Best Ways To Store Your Light Strings

Light strings (also known as “luxury” strings) have been around for over a century and are still a coveted accessory to this day. They typically consist of glass or metal strands wrapped around a wire core. This combination makes light strands very sturdy and gives them a nice sheen.

Light strings are ideally suited for decorating your home for the holidays, but what if you need to store them afterward? There are several options for storing light strings, including the following:

Carrying case

If you plan on taking your light strings outdoors, a carrying case is one of the best ways to transport them. A robust case will protect the strands and wires and keep them from getting caught on other items in your car. If you plan to pack your light strands away instead, consider investing in a light strand storage bag.

Hanging

You can hang your light strings from the ceiling using a hook. This allows you to change the direction of the lights during the seasons or for different occasions. For example, you may want to hang them in an arch for Christmas, and then for a birthday party, you can make it into a fun wreath shape. 

You may also want to use hooks if you do not have a storage solution to hold all of the wires at once. Many hooks are ideally suited for storage, some of which come in multipacks that allow you to hang multiple strands simultaneously.

Plastic bags

If you choose not to invest in a carrying case, plastic bags are the next best option for keeping your light strings safe. You may want to consider buying a pack of small, sealable bags or zip lock bags to contain individual light strings. Make sure to label the bags to know what each one contains.

Storage box

If you have a lot of light strings to store, a storage box might be the ideal solution. There are many different sizes available, from small containers that hold a single string to larger ones that can fit as many as 30 strands. Storage boxes are perfect for protecting your lights from dust, dirt, and other particles that could damage them.

DIY storage

If none of the above solutions work for you, you can make your own storage box at home. This saves you a lot of money, and you might even enjoy the process. 

Storage boxes can be made from shoeboxes, plastic storage bins, or even repurposed cardboard boxes you have around your home. The possibilities are endless. You may want to consider using smaller containers to keep individual strands separate inside the box to prevent them from getting tangled.

Lights are certainly a holiday necessity, but they sometimes require special storage to keep them safe and in good working condition. Choosing the right storage option will ensure that your holiday lights continue to work for years to come. 

FAQs 

Q: How do I use hanging plastic bags to store light strings?

A: Many hanging plastic bags come with a small compartment where you can attach tags containing important information about the stored items. Remember to keep these tags inside the bag at all times to refer to them later.

Q: What happens if I leave my light strings in the bag for too long?

A: Light strands are typically made from glass and metal wire wrapped in a thick insulation coating. If you keep them inside properly-labeled hanging bags, they should be safe for years to come. 

Q: How do I keep my moving lights from getting tangling together?

A: Light strands are made of glass and metal wire, so they can get tangled together if you don’t store them properly. Keep all your light strands in plastic bags or a hanging bag for added safety. 

Q: How many Christmas light strands should I put on my tree?

A: There are no hard and fast rules for how many light strands you need for your tree. It depends on the type of tree and your personal preference. If you’re going to put your lights inside an artificial tree, it is best to stick to lengths of not more than ten to 12 inches. 

Q: Is it safe to have my light strings touch my other Christmas decorations?

A: Yes! There is no risk of fire or a short circuit if your Christmas lights touch other decorations such as garland and wreaths.