Most of us love Christmas time ... and what is Christmas without a load of lights ... and what is a load of lights without the "unforgettable" game of untangling a bin full of the wiry little monsters!?
Instead of gritting your teeth through the entire effort, follow these five easy tips for hanging your Christmas lights like a pro!
Preparation Is Key
Chances are, it’s been a full year since you’ve used these lights, so begin by testing your lights safely on the ground, checking for burnt out ones and making sure cords aren’t frayed. If you need to purchase new lights, make sure they are safety approved! And think about LED bulbs - whilst these have a higher upfront cost, they cost less to run! Grab your sturdiest ladder and make sure your area is free of any clutter that could cause issues later on. If everything looks good, it’s design time.
Design the Set-Up
A little set-up can make even a simple design look professional. Sketch a loose idea of what you would like to see and map out where your outlets are located, so your extension cords don’t become too taught. Use your ladder to obtain accurate measurements around your home, keeping in mind how different types of surfaces will need different hanging strategies. For example, wrapping lights around columns might require more lights than a single strand across an eave. Once you have your measurements written down, you’ll be able to gather your equipment and get started.
Gather Your Equipment
Unfortunately, it takes more than a string of lights to make your design come to life. You’ll need exterior-rated extension cords for outdoor designs - and maybe some plastic light clips; a light-hanging pole may be necessary for harder to reach areas, like high ceilings or tree branches. Avoid using anything that can damage the surface in the hanging process and consider recruiting a partner to make the hanging process faster (and more enjoyable).
Hang in There!
It’s easiest to hang lights from the top down. Start with high-impact areas like architraves or eaves/gutters, then move to window, columns, trees and door frames. Briefly turn the lights on to ensure you’re happy with the design and adjust as needed. Lastly, set a timer, so your lights aren’t on all night—saving you money on your electric bill.
Set Yourself Up for Success Next Year
There might not be anything worse than spending a day detangling cords and picking up shattered lights. Your future self will thank you if you store your lights securely. A great way to avoid these tangles is by wrapping your lights around large cans or a rectangular piece of cardboard and storing them in a labelled and well-sealed container.
Have fun out there - and if you need a couple of extra outlets rather than overloading existing points (or running crazy long extension cords), give us a call!!
