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How to Take Christmas Icicle Lights Down the Right Way

Contributor
By Paul Bright
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Icicle lights add a touch of realism to Christmas, especially in places that do not get snow or ice during the winter months. At the end of the holidays, there is always the temptation of taking one end and pulling until the lights come down, causing plastic clips to fly everywhere. But through a careful process, you can remove and store those lights with ease and no worries about having to buy replacements every Christmas.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Plastic freezer bags Long, plastic sheeting Twine
  1. Step 1

    Begin with the highest level of icicle lights that are hung. Remove the clips that keep the icicle lights on the house one by one and place them in the freezer bag, except for one clip.

  2. Step 2

    Wrap each section of lights around your arm until it forms a loose, even loop. Be careful to not break any of the icicle lights. Plug the electrical ends into each other and use the clip to help keep the loop together. Do this for each strand and place them all on the ground.

  3. Step 3

    Plug each strand into a socket to ensure all the bulbs are still in working order. Replace any broken bulbs now so that you don't have to do it nine months later.

  4. Step 4

    Straighten out the loops until as thin as possible without getting tangled. Place the clipped loop of icicle lights on the plastic sheeting, stacking no more than two on top of each other. Roll the plastic evenly, ensuring the loops of icicle lights are relatively parallel as you roll them up. Tie the plastic wrapping with the twine and store in a dry place.

Tips & Warnings
  • Have a helper to assist you in using the ladder and placing the lights on the ground.
  • Take all safety precautions such as using a working ladder when removing lights. Failure to do so can cause serious injury from falling.
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