Truckers tip. Remove the long strap from the ratchet. Start at the end WITHOUT the hook, and wind it up. You do it like that, so when you throw the strap over the load, you don't clunk someone on the head on the otherside of the load with the hook, it hurts. Keep your straps on top of each other in your storage box, and the ratchets as well. No need for zipties, rubber bands or anything.

Another tip. Don't let the excess strap just flap in the breeze, it'll fray. Tuck the end into the ratchet, and give it a crank. End is now secure. Then layer the rest of the strap onto itself, tuck it between the load and strap, and give it another crank, until strap is tight. Also, when inserting strap into ratchet, give it half a turn, that way the strap won't vibrate as bad in the wind, and cause fraying along it's length.

I do it every day.

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'04 Edge, Scab/flareside, 2wd, 3.0, 5 speed, 4:10 open. Billet grille, Raceline Raptor black wheels, 265/75/16 DuraTracs. Tbar crank, AAL. Fox shocks, Thrush welded SI/DO swept back side exit. Morimoto projectors, '06 tails and power mirrors. LEDs all the way around. Blacked out fender badge. Access Limited rollup tonneau. 5% tint on back three windows. Airbox mod, FWIW. And a Border Collie that likes it too!!