Other than this older post about creating a wrapping paper station in our third bedroom, we haven’t talked much about organizing the countless supplies that accumulate in a craft room. The approach below is written with craft rooms in mind, but the method works for any organizing project in your home—from a linen closet to a toolbox or kitchen cabinets.
Step 1 — Lay It All Out — Gather every item you plan to organize and spread them out on a table, bed, or the floor. It’s tempting to skip this, but seeing everything at once helps you understand what you actually own and where each piece should live.
Step 2 — Purge — Remove anything you no longer need or want and put it in a donation or trash bag. If you haven’t used specific stickers, ribbons, papers, fabrics, or tools in two years, you probably won’t. Keep only the items you love and will use.
Step 3 — Group Like With Like — Sort remaining items into categories: painting supplies together, paper together, stationery together, scissors and hole punches together, and so on. Creating clear piles makes the next steps much easier.
Step 4 — Make a List — Look at your piles and note the types of containers you’ll need. Write down specifics: a large box for ribbons, several folders for stationery, stackable clear cubes for paint and brushes, etc. This list will guide your shopping and prevent impulse buys.
Step 5 — Shop Your Home — Before buying new storage, check what you already own. A caddy under a sink or a decorative basket could be repurposed for craft supplies. Even unusual containers, like glass cereal jugs, can corral ribbons or yarn effectively.
Step 6 — Buy Only What You Need — After using what you have, check your list for remaining items and shop for those specific needs at stores like Target, Ikea, The Container Store, or office supply shops. Stick to your list to avoid accumulating new clutter.
Step 7 — Keep a Cohesive Look — Choose containers with a common color or material to create a cohesive, polished display. All-white bins, woven baskets, or coordinated colored boxes will make the space feel intentional. You can repurpose larger decorative pieces as practical storage—a woven basket can hide a plastic trash liner, and a large planter can serve as a wrapping paper holder or garbage can.
Step 8 — Think Vertical — Use walls and vertical space to expand storage. Hang baskets or wall-mounted boxes, or add shelves to maximize usable area. Vertical storage keeps supplies accessible without taking up valuable floor or desk space.
Step 9 — Arrange for Function and Visibility — Place each category into its designated container, then arrange those containers for easy access and visibility. Stack smaller boxes on larger ones, use wire organizers for folders, or group similar containers together so you can quickly find what you need.
Step 10 — Add Finishing Touches — Make the space inviting by adding a few decorative elements: a rug, an attractive lamp, a vase of flowers, or framed artwork. Small details—like a pretty mug holding pencils and brushes or displaying nicest ribbons in an open box—make the room both functional and pleasant to spend time in.
Organizing a craft room can feel like a big project, but it’s often quicker and more satisfying than you expect. Clearing out long-forgotten items and giving your favorite supplies a proper home makes them easier to use and enjoy. Once the space is functional and tidy, it’s a lot more inviting—you may find yourself sitting down with a cup of tea to write a letter or start a new project, and wondering why you didn’t do this sooner.
To tour an inspiring craft space, consider Nicole’s studio at Making It Lovely.