Keeping craft supplies organized when you have young kids can feel like a never-ending battle. You love their creativity. You love the little masterpieces. But between crayons under the couch and glue sticks mysteriously disappearing, it’s easy for things to spiral into chaos.
Whether you're a homeschool parent or you just want to tame the crafting tornado, this step-by-step guide will help you build a simple, kid-friendly craft supply organization system that actually lasts. (Yes, even with toddlers. Yes, even if your “craft station” is the kitchen table.)
Quick note: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Simplicity Home Living!
Want even more product ideas for organizing kids’ art supplies? After you finish this guide, check out: 10 Genius Products to Organize Kids' Art Supplies. It pairs perfectly with the system below.
Step 1: Declutter and Sort
Before you can organize, you need to take inventory. Gather all the craft supplies from around your home (playroom bins, backpacks, junk drawers, the “mystery pile” on the counter) and sort them into categories:
- Coloring materials: crayons, markers, colored pencils
- Adhesives: glue, tape, glue sticks
- Papers: construction paper, cardstock, coloring books
- Specialty items: beads, pipe cleaners, glitter, scissors
What to do: Toss dried-up markers, crumpled papers, and broken supplies. Store or donate unopened extras you don’t need.
Benefit: Starting with a clean slate makes organizing less overwhelming and ensures you’re only keeping useful items.
Tip (do this while you sort): Create two quick piles: Everyday Crafts (things used weekly) and Special Occasion (glitter, paint, specialty kits). Your future self will thank you.
Step 2: Choose Kid-Friendly Storage Containers
Once you've decluttered, it’s time to select storage options that are accessible and safe for kids. When you’re organizing kids craft supplies, visibility + containment are the whole game. Look for:
- Clear bins for easy visibility
- Labeled drawers for specific categories
- Rolling carts to make supplies portable
Our Favorite Picks:
What to do: Assign each type of craft supply to its own container. Label them with words or pictures (or our classroom supply labels. Use promo code "SIMPLEBOGO" to buy them and get any other label free!) so even younger kids can help with cleanup.
Benefit: Reduces the “Mom, where’s the glue?” moments and encourages independence.
Pick your setup:
- Small space: 3-tier rolling cart + a few clear bins
- Playroom: cube shelf + labeled baskets + a “daily art” drawer
- Homeschool: bins by subject (art, scissors, glue, paper) + label everything
If your supplies live alongside toys, you’ll also love: Toy Storage Solutions That Make Cleanup Faster—and Playtime Better. Same concept: simple zones, clear homes, easier resets.
Step 3: Create a Designated Crafting Zone
To minimize messes, set up a specific area for crafting. This could be a corner in your kitchen, a playroom, or even a small section of your homeschool space. A dedicated zone is one of the best “invisible” tricks for kids craft supply storage because it keeps the chaos contained.
Equip it with:
- A small table and chairs
- An easy-to-clean surface (like a plastic tablecloth)
- Wall-mounted storage or pegboards for frequently used supplies
Our Favorite Picks:
- Adjustable Kids Art Table with Storage (Our toddlers use this daily!)
- Pegboard Wall Organizer Set
What to do: Arrange the supplies so kids can grab what they need without making a mess. Keep messy items like paints or glitter on higher shelves.
Benefit: Keeps craft time contained to one area, making cleanup easier.
If you’re building a homeschool space too, don’t miss: Top Homeschool Organization Tools That Make Lesson Planning Easier and How to Create the Ultimate Home Classroom. Both have great storage + setup ideas that work beautifully for craft zones.
Step 4: Label Everything (Yes, Everything!)
Labels are your best friend when organizing kids craft supplies — especially if your goal is “kids can clean up without asking 14 questions.” Use:
- Words for older kids
- Pictures for toddlers and preschoolers
- Color-coded bins for different categories
- Our Classroom Supply Labels
Our Favorite Picks:
What to do: Add labels to every container, drawer, or shelf. Get your kids involved by letting them decorate the labels—it makes them more invested in the system.
Benefit: Clear labeling ensures supplies end up in the right place after each use.
Step 5: Rotate Supplies to Keep Things Fresh
Kids can get bored if they see the same supplies every day. Rotating items not only keeps their interest but also prevents overwhelming clutter. (This is one of the most underrated hacks for craft storage ideas for small spaces.)
What to do: Store excess supplies in a separate bin and rotate them every few weeks. This works especially well for seasonal items like holiday-themed stickers or colored papers.
Benefit: Keeps crafting exciting and prevents overstocking in the main crafting zone.
Consider getting a CreativeArts Craft Kit to always have creative crafts for your children to do!
Step 6: Establish a Cleanup Routine
Even the best organization system will fail without consistent maintenance. Make cleanup part of the crafting experience by turning it into a game:
- Set a timer and see how fast they can clean up (and track their times!)
- Reward kids with stickers or extra craft time for helping
The 3-step “no drama” reset:
- Trash: scraps, broken bits, dried glue blobs
- Return: markers → marker bin, paper → paper bin
- Wipe: quick table wipe so the area is ready next time
What to do: Ensure kids clean up before they start their next activity. Encourage them to remember how everything was before they pulled out their supplies and maybe even use a visual checklist for younger kids to remind them of the steps to clean up.
Benefit: Teaches responsibility and ensures your beautifully organized space stays that way.
If you want a fast declutter “jumpstart” (especially before setting up your craft station), try: 30 Things to Declutter Right Now. It’s a great warm-up when you’re already in sorting mode.
Step 7: Plan for Growth
Craft supplies have a way of multiplying, especially when kids discover new hobbies. Be proactive by leaving room for future additions.
What to do: Allocate a couple of extra bins or drawers for new supplies. Periodically reassess your system and tweak it as needed. Don't be surprised when they're ready to move on to larger, more complex activities and tasks.
Benefit: Prevents your system from becoming outdated or overcrowded.
Quick FAQ: Organizing Kids Craft Supplies
What’s the best way to organize kids craft supplies?
Use clear bins + labels + zones. Keep “daily use” supplies accessible, and store messy/special items higher or in a separate rotation bin.
How do I organize craft supplies in a small space?
A rolling cart + a few clear lidded bins is the easiest solution. Vertical storage (like a pegboard) helps keep the table surface clear.
How do I get my kids to actually clean up?
Labels + a timer + a consistent routine. Make cleanup a non-negotiable “closing activity” before they move on.
Final Thoughts
Organizing kid-friendly craft supplies doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By decluttering, choosing the right storage, labeling clearly, and involving your kids in the process, you can create a system that works for the whole family. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection — it’s to make crafting fun and stress-free.
Want the easiest “start here” step?
Grab labels, assign homes, and let your kids help. It’s the fastest way to reduce daily chaos.
Shop Classroom Supply Labels (SIMPLEBOGO) →Be sure to subscribe to our blog and comment on how implementing some of these steps has helped you!
