How to Organize Gift Wrapping Supplies Like a Pro

The holiday season is magical (as discussed in probably way too much detail here). Christmas movies, that addicting music, drive through light shows, togetherness, forgetting you ordered something only for your toddler to see it on the front porch, baking sprees, SNOW, SKIING, and so much more. Oh wait, I forgot about waiting until the absolute last minute to find all those gifts you ordered and wrap them. Soooooooo fun. Raise your hand if you’re usually rummaging through a jumbled mess of wrapping paper rolls, ribbon, and tape. 😬 I’ve been there… and I got you. Let’s dive into how to organize gift wrapping supplies so you can tackle your gift-giving without all the stress and overwhelm.

Where to store wrapping supplies?

The first step in organizing your gift wrapping supplies is finding a home for everything. If you’re short on space, a long, flat storage container that slides neatly under the bed (similar to this) is a game-changer. You can also keep supplies on a shelf in the basement or guest bed closet. I prefer the flat container because it keeps everything easily in one spot and is easily accessible yet out of sight when not in use. Bonus points if you can find a used plastic container. Side note- I’ve tried one of the Amazon wrapping paper organizers at my own home and wouldn’t recommend them. They’re too flimsy and impractical for actual use!

Keeping your wrapping paper tidy

If you often find that your wrapping paper gets damaged when you’re in wrapping season, try these tips to help keep your space how you like it. As stated above, lay your rolls flat in the container to prevent damage. To prevent unrolling, secure each roll with a rubber band or repurposed hair ties. If you cut out large areas of roll when wrapping, instead of rolling a smaller section back up into the roll, cut it out completely. When you’re done with a wrapping session, group like sizes of these larger scraps together. You can then secure them with a rubber band or lay them flat in your container. That way you always start with a “fresh” roll of wrapping paper AND you can easily grab a smaller paper piece if you know you have a tiny gift to wrap.

Storing gift bags and tissue paper

Gift bags are reusable heroes of the wrapping world, but they can quickly become a crumpled mess. (Or your toddler might find them and make them her toys, wrapping everyone in the house a “present” everyday, so the bags become ripped, crumpled, and extra “loved”. Just a guess though.) To keep your bag storage neat, flatten them and then organize by size, stacking them large to small. Depending on how many gift bags you like to keep and what sizes you have, store these in their own larger container, the bottom of the wrapping paper container, a folder, a large zippered pouch, or another large bag. Tissue paper can go in a separate pouch or folder to avoid tears and wrinkles. Storing these together ensures you’ll never have to scramble for last-minute packaging again.

Wrangle the wrapping accessories

Small wrapping essentials like scissors, tape, tags, and bows deserve their own dedicated spot. I like to use a clear plastic container (or old shoebox tbh) with compartments to keep everything in place. This way, when you’re ready to wrap, you’ll have all your tools at your fingertips.

Organizing your gift wrapping supplies also means thinking about those adorable bows and ribbons. To keep them from getting squashed or tangled, store bows in a small box and ribbons on spools in a separate section of your container. If you have loose ribbons, wind them up and secure them with a clip or small piece of tape.

Do you even label, bro?

To make your future self happy, label the compartments (even sections) of your container. This small step can save you time when you’re rushing to finish wrapping a gift before a party. For example, one section could be labeled “Holiday Wrap,” another “Birthday Bags,” and so on. Understanding how to organize gift wrapping supplies thoroughly ensures every piece is where you expect it.

Create a portable wrapping station if you’re hardcore

If you wrap gifts frequently, you might consider setting up a portable wrapping station. A simple rolling cart outfitted with one of these bad boys can house all your gift wrapping supplies and easily move to wherever you’re working. This is especially handy during the holidays (aka now) when you might be wrapping gifts a lot of gifts at once!.

Is organizing gift wrapping supplies really worth the effort?

Taking the time to organize your gift wrapping supplies pays off in so many ways. Not only will you save time and frustration, but you’ll also avoid buying duplicates of items you already have. Plus, when everything is in one spot, wrapping gifts can become a fun, stress-free activity instead of a chore you keep procrastinating on.

Hopefully you gleaned some solid tips for how to organize gift wrapping supplies. If you did and you still are looking for someone to come take care of the task for you, I would love to help! Click here to schedule a complimentary consultation with me and we’ll get you on the books. Happy holidays!