Following a hectic holiday season, you may have leftover gift wrap and packaging supplies that need to be put away for future use. Before throwing them in a bag and heading for the nearest closet, here are a few tips that may help you organize these items for easy access next time they are needed.
1. Seal open bags or ribbons, tags, or bows. Use a rubber band or bag clip to close these fully to prevent their spilling of items throughout the storage area, especially when kids rummage around looking for other things. Tape the loose ends of remaining tubes of gift wrap paper to keep the entire roll from fluttering loosely and getting crumpled or wrinkled. All items should be contained in their own storage bag or unit.
2. Use empty gift boxes to sort bows and line them up in rows to prevent them from getting crushed. Use a bit of tape to stick them to the bottom of the box so they won't roll around when the box is moved. Then tape the box closed so it can't fall open and spill the bows everywhere in case some should come loose. You can use boxes to store spools of ribbon or packages of gift tags, as well. Label the boxes with a marker unless you want to use them again, in which case you can tape a label on the box for easy identification.
3. Watch for sales to buy those large vinyl or plastic storage containers. The Christmas varieties are sometimes red and green, but any color will do. Clear is good if you want to see at a glance what is inside. Then store heavier items like gift boxes at the bottom of the container, placing lighter items like packages of bows or tags on top. Attach a label to each container that lists the contents inside so you can find things readily when they are needed.
4. You can buy cylinder-shaped plastic containers for storing long tubes of unused gift wrap. Check department stores for these items, which typically run around five dollars each. Store gift wrap inside to keep it from getting yellow, wet, or wrinkled while in the basement or attic. You may want to get matching plastic containers for the other gift wrap supplies to keep them color-coordinated, and thus easier to find later.
5. Don't forget to keep an extra pair of scissors, scotch tape, and a pen or marker with your gift wrap supplies. Buy additional items on sale so you won't have to dig them out for regular household use. Blunt-nose scissors may be fine for snipping wrapping paper, and smaller varieties won't take much storage room. Leave the unused tape dispensers unopened to prevent the stickiness from collecting dust. Place the marker or pen with scissors and tape in their own box and mark it "wrapping tools" or something to that effect.
Storing unused gift wrap supplies neatly will ensure that they are ready and waiting for the next holiday gift-giving occasion. Don't be caught rushing around looking for lost items or buying new ones when you can take a container or two out of the closet with your supplies fresh and ready for your use.
