The holidays are a magical time. Twinkling lights, cozy decorations, and warm feelings fill the air. But if you live in an apartment, putting up holiday lights needs a little extra care. With smaller spaces and shared buildings, it’s important to stay safe and smart.
Let’s dive into the do’s and don’ts of holiday light safety—apartment edition! This fun and simple guide will keep your home merry without the mishaps.
1. Know the Rules of Your Building
Before you plug anything in, check with your landlord or property manager. Every apartment complex has different rules for decorations.
- Some may limit outdoor lights or decorations on balconies.
- Others may forbid battery-operated candles or items in common areas.
Respect your building’s guidelines to stay safe and avoid fines or warnings.
2. Use the Right Lights
Not all lights are created equal. Always check the packaging before you buy or hang up your decor.
- Indoor-only lights should stay inside. They are not made to handle cold, wet weather.
- Outdoor lights can go on balconies or porch railings—but still, be careful!
Look for a tag or label that says “UL-certified” or “ETL-listed.” This means the lights were tested and are safer to use.
3. Don’t Overload Outlets
This is one of the biggest holiday light dangers—especially in apartments!
Most apartments don’t have a ton of outlets. But that doesn’t mean you should stack adapters or power strips. Here’s what you should do:
- Use one outlet for each power strip.
- Don’t chain power strips together.
- Never plug light strings into each other more than 3 times.
Too many lights on one outlet can cause overheating—or even fires!
4. Pick LED Over Old Bulbs
LED lights are a better choice for many reasons:
- They use less energy.
- They stay cooler to the touch.
- They last much longer!
Older light sets tend to get hot. In a small space like an apartment, that’s a big risk.
5. Watch Where You Put Lights
Decorating an apartment means you have to get creative sometimes. But don’t forget safety while going for style.
- Keep lights away from drapes, carpets, and furniture.
- Don’t hide wires under rugs or cushions.
- Never close a window on a wire—it can fray the cord!
If you need to stretch your lights to a certain spot, use an extension cord rated for indoor use. Always unplug it when you’re not home!
6. Use Hooks Instead of Nails
A lot of apartment renters try to nail lights to the wall. But this can damage your walls—and risk hitting wires inside the wall!
Instead, go for these safe options:
- 3M Command hooks or clips – easy to remove, no damage!
- Adhesive-backed cable holders – keep wires neat and off the floor.
- Plastic hooks for balcony railings – especially made for outdoor lights.
7. Set a Timer
If you love your lights to shine when you’re not home, use a timer. These little devices are smart and safe. You can plug your lights into them and let them handle the on/off schedule.
Bonus: it saves energy too!
- Set them to turn off at bedtime.
- Choose 4-6 hour intervals for safety and cost savings.
8. Be Smart with Extension Cords
Extension cords can be super helpful, but they also bring big fire risks if used the wrong way.
Follow these safety rules:
- Never plug one extension cord into another.
- Don’t run them under doors or through walls.
- Use cords that are labeled for the type of environment—indoor or outdoor.
Hint: Many cords now come in festive colors to match your decor!
9. Don’t Leave Lights On Overnight
It may look cozy to sleep with your sparkling lights, but it’s not the safest idea. Electrical fires are more dangerous at night while you’re sleeping.
Turn off your lights before bed. Or better yet, use timers like we mentioned earlier.
10. Recycle Old or Broken Lights
If a strand of lights doesn’t work—don’t just toss it in the trash!
Many local stores and recycling centers now offer holiday light recycling. Some hardware chains even offer discounts when you trade in old lights.
It’s safer, better for the planet, and could even save you money on replacements!
11. Candles Are Pretty but Risky
Avoid real candles near lights or decorations. In a small space, fire can spread fast.
Instead, go for flameless LED candles. They look just like the real thing and are super safe.
Want that holiday scent? Use wax warmers or essential oil diffusers instead.
12. Keep Pets and Kids in Mind
Lights can be tempting for little hands and furry paws!
- Keep cords out of reach if you have toddlers or pets.
- Skip tinsel and glass bulbs if you have curious cats or dogs.
- Check lights regularly for chewing or damage from pets.
If you notice damaged wires or hot bulbs—unplug them right away and replace them.
Enjoy the Glow—Safely!
Your apartment can still sparkle and shine this holiday season. Just remember to stay safe, follow your building’s rules, and use common sense with your decorations. A few simple steps can help you avoid costly damage or danger during the most wonderful time of the year.
Turn on those twinkling lights and enjoy the holiday cheer—the safe way!
