How To Store Christmas Lights
Christmas lights are beautiful when they’re twinkling on the tree or strung around the house, but once the holidays are over, they can quickly become a tangled mess in storage. The good news is, you don’t need fancy organizers to keep them neat.
With a bit of creativity, you can use items you already have at home to store your lights for free. Here are a few clever (and budget-friendly) ideas:
Genius Christmas Light Organization Ideas (Totally Free)
1. Wrap Them Around a Pringles Can
PHOTO CREDIT @thisgirlcanorganise
Instead of tossing that empty Pringles can in the recycling bin, repurpose it as a Christmas light organizer. Start by tucking the plug end into the can’s opening, then wrap the lights around the outside.
The sturdy shape keeps the cord from tangling, and you can even drop small ornament hooks or extra bulbs inside the can for safekeeping.
2. Use an Empty Paper Towel Roll
PHOTO CREDIT @stephaniealoe
A cardboard paper towel tube makes a surprisingly effective light spool.
Cut a small slit on one end of the tube, slide the plug into the slit to anchor it, and begin winding the strand around the roll. When you’re done, tuck the other end into the tube as well. It’s lightweight, compact, and perfect for smaller light strings.
PHOTO CREDIT @dailyoriginalvids
3. Wrap Around a Piece of Cardboard
PHOTO CREDIT @dash_of_dani_
This method works especially well if you have longer strands of lights. Grab a piece of sturdy cardboard (a leftover shipping box works perfectly) and cut it into a rectangle. Anchor one end of the lights with a small slit on the edge of the cardboard, then wrap the strand neatly around until you reach the other side.
Not only does this keep your lights organized, but you can also stack multiple cardboard “light boards” together in a single bin for easy storage.
PHOTO CREDIT @dash_of_dani_
4. Store Them in a Plastic Bin
Once you’ve wrapped your lights around a can, tube, or piece of cardboard, place them inside a plastic storage bin.
This protects them from dust and moisture while keeping everything in one place. Clear bins work best because you can quickly see what’s inside when it’s time to decorate again.
5. String Them Around a Hanger
PHOTO CREDIT @jules_interiors
A regular clothes hanger can double as a light holder. Start by securing the plug end on the hook of the hanger, then wind the lights around the hanger’s body.
This method works especially well if you hang the wrapped lights in a closet or on a storage rack—keeping them both untangled and off the floor.
By reusing simple household items, you’ll save money and avoid the frustration of untangling lights next year. It’s a win-win—less waste, more organization, and stress-free decorating when the holidays roll back around.
PIN HOW TO ORGANIZE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS FOR FREE:
