recycling or disposing of used batteries.
Can I store Christmas lights in a storage unit?
A storage unit may be an option for eligible Christmas lights and holiday décor that are clean, dry, and packed in labeled containers. Review your rental agreement and local facility guidelines before storing items.
A simple Christmas-light storage system can make next year’s decorating easier from the first strand to the last. By wrapping, folding, labeling, and grouping lights by display area, you can spend less time untangling cords and more time enjoying the season.
