Paint. Glitter. Markers with no caps. Construction paper that multiplies overnight. If you have young kids, you already know that “art time” is equal parts creativity and chaos. And while we love nurturing our little Picassos, no one wants their house littered with glitter or have to fish crayons out of couch cushions.
Good news: There are actual, functional, sanity-saving products out there that can help. Whether you homeschool, teach, or simply live with enthusiastic crafters, these organization ideas are designed to tame the art tornado.
1. Rolling Art Carts
These 3-tier metal carts on wheels are basically an organized parent’s dream. Use one tier for coloring supplies, another for paint and glue, and a third for paper and stickers. Bonus: You can roll it out of the way when guests come over or when you need the dining table for—imagine this—eating.
- Easy to move between rooms
- Customizable with bins, jars, and magnetic cups
- Looks cute and keeps supplies out of drawers
2. Stackable Drawer Units
If you’ve got a corner or closet to dedicate to craft supplies, stackable plastic drawer units can do serious organizing work. Label each drawer by supply type (Markers, Paint, Paper) and give your child a quick lesson in how to put things back. (Wishful thinking? Maybe. But at least *you* know where things go.)
3. Clear Plastic Bins with Lids
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. Use clear bins so you can see what’s inside, and stack them to save space. Great for seasonal crafts, puzzles, extra coloring books, or backup glue sticks. Add labels and you’re golden.
Pro tip: Store them on a cube shelf so everything stays accessible but contained.
4. Lazy Susans (Seriously)
You heard us. A Lazy Susan isn’t just for spices—load it with markers, glue, scissors, and colored pencils. It’s a fantastic way for multiple kids to share supplies without knocking over everything in sight. Plus, it’s fun to spin. (We recommend supervised spins only.)
5. Hanging Closet Shoe Organizer
This might be the most underrated art supply organization hack on the list. A hanging shoe organizer can hold paints, brushes, stickers, glitter tubes—you name it. Hang it on the back of a door or inside a closet and enjoy all those little pockets of organized joy.
6. Divided Art Caddies
These are perfect for keeping things portable. A divided art caddy lets kids grab what they need and work wherever inspiration strikes—at the table, in the playroom, or even outside. Once they’re done, just toss the supplies back in and go.
Bonus: They’re easy for little hands to carry without making a mess (well, mostly).
7. Clip Decor Wall Display
Not technically for organizing supplies—but so good for corralling finished art. Mount this handy art organizer on the wall and rotate your kids’ creations as they make new ones. It keeps their masterpieces off the fridge (and the floor) and gives them a sense of pride.
8. Pencil Boxes or Supply Cases
For on-the-go organization or kids who like to keep their own set of tools, pencil boxes are a lifesaver. They stack easily in drawers or bins, and keep small items like erasers, sharpeners, and tiny hands-off glitter under control.
9. Art Supply Labels
Not a product in itself—but a game-changer. Buy our cute labels for your bins and drawers so everyone knows what goes where. Bonus points if you include pictures for non-readers. It encourages independence and reduces the constant “Mom, where’s the scissors?” loop.
10. Wall-Mounted Paper Organizer
Is your child a paper hoarder? Get ahead of the pile-up with a wall-mounted paper sorter. Store printer paper, construction paper, coloring sheets, and scrap paper separately. Some come with up to 10 slots—and you’ll use every one of them.
Final Thoughts: Organized Chaos Is Still a Win
You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect art station to stay sane—just a few smart tools and a system that works for your space. Whether it’s a single cart or a fully decked-out craft closet, these products can help corral the creative mess and give you back your surfaces—and your sanity.
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