Before the bins come out of the garage, try these free phone tricks that make decorating and holiday shopping easier.

November 14, 2026

By Kim Komando

The bins are coming out of the garage. The tangled lights are winning. And somewhere, a box marked “Xmas misc” is hiding the one hook you need.

Let your phone do the heavy lifting.

🎄 Decorate smarter

• Find last year’s setup in seconds. Open Photos, tap Search and type “wreath,” “lights” or “tree.” Last year’s pictures pop up, so you know exactly what went where. Google Photos works the same way.
• Your iPhone is a tape measure. Open the Measure app, tap + at one end of the window or railing and + at the other. Now you know how many feet of lights or garland to string. (For the whole roofline, grab a real tape measure. AR gets shaky at long distances.)
• See it before you buy it. Eyeing a new entry table or wall decor? On eligible Amazon listings, tap View in Your Room and point your phone at the spot. Not every product has it, but when it does, it’s magic. Try it with this Christmas tree.
• Put the lights on autopilot. Plug outdoor lights into an outdoor-rated smart plug. In the Kasa app, tap the plug > Schedule > + and pick Sunset. In Alexa, go to More > Routines > + > Schedule > Sunset. No more crawling behind the bushes at 11 p.m.
• Check your ladder before you climb. Little Giant recalled about 3.66 million ladders with Rapid Locks, sold at Lowe’s, Costco and Amazon since 2015. Stop using yours and get a free repair kit at LittleGiantLadders.com (click Recalls) or call 866-201-9069. Need a new ladder? This is the one I have.

🛒 Shop smarter

• Chrome shows the price history. On a product page in Chrome on your computer, click the Shopping insights icon on the right side of the address bar. You’ll see what the price has done for months, so you know if that “Black Friday deal” is really a deal.
• Don’t let Amazon spoil the surprise. Go to Your Lists, pick the list, tap the three dots > Manage List and check Don’t spoil my surprises. Bonus: Most Amazon purchases made Nov. 1 through Dec. 31 can be returned until Jan. 31.

Ten minutes with your phone now saves you a weekend of headaches. And maybe a trip to the ER.

Why wasn’t the elf allowed to use the stepladder to decorate the Christmas tree? Because of ’elf and safety restrictions.

🗣️ Text/post this stat: About 3.66 million Little Giant ladders were recalled because they can collapse. Check yours before you hang the lights. GetKim.com

📩 Send this to someone who called dibs on putting up the outdoor lights.