4 Super-Organized Women Spill Their Secrets

The Happy Wrapper

Janet Simon
Interior designer and mother of four, Morristown, New Jersey 

An Amazing Gift-Wrapping Station

One wall of Janet’s spare room is outfitted with drawers that house 30 rolls of paper and 100 spools of ribbon. There’s a closet with hold-for-later presents and a glass-topped counter for wrapping.
 
Genesis of the system: “Wrapping is something I love doing,” says Janet. “Having a place to keep all my supplies―and not having to wrap big gifts on the floor―was a dream of mine.”
 
Payoff: “It makes putting together a nice gift relaxing. My family uses it, too. They like having everything there when they need it. And I never have trouble locating presents I’ve bought in advance.”
 
Advice for wrappers: “Don’t junk up your supplies with little scraps you’re unlikely to use. And keep your scissors sharp. I have two pairs―one for paper, one for ribbon and fabric―and they never leave the wrapping area, so they don’t get overused.”
 
Can't live without: “My Black and Blum heavy-weight tape dispenser [$60, dwr.com]. You can use it with one hand, and it never budges.”
 
Seminal organizing memory: “Taking the tip of the iron and pressing my Barbie’s black-and-white sundress. I ironed all her clothes and hung them by length in that little pink case.”