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DIY Organizing Washi Tape Hacks

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Washi tape is a craft lover’s dream, but keeping all those colorful rolls neat and accessible can be a challenge. Instead of spending money on expensive organizers, try these 10+ free and easy organizing washi tape storage solutions using items you probably already have at home!

 2 trays of neatly organized colorful rolls of washi tape on white wood table with a few rolls laying on the table with title text reading Washi Tape Organizing That's Free

Washi tape is a magic craft product and one of my two most favorite craft products (can you guess the other?). It’s so easy to use, inexpensive and comes in hundreds of designs. It’s such a quick way to dress up organization and craft projects. And it comes in so many beautiful designs (that I just must have). I use it in many of my repurposed organization projects.

I recently took the time to organize my craft room.  Previously, I threw them all in my easy upcycled sweater box and called it good enough, but not the very bestway to store your washi tape.

rolls of washi tape piled messily in green box

I had my decorative tape contained, but knew I wanted a better washi tape storage option. I also knew that I didn’t want to purchase a holder or product. 

I chose to simply repurpose an item I already had to create an effective way to store my washi tape collection. And the best part? – It’s free and is the perfect way to store my craft supplies.

Washi Tape Organizing That’s Free

I always stop and examine any item I’m about to throw into the recycle bin. I relish the challenge of repurposing items for organizing and crafting. I’m always excited when I have a light bulb moment for saving items from the landfill and using them to tidy. 

These are 10 easy ideas to store your washi tape supplies that won’t cost a penny and really work. The first one is my favorite!

If you’re a thrifter, you can find some of these items at a thrift store if you don’t have them already:

  • Paper towel holder
  • Glass jars
  • Tin storage cans
  • Plastic bins or baskets
  • CD/DVD holders
  • Organization products designed for craft supplies

Repurpose Cookie Packing

Recently I was about to throw store bought cookie packaging into the recycling bin when I had a light bulb moment. Bing.

Plastic cookie holders with built-in compartments make the perfect washi tape organizers. The sections keep rolls from rolling around, making them easy to grab and store. 

empty plastic cookie tray on table with rolls of washi tape behind

See how those little troughs designed to hold the cookies look like they might hold a roll of washi tape? I almost ran to my craft room to see if the cookie container would work for washi tape organization.

close up of rolls of colorful washi tape lined up in tray

Are you as ridiculously happy as I am that the cookie tray perfectly holds the washi tape rolls?!

2 trays of neatly organized colorful washi tape on white wood table

A few weeks later (really, we don’t eat that many cookies!), I found that a different style of cookie tray that had three long troughs that also works perfectly for storing washi rolls. This second cookie container holds the wider rolls better.

Yes, you now have a certifiable reason to run to the store to buy cookies. You’re welcome. 

side view and overhead view of green sweater box with organized washi tape

I chose to store my washi tape organization trays in my upcycled sweater box and place the larger rolls on the sides. Look how beautifully organized the washi tape is. And it didn’t cost me a penny. Can you see my huge smile? (Wait, I don’t have any cookies in my teeth, do I?)

My organized washi tape box fits perfectly on a shelf and is easy to carry to my craft table when I need it. 

boxes and bins neatly organized on white book case

Paper Towel Holder

Slide the tape rolls onto the post of a holder designed for paper towels. You can place it vertically on a table or attach it horizontally to a pegboard or wall.

Egg Cartons

The individual sections in an egg carton are great for sorting smaller washi tape rolls. Cut the lid off and place the carton in a drawer for an instant washi tape holder.

A closed green cardboard egg carton, repurposed for free washi tape organizing, stands isolated on a white background.

Upcycled Tin Cans or Plastic Bottles

Clean and reuse empty cans to hold stacked washi tape rolls. For an extra crafty touch, decorate the outside with ….washi tape!

Or use my tutorial to make Recycled Bottle Organizers from empty plastic bottles.

3 clear bowls with colorful washi tape holding office supplies.

Cardboard Boxes

Three white rectangular boxes are shown: one closed, one open with a lid beside it, and one open with the lid removed—ideal for free washi tape organizing.

Use small jewelry, phone boxes or gift boxes as an easy way to create personalized storage tailored to your space and needs. Divide larger boxes into smaller compartments by cutting pieces of scrap cardboard or cardstock to create custom dividers.

Assorted colorful stationery, including pencils, scissors, clips, and sticky notes, are neatly arranged on a polka dot background for a vibrant washi tape organizing that's free of clutter.

Repurpose CD/DVD Spindles

Remember those old CD or DVD cases? Remove the cover and stack your washi tape on the spindle post—it keeps them secure and easy to see.

