Basket Case Friday

Every Friday I highlight some favorite storage solutions just in case you’re getting ready to do some organizing over the weekend.

This one is kind of a Christmas in July theme.  I know that the decorations and wrappings haunt us long after the holiday is over. 

I just completed a Closet  Caper that included organizing all the various items we need for wrapping Christmas presents.  There was tons of different stuff in this closet including birthday wrapping paper, along with some Easter items, but the majority of the wrapping stuff was Christmas.  

Solution #1 

I really liked the Rubbermaid Horizontal Wrapping Station. 

• Holds Five 30″ Rolls Of Wrapping Paper
  • Loading the rolls was easy
  • I consolidated paper rolls - rolling red paper together onto one, green paper onto another, and so on to try to get my roll number down to five
  • Accepts ‘fat’ rolls - bulkier rolls can affect stored size of organizer
  • Not sure how easy it will be to actually measure and cut paper right from the roll while it is in the Rubbermaid Station 
• Holds one Row Of Ribbon
  • I look at this as possible extra paper storage if there are few or no ribbon spools
• Additional Storage For Gift Wrap Accessories
  • Loved the extra pockets for gift tags, tape, scissors, pens 
  • The verdict is still out on whether the bows stored here will look good come Christmas!
• Rolls Into Compact Size For Easy Carrying
  • It does roll up nicely and has elastic bands that go around the edges for a neater look
  • An adjustable fastener in the center ‘locks’ the roll closed
• Can Be Used Over The Door
  • It was too wide for our closet door

Company quote:  “Rubbermaid Horizontal Wrapping Station - Holds five rolls of 30 wrapping paper and one row of ribbons, making them easy to dispense and cut. Can be used over the door to keep all gift wrapping supplies in one organized place. Four see-through pockets hold gift wrap accessories and 2 specialty pocket holds scissors and tape. The Gift Wrap Station can also be used on a flat surface and rolls into a compact size for carrying or storage. Folds down when not in use for easy storage.”

I agree with the company statement and can add that I felt a sense of calm as I tucked that light, neat roll of ‘holiday’ into its spot in the closet.  Ahhhhhhh…

Solution #2 

This next one comes from the JOKARI company.  Its a Gift Bag Organizer that hangs in the closet.

Company quote: “Organize your wide collection of colorful gift bags in this space saving solution! Vinyl organizer protects bags from being folded, dust, and getting lost. Transparent design makes bags easy to see and choose from. Great for the holidays, birthdays, weddings, and every other special occasion! Store bags, tissue paper, ribbon, cards, etc. Comes complete with a sturdy metal hanger and a pocket for scissors.”

I LOVED this product. 
It totally ROCKS for storing tissue paper and bags.  I put all Christmas themed stuff on one side and anything else on the other side.  There were some instances where I needed to strategically place bags so you could always view every item being stored, but that was really no big deal compared to the organization that took place! 
It was such a huge relief to have that huge tangle of bags become ordered and manageable.  I just know its gonna save my client money since she can now SEE what she has and STOP buying more bags and more tissue and more, more , more!

I loved this Jokari product SO much that I’m going to try their Gift Wrap Organizer the next chance I get!

Take Some Hassle Out of the Holiday 

Part of the reason I am so stressed during the holidays is because of my ‘Last Minute List’.  Its all the things that cling onto my brain, but I keep putting off since they involve a lot of running around AND buying gifts is the priority until the very end. 

So, getting the wrapping organized is really a HUGE step towards simplifying the holiday.  When I can see what I have I am better able to determine what I REALLY need  which leads to saving time and money. 

My client could not believe it when I handed her an inventory list so she can what she needs for the upcoming holiday.  I also included on that list a few items that she does NOT need - you know those things that we mindlessly add to the cart ‘Just in Case’.  She’s now ready for Christmas - even if it is only July!