Keeping craft supplies organized when you have young kids can feel like a never-ending battle. You love your kids and want to see their creativity shine 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 just want to tame the crafting tornado, this step-by-step guide will help you organize craft supplies in a way that’s practical, kid-friendly, and easy to maintain.
Step 1: Declutter and Sort
Before you can organize, you need to take inventory. Gather all the craft supplies from around your home and sort them into categories, such as:
- 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.
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. Look for:
- Clear bins for easy visibility.
- Labeled drawers for specific categories. Use our Classroom Supply Labels.
- 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.
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. 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.
Step 4: Label Everything (Yes, Everything!)
Labels are your best friend when organizing craft supplies. 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.
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
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.
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 their ready to move on to larger more complex activities and tasks.
Benefit: Prevents your system from becoming outdated or overcrowded.
Final Thoughts
Organizing kid-friendly craft supplies doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By decluttering, choosing the right storage, 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.
Be sure to subscribe to our blog and comment on how implementing some of these steps has helped you!
