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If you're a stationery lover like me, then you probably have an entire drawer (or basket or box or whatever) dedicated to your collection of washi tape. It's also likely that it's overflowing with rolls of different colors and patterns… or is this just me projecting? But what do you do when there simply isn't enough room? Take it from a washi tape hoarder - I've got a solution whether it’s low-budget or fancy!
(If you’re just a casual washi tape collector – that’s okay! I have solutions for you, too.)
And to my newbies – if you’re confused about what washi tape is or want to learn more about it, check out this blog post.
Why Washi Tape Storage Matters
Washi tape storage is a necessity for any crafter but it’s also one of those things that many people tend not to think about until they need it. And then they realize they don’t have any on hand or have too much of it in an unorganized mess, so getting organized will help keep everything neat and tidy for when inspiration strikes. That way, all you have to worry about is which pretty washi tape you’ll use and not where your washi tape is when the time comes!
It's easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of washi tape you have, and even more so if you don't have a good way to organize it all! Of course, I’m really speaking about people who have a ton of it, but this is still applicable to people who don’t have a lot of washi tape. Because instead of a crazy mess, you might have an issue trying to figure out where your washi tape is if you don’t store it properly or neatly!
The best thing about organizing your washi tape collection is that it can be done in many different ways. There’s really no one right way or wrong way and it just depends on what works best for you and your space.
One of my biggest mistakes early on in washi tape storage was trying to mold my space to fit the aesthetic that other people had that I loved. But this didn’t always work out for me because no two spaces are exactly the same, so as you are figuring out your storage, think about how you use your washi tape, how much space you have, and what will actually work for you. For example – if you don’t have a dedicated craft room, don’t buy a huge organizer that you’ll end up having to cram under your desk or stash in the closet in your bedroom. Or, if you really hate a certain kind of aesthetic, don’t use a solution that you won’t love otherwise you’ll just hate looking at it and it becomes more of a nuisance than something that should make your life easier!
Clever Ways to Store Your Washi Tape Collection
Here are some ideas for how you can store your washi tape, but don’t think you have to just stick to one thing. Mix and match what works best for your space, make it aesthetic, and make it fun!
Mason Jars
Large empty mason jars are perfect for storing small rolls of tape that you don't use often. Just punch holes in the lid and add some ribbon or twine for extra decoration! The only downside to this is that if you put too much washi tape in the jar, it may be a pain to grab the one you want (especially if it’s at the bottom). But, if you’re okay with dumping it all out and grabbing the one you want, this option is very low fuss and low maintenance. And, it’s super affordable and sustainable because you can always reuse the mason jar.
I personally like to use mason decorative mason jars or non-branded mason jars. These two linked options are super budget-friendly as well!
Ice Cube Trays
This one seems random, but I swear it works. Ice cube trays are great for keeping things organized – all you have to do is stick washi tapes into individual ice cube molds and voila, you are done. The downside? This isn’t super compact and can be a bit bulky depending on the size of your ice tray. And, unless you are using the washi tape to stick the rolls so that they remain secure in each ice cube mold, they could just slide right out. This is only great for flat surfaces that you won’t disrupt often.
Shoe Boxes
Shoe boxes are a great (and easy) option if you have lots of different kinds of washi tapes – just put them all into one big box and label each side so it's easy to find what you need when crafting time comes around again! The only downside to this is that you’d be moving an unorganized mess into a more contained unorganized mess. However, you’d be able to reuse your empty shoe boxes and you can decorate them in any way that you’d like – super resourceful, low-budget/cost-friendly!
Storage Organizers
If you're looking for something that can be easily stored and moved around, try an organizer. Since they come in all shapes and sizes, you can find one that fits your needs perfectly and use it within your crafting space or on the go. I personally like the ones that have pre-built compartments (bonus points if it's adjustable!).
Super great for storing and organizing your washi collection! They're also an easy way to keep your tape organized, so you can find it when you need it. There are many different types of dispensers on the market, but here are some tips for choosing the right one:
Look for a dispenser with a clear lid so that you can see what's inside without having to open up the entire container (or take out all your tapes).
Make sure there's enough room inside for all your rolls--if not, consider buying two or three smaller ones instead of one large one!
Check out some of my favorites:
Storage Cube Organizer (my top choice is below!)
