Other than this age-old post about creating a small wrapping paper station and craft table in our third bedroom, we haven’t talked much about organizing large quantities of supplies. Below is a clear, practical method we use for organizing a craft room—though the same approach works equally well for a linen closet, a toolbox, or kitchen cabinets.
Step #1. Get Everything Out — Pull every item you plan to organize into one open space: a table, the floor, or a bed. Seeing all your supplies together is essential. It prevents guesswork and reveals duplicates, expired items, or things you’ve forgotten you owned. Skipping this step leads to impulse buys and poor storage choices.
Step #2. Purge Ruthlessly — Create a donation or discard pile for anything you don’t need. If you haven’t used certain stickers, ribbons, stamps, papers, or fabrics in a couple of years, let them go. Reducing volume makes it simpler to find and use the items you love.
Step #3. Group Like With Like — Sort the remaining items into categories: paints and brushes, paper, stationery, cutting tools, adhesives, etc. Clear groupings help you decide what types of containers or shelving you’ll need and keep daily tasks efficient.
Step #4. Make a List — Stand back and inventory the piles. Note what containers or organizers would best suit each group: a large box for ribbons, several folders for stationery, stackable clear cubes for paints, and so on. Writing this down prevents unnecessary purchases and ensures you bring the right storage home.
Step #5. Reuse What You Already Have — Investigate other rooms before buying new storage. That oversized caddy under the sink or an unused basket could be perfect for craft supplies. Even everyday items like glass cereal jugs can be repurposed to hold yarn or ribbon.
Step #6. Buy Only What You Need — After using what you already have, purchase the remaining items from stores that fit your budget and style. Bring your written list and stick to it. Avoid attractive extras that don’t solve a storage problem; they often become new clutter.
Step #7. Choose a Cohesive Look — Select containers that share a color, material, or style for a tidy, intentional feel. All-white bins, woven baskets, metal tins, or a single color palette will make the space look organized and curated. Even your trash can or wrapping paper holder can match the aesthetic—a large planter or woven basket works nicely if you protect it with a liner.
Step #8. Use Vertical Space — Don’t ignore walls and vertical surfaces. Hang baskets, shelves, pegboards, or wall-mounted caddies to free up floor and desktop space. Vertical storage multiplies capacity without crowding the room.
Step #9. Arrange for Function — Place each sorted group into its designated container and arrange them for easy access and visibility. Stack boxes thoughtfully—small on top of large—use wire organizers for folders, and keep frequently used items within arm’s reach. The goal is a layout that encourages creativity rather than creating obstacles.
Step #10. Add Personal Touches — Make the space welcoming with a few decorative elements. A soft rug, a nice lamp, a framed photo or a vase of flowers can turn a tidy craft zone into a space you enjoy spending time in. Small, inexpensive details—like a pretty mug holding brushes or an open basket displaying attractive ribbons—make a big difference.
While organizing can feel like a large task, it’s surprisingly satisfying and often quicker than you expect. Clearing out years of accumulated supplies frees up space, reduces stress, and makes it easier to use and enjoy the things you kept. A clean, functional crafting area encourages projects, so you’ll soon find yourself relaxing with a cup of tea and a letter at a neatly organized desk—and wondering why you waited so long to tidy your craft corner.