A clear plastic cylindrical CD spindle holder with a black base and central rod, perfect for storing and protecting multiple discs, or even organizing your washi tape collection for free.

Glass Jars for Decorative Storage

If you love aesthetic craft storage, try using glass jars like mason jars or repurposed food jars. They keep tape rolls visible and add a lovely touch to your workspace.

I love to use candle jars with pretty lids and food jars that have lid colors that work with my decor.

A neatly arranged shelf boasts jars of ribbons, spools, and washi tape, alongside a blue box labeled "Ribbon." Other storage containers and notebooks complete this harmonious space. All this organizing magic comes at no cost, proving that stylish order can indeed be free.

Cereal Box Drawer Organizer

Cut down a cereal box to create dividers inside a drawer or basket to create a custom washi tape  organizer. This lets you design your storage for your unique tape supply and use pattern.

Use Pretty Containers You Already Have

Look around your home for pretty decorative containers and even tea cups you already own and put them to work holding your supplies.

A ceramic bowl brims with purple washi tapes in polka dots, stripes, and solid colors, showcasing a clever organizing method that's free. One roll sits elegantly outside the bowl as if inviting your creative touch.

Plastic Takeout Containers

Sectioned restaurant takeout containers work well for storing different craft tape sizes. The containers allow you to stack them to utilize vertical space while keeping them dust-free.

A black plastic food tray, featuring two compartments and accompanied by a white plastic spoon nestled in one section, stands out against the plain white background. It's as functional as Washi Tape organizing—simple yet effective.

Shoebox Storage with Skewers

Turn a shoebox or plastic bin into a washi tape dispenser by poking holes in the sides and threading through straws, chopsticks, or wooden skewers. This lets you pull tape straight from the roll—no mess, no hassle!

You can use this idea I created for ribbon storage using dowel rods and a berry container.

Recycled berry container ribbon storage

More Craft Room Organizing Ideas

Tips to Organize a Craft Room – Simple tips to organize a craft room. Keeping the space organized gives you space to be creative and makes it easy to find your creative supplies.

image of messy craft room with text overlay

Ink Pad Storage Idea – Ink pad storage idea using a repurposed thrifted item that has made my crafting life much easier and solves all my craft organizing problems

Ink pad storage idea using a repurposed thrifted item that has made my crafting life much easier. DIY didn't I think of that sooner?! [sponsored] | Organized 31

65+ Crayon Storage Ideas – More than 65 crayon storage ideas, tips, products & DIY for home, travel & classroom. Helpful ideas for every budget, DIY skill level & need.

colorful crayons in a row on a white table

Check out all my favorite repurposed organizing ideas, crafts, hacks and more in the table below. You can scroll through the table and look for ideas or search for specific ideas with the magnifying glass in the upper right-hand corner (on desktop). Click on the topic and then click through the specific article.

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9 Comments

  1. I love the cookie tray idea. It’s all about having that eye to match containers with items. I use a different kind of cookie tray for very shallow drawers. It is perfect for eye pencils and other makeup items. Love this!

    1. You know how I live for repurposing items. 🙂 I use cookie trays to organize drawers, too, Seana. Great minds think alike when it comes to organizing and excuses to eat cookies.

  2. This is a great idea, and it made me laugh too! I don’t usually think about reusing our food containers, but now I’ll have to think about it before I throw them away.

    1. I go between laughing at myself because so many of my drawers are organized with repurposed food packaging and squealing over the next food packaging item I’ve found to repurpose. 🙂 It’s a great way to save money and to try out an organizing system before you invest in purchased organizing trays and bins, Brenda.

  3. Susan, you are seriously the Queen of organizing. The cookie trays are perfect for your Washi tape. I think you need to eat more cookies! I bet you could easily fill the little spots with more Washi tape.

  4. Oh I love this idea!! How fantastic!! My boys will thank you that I am now going to be buying store bought cookies for a bit.

  5. HI! A little late to the party, but I found a real cute way to store duck tape and or packing tape. A stand up toilet roll holder!!! Mine holds 5 duck tapes and several packing tapes on each side. To boot it also has a magazine rack!! I got a new one because the chrome wasn’t as shiny as it was once but a bit of elbow grease with a magic eraser cleaned it up, I keep mine under the desk. My washi tapes I keep on a bakers rack in a glass vase. I kept my favorites and gave away the rest…..I also have a lot of my supplies in tins – one in particular belonged to my father who once had tobacco inside it….the smell disappeared after many years – I used to sell Avon products and collected all their tins! Appreciate your great ideas!

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