How To Remove Christmas Tree Lights

There are several contenders for the best part of the holidays, but the worst? It might just be having to take down all those Christmas lights you painstakingly spent hours putting up just a few weeks ago. 

In this article, we’ll teach you how to remove your Christmas tree lights with a systematic approach that will save you time - and make next year’s decorating a straightforward process.

Safety first

There are some common sense safety tips that you should adopt before you remove your Christmas lights. Most of these guidelines apply to outdoor removal, but one tip (regardless of the location of the lights) is to unplug your lights from the power source before doing anything. It can also be worth keeping pets and younger children out of the way while you are removing Christmas lights to eliminate one potential trip hazard.

Most of the danger pertaining to Christmas tree light removal will occur when taking down outdoor installations. Removing lights in wet weather, ice, snow, wind, thunderstorms, or any other kind of turbulent weather is creating an unnecessary danger. Wait an extra day for the weather to clear. If it is icy, make sure to wear comfortable gloves that can protect your hands. As a final safety tip, when scaling tall ladders, always have a spotter present who can support the ladder underneath you. 

Gently remove the lights

Having disconnected the lights from the power outlet, it is easiest to start at the top of the tree (or whichever surface you are removing the lights from) and work your way down. With this method, gravity is your friend, and you’ll be able to easily unwind the lights until you reach the bottom. 

Be careful when removing the lights. While it may be tempting to yank on the string of lights for quicker removal, this can actually damage the lights, or even the surface you are removing them from. Try to be gentle when maneuvering the lights as this will prolong their use and keep them in pristine condition for the following year’s holiday season.

With TreE-Z Wrap sticks, light removal is a breeze! Not only does our patented solution give you a professional and polished finish but removing your lights can be completed in a fraction of the time of traditional installation methods. TreE-Z Wrap also minimizes the potential of damage to outdoor surfaces and trees. 

Inspect as you go

As you remove the lights, this is the perfect opportunity to spot any damage to wires or bulbs. Keep a spare bag of bulbs nearby so that you can easily replace any broken ones in preparation for next year. If the lights have been exposed to the elements and are beyond repair, it may be preferable to invest in a new set of string lights.

Organize your lights for next year

If you’ve been putting off taking down your Christmas lights, think of it like this - removing your lights is actually an opportunity to get a headstart on next year’s display. How, you might ask? Well, with proper planning and minimal effort with labeling and storage, you can neatly pack away your lights and associated equipment so that they are ready for use when the holidays roll around again.

Make sure you coil strands of lights loosely to prevent tangling and damage. Then, return your lights to their original packaging, and consider labeling them with the location so that setup will be far easier next year. It is optimal for lights to be stored in a dark, cool place, away from direct sunlight; an attic, garage or storage cupboard is ideal. 

Bonus tips to make next year even easier

Here are a few bonus tips to give you peace of mind as you prepare for next year’s festivities:

• Take a photo of this year’s installation(s) so you can easily remember when Christmas comes around next year.
• Consider keeping an inventory of lights and where they need to be installed.
• If you need to replace damaged or broken strands, consider switching to LED lights - these are more cost-effective in the long run.
• Pack all lights, extension cords, timers and affixing equipment (ex: TreE-Z Wrap sticks or other fasteners) together in the same plastic crate or storage box.

In conclusion

Removing your Christmas lights might seem like a simple job - and of course, it is pretty straightforward. However, taking a few moments to pack your lights away carefully this year will make the job far more efficient for next year’s holiday. Removing your lights carefully and safely is a great way to preserve your equipment for years to come.