The best time to hang outdoor holiday lights is before your weather turns wet and cold. Not only is it easier and more comfortable to work outdoors in mild weather, it is safer. Climbing ladders and working along the eaves of a roof can be a dangerous challenge in bad weather.

Even if you don’t actually hang your light strings well ahead of the season, you can get much of the preparation done, such as running extension cords, installing hooks and hangers, and so forth.

It’s also smart to check your lights before it is time to hang them. Pull them out of storage and check them to make sure they’re functional. This way you will have plenty of time to make repairs a shopping list for replacements and other supplies. Most home centers and other retailers begin stocking Christmas lights and supplies well before Halloween, so taking care of your shopping early is easy.

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Map out where your lights will go and make sure you have enough working lights for that area. Use a long tape measure to figure the number of strands you will need. Be sure to take into account the eaves, windows, doors, shrubs, trees, and the like. Before hanging any lights, plug them in to make sure they work.

When buying lights, opt for shorter rather than longer light strings. That way, if a string stops working, you can replace it more easily and affordably. Light strings that have a male plug at one end and a female plug at the other end are best for connecting together.