How To Store Net Lights Like A Pro

The holiday season is over, and it’s time to take down those beautiful Christmas net lights you worked so hard to hang.

But before you throw them into a bag and forget about them for the year, it’s worth taking a few extra minutes to store them properly. 

Doing so ensures they stay in good shape and makes decorating next year a whole lot easier. 

In this post, I’ll show you how to store net lights like a pro — because nobody wants to deal with a tangled mess when the holidays come back around!

#1 Untangle The Lights Before Storing

You’ve probably been there. The holidays end, and you think, “I’ll deal with this mess of tangled lights next year.” But trust me, it’s a lot worse when you’re in a rush to decorate in December. 

Before packing away your net lights, take the time to untangle them. 

Yes, it might take a few minutes, but it will save you time when you pull them out next year.

Spread your nets out on the ground or find a big table, then start working through any tangles you spot. Pay extra attention to the spots where sections connect – they tend to get pretty knotted up. 

You could even hang them up on a hook or a rod as you go, making sure everything stays nice and straight.

Also Read: Can You Cut Christmas Lights?

#2 Roll Up The Lights

Once you’ve got your lights all untangled, the next step is to roll them up. 

Don’t just throw them in a pile! Wrapping them neatly into coils prevents future tangling and keeps everything organized. If you want to go the extra mile, you can use a spool or a piece of cardboard to keep them secure as you roll. 

Just be sure not to wrap them too tightly — you don’t want to damage the wires. 

Once rolled up, you can use twist ties or zip ties to secure the coil and keep it from unwinding. 

This makes it so much easier to pull the lights out next year without dealing with a big mess.

#3 Use Storage Bags Or Bins

Now that your net lights are neatly rolled up, it’s time to think about storage. 

You want something that will protect the lights from dust, moisture, and any potential damage. Don’t just toss them in a random bag or box! 

Plastic bins with secure lids work great because they keep the lights safe from the elements and can be stacked for easy storage. 

Or, you can buy storage bags designed for holiday lights. These are often a little more flexible and portable, plus they usually have compartments to keep everything organized. 

Whatever you choose, just make sure your lights are in a container that will protect them.

Pro tip: throw in some silica gel packets to handle any moisture that might sneak in there.

Also Read: Cat Chewing On Christmas Lights

#4 Avoid Extreme Temperatures

 Where you store your net lights really matters. 

Find a cool, dry spot away from sunlight and temperature swings. 

Skip the attic or garage – they get too hot and too cold. Heat can mess up the plastic parts and wiring, and cold can make the wires break easily. 

A closet or basement works much better. 

Try to keep the temperature between 50-80°F (10-27°C).

Oh and always keep an eye on your storage spot for water problems or unwanted critters that could damage your lights.

#5 Label Or Mark The Storage

If you’re like me, you probably have more than one box of holiday decorations. 

So when it’s time to find those net lights again next year, the last thing you want to do is open every box looking for them. This is where labeling comes in handy. 

Take a few minutes to label your bins or bags. 

You can use masking tape and a marker to note exactly what’s inside. 

If you want to get fancy, a label maker works great for clear, neat labels. 

Marking your storage containers makes it so much easier to grab the right box when it’s time to decorate. You’ll save time and avoid unnecessary digging.

Also Read: Is uplighting worth it?

A quick phone photo of your labels can be super helpful too – you’ll know exactly what you have without digging through storage.

#6 Check The Lights Before Storing

Before you toss your lights into storage, give them one last check. 

This is the perfect time to check for any broken bulbs, frayed wires, or other issues. 

If something’s broken, it’s way easier to fix it now than it will be when you’re trying to hang them up next year. Replace any broken bulbs and make sure the wires are in good condition. 

This will save you from the frustration of discovering a problem when you’re ready to decorate. 

#7 Avoid Overpacking

Don’t try to squeeze too many sets into one container – it’s tempting, but it’s not worth it.

When you pack too tightly, the lights can get damaged, bent, or crushed. 

Instead, use multiple bins if necessary. It’s better to have a couple of smaller containers than to risk cramming everything into one too-big box. 

Plus, having separate bins for different types of lights (like string lights or icicle lights) will help keep everything organized.

You also want to make sure the lights have enough room to stay in good condition.

Try using cardboard dividers or bubble wrap between layers for extra protection. A good trick is to leave about 20% of the container empty – this prevents the lights from getting squished.

Bottom Line

Yes, storing your net lights properly takes some time, but it’s definitely worth the effort.

Storing them in a cool, dry place and labeling everything makes finding them a breeze, while checking for any damage before packing them away ensures your lights are ready to shine. 

Avoid overpacking to prevent damage, and your lights will be good as new next Christmas. 

A little extra care now means less trouble when the holidays roll back around, and who doesn’t want that? Happy decorating (next year)!