subject: Keys To Removing Holiday Lighting [print this page] After spending weeks planning your holiday lighting decor and days setting it up - before you know it, it's time to turn off the lights and start the process of removing Christmas lights. And although packing up the holiday spirit isn't at the top of anybody's list of favorite things to do, it's something that has to be done. Otherwise you'll end up being that neighbor with the unfavorable reputation for keeping their Christmas lights up until June.
When to Start Removing Holiday Lights
When it comes to removing Christmas lights there is a fine line between too soon and too late. Start taking the holiday lighting down too soon and you're considered a Scrooge. Wait too long and you're lazy. It seems like you just can't win.
Although there is no exact science to knowing when to start removing holiday lights, one good indicator is to see what your neighbors are doing and follow suit. As a general rule, any time before the New Year is too soon for taking down lights. On the other hand, not removing them until February may be considered too late. However, if your holiday lighting decor has a winter theme, such as using simple white and blue lights, it is possible to tastefully keep your lights on throughout the snowy season.
Safely Removing Holiday Lights
Just as the holiday lighting installation requires some thought towards safety, so does removing those lights. As Christmas lights are often placed in such high and hard to reach places as trees and roofs, using a ladder is a must. Before going up a ladder, make sure it is firmly based on solid ground. Never place a ladder on an icy or slick surface. When on the ladder, only work on removing Christmas lights that are within arms reach.
Another safety precaution to consider when removing holiday lights is electricity. Before removing Christmas lights, be sure the holiday lighting is unplugged. There is also the concern of staying warm. Do not work on removing your lights in extremely cold or wet weather conditions
Storing Holiday Lighting
Once the holiday lighting is removed, the next step is to properly store them for next year. The main thing to avoid is bundling up the lights and shoving them into a box. To save time next Christmas, the key is avoiding unnecessary tangles.
Immediately after removing your lights they should be carefully wrapped around some type of holiday lighting storage device. Such household items as cardboard squares or empty wrapping paper tubes work great. After all the holiday lighting is neatly wrapped, carefully place them in plastic bags and then in a box or storage container clearly marked. This way your lights will be protected from breaking and you can easily locate them next holiday season.
