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To keep holiday lights from tangling, wind each strand separately around its original spool, a light-storage reel, or a simple notched piece of cardboard. Secure the coil, label it if useful, and store it apart from other strands in a dry, safe place.
Choose a winding method
| Option | What it offers | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Original spool | Uses the form the strand came on; no additional winding aid is needed. | Strands that still have their original spools. |
| Cardboard form | A no-cost alternative. Cut a rectangle, make a slit to hold the strand end, then wind the lights around it. | A few strands or anyone who wants a simple DIY option. |
| Light-storage reel | A reusable winding aid. Retailer and cooperative guidance recommends reels or wheels, but does not establish that one design performs better than another. | People who prefer a purpose-made option or have several strands to organize. |
These are practical choices, not a tested ranking: the available guidance does not compare reel designs or measure how quickly they wind or unwind. If you use a reel, a bag or container can keep it and its strand together.
Wind and store each strand
- Take the lights down gently. Avoid pulling or twisting the strand as you remove it. Both Home Depot and the American Academy of Pediatrics advise careful handling. Home Depot’s storage guidance and the AAP’s holiday safety tips cover this precaution.
- Check the strand before packing it. Home Depot recommends checking that lights function before storage. Inspect the wires as well; do not store a strand for reuse if its wiring is damaged.
- Wind one strand at a time. Start at the plug or end held by the cardboard slit, then coil the strand loosely around the spool, reel, or form. Keeping strands on separate forms prevents their loops from mixing.
- Secure and identify the coil. Use a twist tie or similar restraint to stop the coil from unraveling. Add a label if you want to remember where the strand belongs next season.
- Keep strands separated in storage. Put each coil in its own original packaging, bag, or place in a suitable container. Store the container in a dry, safe location.
Home Depot recommends loose coiling and twist ties, while Bandera Electric Cooperative and Lowe’s describe reels or cardboard forms and recommend keeping strands separated. Lowe’s also suggests putting individual strands in their own bags. Home Depot, Bandera Electric Cooperative, and Lowe’s provide these storage options.
Check for damage before using lights again
Storage does not make a damaged strand safe. The U.S. Fire Administration advises inspecting holiday lights each year and discarding strands with frayed or pinched wires. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also identifies minimum wire size, sufficient strain relief, and overcurrent protection as safety characteristics of seasonal and decorative lighting; missing one or more can present a shock or fire risk. USFA holiday fire safety and the CPSC’s seasonal and decorative lighting guidance explain these checks.
#1 Best Overall
- What will you get: The package includes 6 pieces of Christmas string lights organizer holder, which can keep your string lights and electric cords tangle-free and organized, enough for your daily use
- Easy to use: These Christmas tree light storage holders feature a handle on one side that makes wrapping cords easily. And snap the electric cord into the indented cord hooks at both ends of the handle before and after winding to ensure that the cord is firmly twisted and easy to remove tangle-free
- Product size: Our Christmas light cord holder is a good size and can hold various of cords, each cord can hold up to 100 ft extension cords without taking up much storage space
- Quality materials: The extension cord holders are made of premium plastic, which is sturdy. Withcarefully polished, and the edges of the cable storage organizer have been became smooth to avoid scratching your skin while using it
- Wildly applications: The windup cord storage will be the perfect solution for storing Christmas string lights, and the product is perfect for different string lights, ropes, electric cords, garlands and more
Before connecting strands, read the manufacturer’s instructions for how many may safely be connected. The USFA page also reports that almost one-third of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems, crediting NFPA; it does not state the year of the underlying figure.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Generous Storage Capacity: Includes 3 storage reels that can hold up to 150' of mini lights or 150 foot of extension cords
- Easy Installation Design: Partnership with patent pending owner's installation clip makes for easy decorating
- Convenient Wind and Reel System: Simply wind-up and reel out your mini lights each year
- Durable Construction: Reels are made of a durable, long-lasting plastic
- Protective Storage Bag: Bag is made from a resilient, puncture resistant polyester fabric
Rank #4
- 3 PACK COMPLETE STORAGE SET: Includes three large light reels and a storage bag for easy organization.
- SPINNING HANDLE DESIGN: Built-in handle allows for fast and smooth winding of lights and cords.
- HOLDS MULTIPLE ITEMS: Ideal for storing mini lights, extension cords, and garland.
- PREVENTS TANGLES: Keeps lights neatly wrapped and ready for next season.
- INCLUDES STORAGE BAG: Convenient bag keeps reels organized and easy to store.
Rank #3
- Electric cord reels made of high-quality impact-resistant plastic materials, lightweight and durable, and can be exposed to high-intensity light.
- Which is very suitable for storing extension cords, holiday lights, ropes, hoses and other items that are difficult to store.
- Extension cord roller use lightweight design with handles for easy transportation. The center handle can realize smooth winding movement.
- If you receive a product that is not satisfied, please contact us to help you return and exchange the product, hope for understanding.
- It is Heavy Duty Impact Resistant Plastic and Due to the selection of our products, the packaging is done manually,
Rank #2
- Abundant quantity:You will receive 8 Christmas light storage holder,sufficient quantity for your daily Christmas string storage needs, you can use them to sort and store your wires, string lights, ropes, etc. Save space and make your home more tidy.
- Durable material:Made of high-quality plastic, it is strong and durable, not easy to break or deform, and can be used for a long time. After wrapping the wire, store it in a cabinet or bag, and keep your lights, cords, and beats tangle-free.
- Unique design: The rope organizer has a handle on one side,the cable storage organizer makes it easy to wrap your xmas lights in order, Portable and easy to wrap. Perfect for handling all your cord storage needs!Make your storage clearer and your wires neater.
- Suitable size:each string organizer measures 11.8 inches in length, the right size to accommodate a variety of cords, wraps neatly, easy to store, doesn't take up much storage space,and is convenient to take out for use next time.
- Wide Applications:This Christmas light holder can not only organize Christmas lights and Halloween lights, but also organize idle items such as wires, garlands, chains, ribbons, etc. Save your time and energy and bring more convenience to your life.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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