Magnetic Boards and Pegboards
Magnetic boards and pegboards come in many different shapes and sizes so they'll fit any space in your home or office perfectly, which makes them perfect for storing all kinds of things like photos, notes, calendars, and washi tapes. This type of storage is especially helpful if you have many different colors and patterns of washi tape because it allows you to see all of your options at once. I don’t personally use this method because I don’t like hanging a lot of things on my walls (I find it overwhelming), but I have some friends who swear by it!
Washi Tape Dispensers
Washi tape dispensers are great for storing AND using your washi tapes more regularly. My favorite washi tape tool and organizer combo is a dispenser. The dispenser is pretty much a tape dispenser, but with more room so you can store multiple washi tapes.
Washi Tape Travel Cases or Pencil Bags
This is the most convenient way to store your washi tape, and it can be used for all sorts of other things as well. Pencil cases or zipper pouches are already designed for stationery and can fit small rolls of washi tape that don't come with their own packaging. This is a great option if you want something easy to carry around, especially if you’re going to use washi tape on the go! I like to use this method when I work in coffee shops or if I'm going on a trip and need to bring some of my stationery supplies with me.
Here are some of my favorite pencil bags -- all under $15 and in a variety of colors!
From left to right:
Organizing Your Washi Tape By Concept
Organizing your washi tape by concept can be important and fun for a number of reasons. First, it can help you to find the perfect tape for your project quickly and easily. Second, organizing by theme can help you to see all of the different possibilities for your projects. Finally, organizing by theme can be simply fun! It's a great way to show off your creativity and get inspired for your next project.
By Color
If you're a fan of organization, this is the method for you. This method involves sorting your washi tape collection by color and keeping each color group in its own box or container. You can choose to sort them into rainbow order or use a color wheel as a reference when deciding where to put each roll.
This way is great if you like seeing all of your tapes together in one place but don't want them mixed up with other craft supplies. It also makes it easy to grab any particular shade when inspiration strikes!
By Length
If you're looking for a way to organize your washi tape collection that's both unique and easy on the eyes, try organizing by length.
This method is great because it doesn't require any fancy tools or equipment – all you need is some cardboard and a pencil. You can use this method with both standard-sized rolls of washi tape (which are usually about 2 inches wide) or smaller ones (about 1 inch wide). Rolling the tapes up into coils will make them easier to store in binders or boxes without having them get tangled up in one another.
By Theme
If you are looking for a more creative way to organize your washi tape collection, consider organizing by theme. For example, if you have a lot of beach-themed tapes, create a section for it and put all of those tapes in there. Or if you have a lot of holiday-themed tapes (such as Christmas), create an entire section just for those types of designs!
This method is great because it allows people who love certain themes to find their favorites easily without having to dig through all their other tapes first. If they're looking for something specific and don't want anything else getting in their way when searching through their stash at home or work (or wherever else they may keep all these things), this method makes sense because it allows them to focus solely on what matters most – finding exactly what they need right away.
Tips for Storing Washi Tape
Here are a few tips and tricks for storing washi tape that I’ve learned over the years:
Label your washi tape organizers, especially if you can’t clearly see into whatever you are using to hold them – you don’t want to have to open up every single box or jar! It’s not a big deal if you have a small collection, but for those who have a lot of washi tape, not labeling your organizers is essentially organizing only 50% and then not finishing because you’d still have to guess where everything is later on!
Similar to other paper products, store your washi tape out of direct sunlight – sunlight fades colors on paper products very quickly!
Keep your washi tape away from heat and humidity. Washi tape is delicate, so don't store it in an area where there's a lot of moisture. If possible, keep your washi rolls in a cool place. Temperature differences could cause damage over time.
Rotate your tapes regularly. This will help to prevent them from getting dusty or damaged.
Have fun! Organizing your washi tape can be a creative and rewarding experience. So take your time, be patient, and enjoy the process.
If you have a large collection of washi tape, you may want to use a combination of storage methods, which will help you keep your tape organized and easy to find. For example, you could use a storage box for your most frequently used rolls and a hanging organizer for your less frequently used rolls.
No matter how you choose to store your washi tape, make sure that you choose a method that works for you. The most important thing is to find a way to keep your tape organized so that you can easily find the perfect roll for your project. Take it from a washi tape hoarder, nothing is more annoying than not being able to find the right washi tape when you need it – whether it’s so you can use it at the moment or figure out if you need to buy it or not.
Out of curiosity, how much washi tape do you have? Would love to see your collection!