Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Wrap It Up! Organizing Your Gift Wrapping Supplies in 5 Easy Steps

Gift Wrapping Organization work for me! For more Works-For-Me Wednesday Ideas, stop by Rocks In My Dryer.

Today I am going to share organizing ideas and tips on how you can get and keep your gift wrapping supplies in order. To make it easy, I am breaking it down into small, doable steps with my Stuff System™.

Sort: Gather all you wrapping supplies, including wrapping paper, gift bags, tags, tissue paper, ribbons, boxes, scissors, pens, and tape. Once you have everything in one spot, sort like items together; put all the gift bags together, all the gift tags, all the ribbons, etc.

Take Out: Get rid of the items that are in rough shape – those that you will just never use. Recycle wrinkled paper for packing material.

Utilize a Space: Where will you store all your wrapping supplies? It’s best to keep all the items together. Maybe you could use a section of a closet? Do you have existing shelving or do you need to add shelves? If you are fortunate to have the space, you might be able to have permanent wrapping station. Or, you maybe you could set up a temporary spot during the Holidays using a folding table.

Fill Containers: This is my favorite part. Now that you have gathered all or your supplies, sorted them, and determined where you will store them, you can now determine the appropriate containers and the sizes that you will need. Use what you have on hand. If you do need to purchase some, make a shopping list based on your items and the amounts. Remember to take measurements if necessary. Don’t forget to label your containers, too.

Here are some examples of what works for me:

(Left) I use an inexpensive plastic container and wooden dowel to keep my ribbon in check. You could also use an old shoe box, decorated in pretty paper.


(Right) I store my gift bags and tissue paper in an open container. That way I can easily see what size I am looking and grab it.



(Left) Here’s shot of my wrapping supplies. I keep them in a storage closet, along with a table that roles out easily when I need a work surface.


Follow Up: Maintain your containers and space by putting items back where they belong after using them. Everything thing will be ready for you the next time you need them. Stock up on items when they go on sale at the end of the season, but don’t go over board. If you are limited on space you will need to limit your supply.

As you are getting ready for Christmas, don't forget to take into account wrapping time and add it to your to-do list.

Check out more Holiday Tips to help reduce your stress!

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks - these are terrific ideas. I particularly want to utilize the ribbon on a dowel solution.

ComfyMom~Stacey said...

Putting things back where they go has always been my problem

Helene said...

You have such wonderful ideas! I keep all my recycled gift bags and wrapping paper in a storage bin similar to yours but it's out in the garage because my storage closet is full of junk I don't need. Still in the decluttering stage!!!

Anonymous said...

I like the idea of putting like thing together. My wrapping supplies are all in one big box. I hope you'll write a post about the actual wrapping process. I can never figure out a timely way to get it all done w/out losing tape, scissors, forgetting what I just wrapped, etc.

Anonymous said...

Those are some great ideas. I have wrapping stuff scattered throughout the house and doing a little organizing isn't such a bad idea!

Debbie said...

What great ideas! I need to get busy doing them all.

Arlice Nichole said...

My Xmas stuff is always in such a mess. This could work.

Paula @ Organizing Tips For Moms said...

I'll just have to write about quick post about wrapping ideas. Thanks for the idea!

Anonymous said...

I need to go through my storage area and get it cleaned out since my daughter moved out and is looking for hand me downs in the Christmas department.

Creative Junkie said...

I finally figured out how to keep my ribbon from unravelling, because I keep all the spools in a clear plastic bag but they'd constantly unravel on me. Now I just put a rubber band around each spool. Totally simple and I'm sure other people have been doing it forever, but holy moly, when I "discovered" that, I felt like I had invented sliced bread or something.

Anonymous said...

The ribbon idea is a great idea!

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