How to Store Gift Wrap

Keeping a constant supply of gift wrap, and recycling gift tissue and bows, is the most convenient and cost-effective way to deal with gift wrapping and decoration. The trick is to find ways to properly store your gift wrap, without losing track of what you have or damaging the items. Whether you have a whole room devoted to gift wrap, or a small corner of a closet, read below for ways to easily store your gift wrap and accessories.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Storage space
• Tape, rubber bands, or ponytail holders
• Storage containers, see options below
• Drawers or baskets in storage cabinets (optional)

Gift wrapping

1. Consolidate. If a roll only has a little paper left, consider removing the paper and rolling it tightly so it will slide inside the tube of another roll. Usable scraps of paper can be folded once or twice and stored with tissue paper and other flat wrapping items.

2. Secure the rolls so the paper doesn't unspool when you try to store it. A small piece of tape can be used to hold the center in place, or two pieces evenly spaced on a larger roll. You can also use a rubber band, but make sure it's not so tight it crinkles the paper. A good option is a covered ponytail holder that can slide over the roll easily without grabbing or wrinkling the paper.

3. Store gift wrap in an out of the way location, where it won't be often disturbed or knocked over. Rolls can be stood up in the back corner of a closet, or rolled underneath a bed.

4. Preserve gift wrap the best by using storage bins. There are special bins or caddies made especially for gift wrap storage, but an often less expensive option is to use standard plastic storage bins that stack or slide easily under furniture. Storing gift wrap in bins keeps them organized and dust-free.

5. If you have room, customizable storage cabinets or closet organizers are a great way to store gift wrap. Wire or rattan baskets that slide on rails or fit on shelves are perfect for storing all your gift wrap items. Everything is stored in one place, gift wrap rolls don't roll away, and the baskets can be removed from the cabinet or closet to be used in any room.

Gift Bows and Decorations

6. 
   Store bows and ribbon in hat boxes or nesting boxes.

   The best storage for bows and package decorations is a good sturdy box, as large as possible to have ample room for the contents. Boxes that are long and shallow are the best, but anything up to 9 inches deep should be fine. You can use hat boxes, strong cardboard nesting boxes, or old gift boxes if they're not too flimsy. Shoe boxes will work for smaller items.

7. Stackable storage bins are another option for storing gift bows. Clear plastic bins are an excellent choice for keeping bows protected while allowing you to easily see what's inside each container.

8. A deep drawer is also a great way to store bows and decorations. It can be in a special storage cabinet, closet, or even a dresser or desk.

9. Divide your gift decorations by type and/or color. Christmas bows can go in one box, while birthday or baby shower items go in another. You can divide into metallics, bold colors, and pastels. Ribbon rolls are best stored separate from standard or curled bows.

10. Place heavier package decorations at the bottom of the box while lighter and smaller items go on top. See Tips and Warnings.

Tips & Warnings

• Store a roll of tape and scissors in the bin with your gift wrap or bows, so they'll be instantly at hand when you go to wrap a present.
• Try to remove tape from used bows before storing, or press two bows back to back so that the adhesive doesn't stick to other items and damage them.
• Do not overfill boxes with too many bows or decorations as this will lead to crushing and damage.