How to Keep Christmas Lights from Tangling

Christmas tree lights have a nasty habit of tangling when stored. No matter how neatly they're folded, corded or tied, they always seem to end up in a snarl at the bottom of the decoration box. Here's a simple technique to store Christmas tree lights and garland so that they do not tangle. You can easily unwind your lights or garland and decorate a Christmas tree in no time at all.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scissors
• Cardboard box
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Christmas lights
• Garland

1. Cut the panels off of the cardboard box so that you have flat pieces to work with. Make sure that each piece is at least a foot long.

2. Using the ruler, measure off sections twelve inches long by six inches wide. Mark each measured section with a pencil. Cut out the section so you now have one strip of cardboard measuring 12" x 6" for each string of lights or garland you need to store.

3. Now using the ruler and pencil, mark off sections along the long side approximately one inch apart and one inch wide. Repeat on the other long side. Using the scissors cut slits into the two long sides. The cardboard will now have one inch 'teeth' along each of the long sides.

4. Holding the carboard in one hand, wind the lights around the cardboard, inserting the strand along the strip into each of the one inch spaces. Wind it tightly and follow the length of the cardboard. The cardboard 'teeth' hold the strands in place. When done, tuck the end under.

5. Store the cardboard holders and lights or garland upright in a box. Be sure not to crush too many things into the box or you may break light bulbs.

Tips & Warnings

• Always check the light strands for frayed or damaged sections, and discard any lights that have frayed or damaged cords. These can be a fire hazard.

[forgedcommand]

on 12/12/2008 Works ok. I'm using this on outside lights, and it just doesn't seem big enough. Might need to size up for longer strings of lights.