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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cardboard Boxes

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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
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.
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.

I’m a mom of 3, a veteran, military spouse. I’ve moved into 20+ homes all around the world. My passion is helping busy people make the space and time for what’s really important to them. Learn more about Organized 31 and me.


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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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I’m always happy to suggest buying cookies, Joanne. 🙂
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!
Thanks for sharing your great repurposed organizing ideas! You know how happy new ideas make me.????