When it comes to scrapbooking and 3D paper crafts, you tend to end up with a lot of of cardstock! Having an organized and efficient paper storage system is essential. Not only does it help you find the right paper easily, but it also protects your valuable supplies from damage. We’ve been asked a few times about how we store our paper so we’ve detailed that below as well as a few of the other popular options out there.
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Loose Sheet Cardstock Option
Accordion Folders or Magazine Holders
One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to store cardstock is by using an accordion folder or magazine holders. You can label the folders or holders by color, theme, or type of cardstock. This method allows you to easily flip through the folders or holders to find the specific cardstock you need. This option is great if you don’t have a huge supply of paper (some of us are a little extra!) and if you are okay with your paper being stored vertically rather than horizontally.
Paper Pack Storage
We don’t recommend the above storage system for paper packs as the sizing of the packs doesn’t fit nicely into the accordion files or magazine holders. Instead we recommend a different system for these.
Clear Plastic Containers
Clear plastic containers are an excellent choice for storing paper packs. They allow you to see the contents at a glance, making it easier to find the right paper pack. Additionally, these containers provide protection against dust, moisture, and potential damage. They can hold several paper packs, allowing you to organize by theme or color and they stack nicely for out of the way storage. If you have limited space or need to pack away all your supplies between uses, then something like this would work great!
Shelving Systems
These can be a little more expensive and take up more space but are more efficient for frequent users. Also they are ideal for paper hoarders (we plead the 5th there!)…
We’ve opted to use this system for all our paper. We store our 12×12 plain cardstock in the same slot as the same colored 8.5×11 plain cardstock and have them organized by colors of the rainbow. We also have all our paper packs in this system. To help easily identify the packs, we organized them by theme then added two labels to the glue side of the pack. One label has the brand and the other is the pack’s name. This gives us enough information to know if we should look through that pack while working on a project.
Vertical vs Horizontal Storage
When it comes to organizing your paper supplies, you have the option of storing them vertically or horizontally. We are fans of horizontal paper storage.
Vertical Storage
Vertical storage refers to storing your papers upright, similar to how books are stored on a bookshelf. Here are the pros and cons of vertical storage:
Pros:
- Maximizes vertical space, making it ideal for small craft rooms or limited storage areas.
- Allows for easy browsing and quick access to different paper packs or cardstock.
Cons:
- May require additional support or dividers to prevent papers from toppling over.
- Difficult to maintain perfect organization if papers are not labeled or sorted properly.
- May not be suitable for oversized or heavy paper packs.
- May cause bending or warping of papers, especially if not stored in sturdy and snug containers or holders.
Horizontal Storage
Horizontal storage involves laying your papers flat. Here are the pros and cons of horizontal storage:
Pros:
- Allows for easy organization and categorization of papers.
- Provides a flat surface for larger or heavier paper packs.
- Less likely to topple over compared to vertical storage.
Cons:
- Takes up more space compared to vertical storage.
- May require frequent rearranging to find the desired paper.
- Papers at the bottom of the stack may become less accessible.
Conclusion
Having an efficient paper storage system is crucial for scrapbooking and 3D paper crafts. Nobody wants to spend their time searching for the right paper or losing track of different paper packs. Whether you choose vertical or horizontal storage, the key is to keep your papers organized, protected, and easily accessible. Consider your available space, the size of your paper packs, and your personal preferences when deciding on the best storage method for your needs.
***Note that this post contains affiliate links and we may receive compensation if you buy something using one of our links. ***
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