Avoid decorating nightmares next year with these top tips for taking down the decorations this year
Whilst the world prepares for Christmas and the excitement that comes with it, it will inevitably bring the time where we have to take down our decorations.
You can save yourself a lot of time next year by putting away your decorations in an organised way and making sure you are ready for next year.
Ben Wightman, from Christmas Tree World reveals his top hacks for preserving your Christmas decorations after the festive season.
Packing away the Christmas tree
“The easiest and cheapest option for storing your Christmas tree is to put it back in the box it came in or purchase a Christmas tree storage bag, which will ensure your tree stays clean, dry, and undamaged ready for next year. A storage bag will also fit your tree skirt in, allowing you to keep the two stored together.
If you’ve kept your box in a good condition, we recommend wrapping your tree before putting it back in the box. Ensure all the decorations have been taken off the tree, take apart the tree (if it came in different parts) and pin the branches down carefully against the stem. To wrap your Christmas tree, a cost-effective method is to make your own fabric “bags” with old sheets, mattress bags, or blankets to create an extra protective layer around your Christmas tree. Place the sections of your tree into their own wrapping and cover until you can’t see the branches poking out. Then, carefully start stacking the parts of the tree with the wrapping into the box or storage bag.
Finally, find the best place for your tree. An attic, cellar, or cupboard are ideal storage spaces. Also remember to store your tree away from heat, moisture, or animals to preserve it for as long as possible.
How to Store Christmas Tree Lights
As you take your Christmas lights down, check for any frayed wires, broken bulbs, or loose connections to save you time next year – this way you’ll know whether they can be repaired or if they need replacing.
Use a Pringle Tube
The best part about using a Pringles tube is that you can use the inside to store accessories, such as clips or extra bulbs.
First, cut an “X” in the top of the clear plastic top and insert one end of the light cable. Carefully roll the lights around the tube, starting at the top and working towards the bottom, so the lights do not break. Next, place the other end of the cable inside the hole you cut in the tube’s lid. Use masking tape and a marker to precisely label where each roll of lights goes following the season. For lengthier strings of lights, reuse the cardboard roll from your wrapping paper. Just wind the string of lights around the cardboard roll and tuck the ends inside the tube, securing it with tape.
Use a clothes hanger
This cost-effective method works best for shorter strands of lights. Any hanger will work, but it’s even better if you have a plastic hanger with hooks. These hooks come in handy for wrapping and storing Christmas lights. Wrap one end of the light cable around the hook of the hanger. If you’re using a hanger without hooks, you can secure the end with tape or tie the end of the cable and secure it with tape. Next, wrap the light strands tightly around the hanger. Continue wrapping the lights around from one side to another and back again. When you’ve reached the last few cms of the strand, loop the end around the hanger’s hook.
After wrapping the lights around it, gently wrap the hanger in bubble wrap or tissue paper to prevent the bulbs from breaking. You can then store it in a box or hang it on a wall somewhere in your storage area.
Bunch lights together
An easy way to store Christmas lights is by bunching them together and securing them with a cable tie or elastic band. Doing this means you can keep them in their original packaging without needing to worry about tangles. You’ll know precisely what the box contains when you are unpacking your decorations next year.
Storage for Christmas baubles
People tend to be quick to throw away the boxes for their baubles, but if you can keep hold of them, storing your baubles back in their original box is a nifty way to keep them safe – as the storage boxes sometimes have trays which you can place your baubles on. Baubles break very easily, so it’s best practice to wrap them in either bubble wrap or used Christmas wrapping paper – you could even put the smaller, dainty baubles in an egg box to keep them safe. Once they’ve been wrapped, store your baubles carefully in a storage box or a cardboard box. To avoid any damage, ensure the box is kept in a safe place which is sturdy, as dropping the box could break anything ornamental.”
