Try one of these easy Christmas light storage options to ensure hanging the lights next year is frustration-free.

And the best part?

Try one of these techniques when you’re ready to put your holiday decorations away for the season.

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Photo:artiss / Getty Images

You probably have exactly what you need right at your house.

Here’s the easiest way to reuse the packaging to keep your lights tangle free.

Use the exterior, not the interior of the box to store your lights.

So use the exterior instead!

Tape an end of the light string to the box.

That’ll help secure the string to the box and reduce the risk that the light strand slips off.

Wrap the light strand around the box tightly.

(Every loop provides another opportunity for tangling.)

Tape the other end of the string lights to the box.

That’ll help keep it from slipping off the box.

Wrap the lights to protect them.

Wrap them in tissue paper, bubble wrap, or another protective layer to keep them safe.

This way, you’ll be able to separate your 500-light strands from your 100-light strands easily.

Cut a thin slit into one end of the cardboard.

it’s possible for you to slip the end of the lights into that to hold it in place.

Slip the end of the holiday lights into the notch for holding straps.

you’re able to use tape to secure it to the slot.

Wrap the light strand around and around the top and the bottom of the hanger.

Again, you want to double-check the wrapping is nice and tight to prevent slipping and tangling.

Slip the other end of the lights into the other strap notch.

Again, you could use tape to hold it in place.

Tape an end of the lights inside the cylinder.

Packing tape is ideal to keep it in place.

Wrap the lights around the cylinder.

Keep it tight to the cylinder.

Secure the light strand to the cylinder.

Use another piece of tape to secure the end into the cylinder.

Attach an end of the light strand to the reel.

Spin the reel handle.

Slowly turn the handle to draw the light strand onto it.

Store the Christmas lights.

Put the lights away on the reel until they’re ready for next season.

Grasp one end of the lights in your hand.

Hold an end of your lights between your thumb and forefinger.

Create loops of the light strand.

Secure the light strand loops together.

Store your light strand.

But there’s a way to avoid tangling with icicle lights, too.

Spread out a plastic or fabric sheet.

Tape one end of the lights to an end of the sheet.

This will help avoid shifting when you’re rolling it up.

Lay the lights flat along the length of the sheet.

you’re able to double or triple back if you oughta to fit it all.

Tape down the other end of the lights.

Secure the final end in place.

Roll up the sheet.

you’re able to use a plastic bin, cardboard box, or a storage bag.

(And don’t forget to label the container so you know what’s in there!)