Taming the Gift Wrap Closet: How to Organize Holiday Leftovers
After the holidays, wrapping paper, ribbons, and gift bags seem to multiply overnight. Before you shove everything into a closet or bin, take a few minutes to organize what’s left. A tidy wrapping system saves space, makes future gifting easier, and keeps you from rebuying what you already own.
Start with a clean slate
Gather all your wrapping materials in one place — rolls of paper, tissue, ribbons, bows, gift bags, cards, and tags. Seeing it all together is the quickest way to realize how much you have (and what can go). Sort into piles:
Keep: items you’ll actually use again.
Donate: unused or gently used bags and ribbons in good condition.
Recycle: torn paper, ripped bags, and anything too crumpled to save.
If you have leftover foil or glitter wrapping paper, note that it usually can’t be recycled — drop it at a Cherry Creek Recycling Drop-Off center instead of mixing it into your curbside bin.
Choose one contained setup
The best wrapping systems are compact and easy to grab when needed. Choose based on your space:
Closet or utility area: a tall bin or hanging gift wrap organizer that holds rolls vertically.
Under the bed: a long, flat storage box for paper and bags.
Small apartment or condo: a clear plastic tote with a lid and a removable tray for ribbon, tape, and scissors.
Label it clearly — “Gift Wrap & Cards” — and commit to keeping all supplies inside that one system. Limiting the space prevents accumulation.
Sort by category for easy access
Within your container, divide by use:
Paper & bags: organized by color or occasion (birthday, holiday, neutral).
Tissue & filler: stacked or folded into a file folder or shallow bin.
Ribbons & bows: in jars or small boxes so they don’t tangle.
Cards & tags: together in an envelope or zip pouch.
If you tend to reuse gift bags, store them flat by size, with tissue tucked inside each one for next time.
Create a mini “wrap station” kit
Keep the essentials together so you never have to search for scissors or tape again. A simple caddy or pouch should hold:
Tape
Scissors
Pens and markers
Gift tags
Ribbon or twine
During the holidays, move this kit wherever you’re wrapping; afterward, tuck it back into your main container so it’s ready for next time.
Keep extras realistic
Many people save more than they can possibly reuse. A quick test: if you have enough wrap or bags to last more than two years, it’s too much. Pick your favorites, let go of the rest. You’ll thank yourself when next December arrives and everything still feels organized.
Reduce waste next year
A little planning goes a long way:
Stick to neutral paper (kraft, gold, silver) that works year-round.
Save sturdy boxes from deliveries to reuse for wrapping.
Recycle or compost paper-based wrap and skip anything shiny or laminated.
Keep a small “regift” bin for new items you received but won’t use — label it clearly and store it near your wrapping kit.
These habits help prevent next year’s post-holiday clutter from repeating itself.
A calm, organized wrapping setup makes gifting enjoyable again — no frantic searching, no wasted supplies. Strategic Spaces helps Denver homeowners create small systems that make a big difference, from closets to craft rooms and beyond.
Book your consultation today and make next year’s gifting season smooth, sustainable, and stress-free.
