For many across the UK, the post-festive tidy-up brings a familiar frustration: the dreaded task of untangling a knotted mess of Christmas lights. Fresh research highlights that this chore is a significant source of seasonal stress for Britons.
The Tangled Truth: A Nation's Dread
A study conducted by Groupon has revealed that 21 per cent of surveyed Britons stated they were actively dreading the job of detangling their festive lighting. This comes as households prepare to pack away their decorations, having only recently adorned their homes and trees. The process of putting up and taking down decorations is often cited as one of the most time-consuming tasks of the holiday period, with lights being a particular pain point if not stored correctly.
Fortunately, experts and savvy organisers have developed several clever approaches to ensure your fairy lights emerge neat and ready-to-use next December, saving you time and temper. Here are four highly recommended techniques to adopt this year.
1. The Shoebox and Tape Technique
Popularised by TikTok home organisation expert Tanya Home Inspo, this method is a favourite for its simplicity and effectiveness. Start by securing the end of your light string to the bottom of a shoebox with tape. Then, carefully wrap the lights around the box in neat layers, working your way up to the top.
Once finished, tape the other end in place. Make a small slit in the corner of the box to thread the plug through for storage. An added bonus is that the box's interior space can be used to store baubles and other small tree decorations, keeping everything together.
2. Repurpose a Clothes Hanger
Don't limit your clothes hangers to festive jumpers. They can be brilliantly repurposed as a storage solution for fairy lights. Simply wind the lights around the body of the hanger, securing the ends over the hook to prevent them from unravelling.
This creates a compact, self-contained unit that can be hung in a wardrobe or cupboard, or laid flat in a larger storage box. It's a hassle-free way to keep cables organised and instantly accessible.
3. Secure with Twist or Cable Ties
For a quick and highly effective bundling method, reach for twist ties or reusable cable ties. Begin by loosely coiling the cable of your lights. Avoid wrapping them too tightly.
Then, use one tie to secure each end of the coil and another to fasten the middle. This three-point method prevents knots from forming within the bundle. The secured coils can then be placed in a dedicated bag or box, ensuring they stay neat until next Christmas.
4. The Bunching Method
This technique, explained by Electrical Direct, requires no extra items but needs care to execute correctly to avoid creating new tangles. Start by holding one individual light bulb. Then, pick up a second bulb that is two lights away along the string and bring them together.
Repeat this process, pairing bulbs and bringing them into the centre, until all lights are gathered in a tight bunch. Finally, wrap the remaining cord around the middle of the bunch to keep everything compact and secure.
By adopting one of these straightforward strategies, you can transform a chaotic January chore into a moment of organised calm. Investing a little time now in proper storage will guarantee a smoother, more joyful start to your festive decorating next year, freeing you from the frustration of untangling knots.
