Wrapping Paper Organization - in 3 Easy Steps — Find Your Gold Home Organizing

Realistic tips for real-life families

If you’re wrapping paper “situation” makes you want to cancel Christmas, you aren’t alone.

Don’t fret! - this is the PERFECT time of year to get it organized.

Aaaaand it’s easier than you think!

Getting your wrapping supplies under control will make your Christmas (PLUS the rest of the year) sooo much easier!

These tips are meant create lasting systems for REAL LIFE families.

I challenge you to do this project in under an hour. I have faith!

Ok, FUN. I’m excited! Are you excited?

Let’s DO THIS….

Step #1: Edit

If you are reading this post then there is a 99.99999% chance that you have more gift wrap supplies than you need.

First step is to figure out what exactly you want to keep. And get rid of the rest!

Start by gathering ALL the supplies into one spot (do a quick run around the house, gift bags tend to collect in every nook and cranny).

Get it all laid out in one giant (potentially scary) pile. This might seem overwhelming but trust me it’s worth it (you can do this!).

Here are some decluttering ideas, to get you in the mood:

36 baby shower gift bags and most of your friends are done having kids? - pass them on!
The 100 green bows that your step-mom gifted you in 2005 - gonzo!
The roll of bridal shower wrapping paper that you haven’t used since 2010? Let it go!
The 8376 Christmas cards that you got on clearance when you were 21 and still haven’t used half of them - declutter!

Maybe it’s just a matter of cutting the amount you have in half. Easy peasy.

Starting with the right amount of supplies will make it SO much easier to get organized.

Remember to be ruthless and be honest - and remember, if you “over declutter”, wrapping supplies are veryyyy easy to replace.

#2: Location, location, location

Next step - before you decide how you’re going to store your wrapping paper, let’s decide where. That will help determine what you want to use for bins, bags, etc.

Things to consider:

Accessibility: Maybe you keep it in the basement but you curse every time you have to go searching for it - is there a more accessible spot upstairs? Or do you really only wrap a couple times per year and having it out of reach works perfectly for your home.
Kid Friendly: Consider how old your kids are and whether you want them to help wrap (now, or ever). If your kids are little you might want to keep things out of reach. If your kids are getting older (and you’re getting sick of wrapping gifts yourself!) then make wrapping supplies easy to access, well labelled and easy for them to manage independently.
Space: Whatever spot you choose, make sure there is enough space for rolls, bags, ribbons, etc. Nothing is more annoying than having it crammed in a too-small area.
Separate by Season: You may want to keep your Christmas wrapping with your seasonal items and the more generic wrap, in it’s own area. Or bundle it all together. Totally personal preference. But something worth considering.

Spend a couple quick minutes making sure you have the right spot in mind.

Then let’s move on…

#3: Simple Storage

Last step - let’s find something to store your supplies in.

Most important tip: Use what you have first! This project really shouldn’t require anything brand new (we want to do it in under an hour right?!). Try to start with whatever totes/bags/baskets/containers you have.

Here are a few examples, to get the juices flowing….

Wrapping Paper Storage

Trash Can: So freaking simple but for some reason I just love this one for rolls of wrapping paper. It doesn’t even have to be a garbage can - anything tall and narrow would work. This system is great if you want to store the wrapping paper on the floor and you grab for it regularly.
Under the bed tote: When it comes to totes for wrapping paper, there are a million options that are custom for rolls. But personally I like any long narrow tote with a lid. The “under the bed” totes are usually the perfect size.
Door Hangers: If you are using a closet, repurposing door organizers can also work really well. Easy to access + view entire inventory at a glance.
IKEA Plastic Bag Holder: The one is perfect if you’re trying to store rolls of paper on a shelf or hanging on the wall. I also love these bag holders in general (so handy and so affordable).

Gift Bag Storage

Gift bags, tissue paper and other supplies are typically MUCH easier to store.

Magazine Holders: I haven’t used this idea for a client yet but I can’t wait to try it! Magazine organizers are a great size for storing tissue paper and small gift bags, if you have some laying around, give it a try!
Small Baskets/Totes: My main tip for bags, tissue paper and the smaller supplies is to use a smaller tote or individual baskets. Large enough to store the big gift bags but small enough the items don’t get lost in a black hole. Keep scrolling to see the style I use at home.
Drawers: Do you have a desk or dresser that is being under-utilized? Maybe you could designate each drawer for a specific supply (tissue paper, gift bags, ribbon, etc.). If you do drawers I highly recommend little labels to make it easy to manage long term.

Another thing we normally add is a smaller bag or box to store scissors, tape, stickers - any small supplies that might get lost in a large tote. These are the pouches we often use for clients but any pencil case or small zippered bag that you have laying around would be perfect.

Our Family’s Gift Wrap Storage

The storage system in our house is super simple (surprise, surprise).

I store our wrapping paper, bows, etc. in this large green bag (see below). I bought it a lifetime ago - it was a school fundraiser for my then boyfriends niece (fun fact: we broke up before I got it so he mailed it to me - ha!).

Here is something comparable.

The main thing I like about it are the pockets for ribbon, scissors, tape, etc.

I would probably still prefer a hard top one though. If I could go back in time.

And we use this tote (below) for our gift bags and tissue paper.

I got this tote when I was a teenager- once upon a time is stored scrapbooking supplies (that pre-Shutterfly life).

Here is a comparable tote.

The #1 reason that my wrapping system stay organized is because I only keep a manageable amount. If things start to go off the rails I know it’s time to declutter.