How to Organize Art Supplies | The Ultimate Guide (2023)

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Last Updated on December 23, 2022 by Dee

Are you an artist or crafter in need of some organizing inspiration? With the new year just around the corner, now is a great time to start planning for how you’re going to get all those art and craft supplies organized!

You no longer have to feel overwhelmed with your cluttered space; take control in 2023 by taking inventory, decluttering, and creating an efficient art supply storage system that works best for you.

In this ultimate guide on how to organize art supplies, we’ll discuss different methods and tips so that you can establish a more relaxed working environment.

No matter if you’re a painter seeking pristine order or just want simple solutions that make it easy to access what you need when the creativity strikes–you will find something here!

Table of Contents

  1. For every minute spent organizing art supply storage, an hour is earned!
  2. How to Organize Art Supplies
  3. How can I organize my art supplies at home?
    1. Start by decluttering. 
    2. Think vertically. 
    3. Invest in storage solutions.
    4. Consider your workflow. 
  4. How to Organize Painting Supplies
  5. How to Organize Acrylic Paint Supplies
  6. How to Organize and Store Art Supplies in a Small Space
  7. How to Organize Art Supplies in Your Classroom
    1. Designate a place for storing art supplies.
    2. Sort your supplies into categories.
    3. Label everything.
    4. Collect plastic containers.
    5. Invest in a drying rack.
    6. Regularly clean out the art supplies. 
  8. How to Organize Homeschool Art Supplies
  9. How to Organize Your Art Studio
    1. Start by decluttering.
    2. Create storage solutions that work for you. 
    3. Personalize your space. 
  10. How to Organize Your Art Cart
  11. How to Organize Craft Supplies on a Budget
    1. Reuse & Repurpose 
  12. How do artists stay organized?
  13. How to Make an Art Supplies Organizer
  14. How to Organize Your Kid’s Art Supplies
    1. See-through Containers
    2. Labeling
    3. Designate an area
  15. How to Organize Kid’s Drawings
    1. One option is to keep all of the drawings together in a box or album. 
    2. Select a few favorites and frame them.
    3. Scan the drawings and store them electronically.
  16. How to Purge Art Supplies
    1. Donate them.
    2. Sell them online or at a garage sale.
  17. Conclusion 
How-to-Organize-Yours-Art-Supplies--|-Easy-Tips-&-Tricks 1

For every minute spent organizing art supply storage, an hour is earned!

Time is a precious commodity that always seems to be in short supply. This is especially true for those who have demanding jobs and families.

As a result, it can be tempting to let things slide and hope that they will eventually fall into place.

However, this is usually not the case. A messy classroom, a cluttered art box, or a disorganized studio can quickly become a source of frustration and anxiety.

The good news is that taking some time to get organized can save you a lot of time in the long run.

For every minute spent sorting through art supplies or organizing your art supply closet, you’ll save yourself hours of wasted time down the road.

In addition, being organized can help you to be more productive and efficient, giving you more time to enjoy making art!

**This page may contain affiliate links to products I have used or recommend. If you purchase something from this page, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.**

How to Organize Art Supplies

how to organize art supplies in steel containers

Any artist knows that having a well-organized studio is essential for creativity and productivity.

But with so many different types of art supplies, it can be tough to know where to start. Here are a few tips for organizing your art studio:

First, take inventory of all your supplies and sort them into categories. This will help you determine what storage solutions you need.

For example, you might need a cabinet for paints and brushes, a shelf for canvases and other materials, and bins for small items like pens and pencils.

Once you have a general idea of what you need, consider your studio space and how you can best use it.

You may want to dedicate a specific area for each type of material or arrange everything by color.

Whatever you do, make sure your studio is set up in a way that makes sense to you and will help you be more productive.

How can I organize my art supplies at home?

how to organize art supplies at home

If you’re an artist, chances are good that you have a lot of art supplies. Organizing those supplies can be a challenge, especially if you don’t have a lot of storage space.

Here are a few tips for organizing your art supplies at home:

Start by decluttering.

Get rid of any art supplies that you no longer use or need. This will free up some space and make it easier to find the supplies that you do use.

Think vertically.

If you have limited floor space, make use of vertical storage solutions like shelves or pegboards. This will help you save space and keep your supplies within easy reach.

Invest in storage solutions.

Invest in storage solutions specifically designed for art supplies. These solutions can include everything from canvas bins to brush holders. Not only will they help you organize your supplies, but they’ll also keep them protected from damage.

Consider your workflow.

When organizing your supplies, think about how you use them and how you can make the process more efficient. For example, if you frequently use certain items together, consider storing them in the same place so you can easily access them.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. The most important thing is to find a system that works for you and your space.

With a little bit of effort, you can turn even the smallest room into a well-organized and functional art studio!

Check out this great video on organizing your art supplies!

How to Organize Painting Supplies

how to organize paint supplies

For painters, having a well-organized workspace is crucial for being productive and efficient. One way to achieve this is by keeping painting supplies organized.

Paintbrushes can be stored in a variety of ways, such as in a brush holder or a mason jar.

Paint tubes can be stored upright in a box or tray, or they can be placed in a paint caddy. Palettes can be stored in a drawer or on a shelf.

Other essential supplies, such as rags and tape, can also be kept in an easily accessible place.

By taking the time to organize painting supplies, painters can create a workspace that is both functional and stylish.

[Looking for the best watercolor sketchbook?]

How to Organize Acrylic Paint Supplies

how to organize acrylic paint supplies

Any artist knows that having a well-organized workspace is essential for being productive. This is especially true when it comes to acrylic paint, which can quickly become a cluttered mess.

A few simple tips can help to keep your acrylic paint supplies organized and within easy reach.

  • First, invest in a set of clear plastic bins.
  • Label each bin with the type of paint it will hold (e.g., “reds,” “blues,” etc.).
  • Second, use a sturdy shelf or cabinet to store the bins.
  • This will keep them off the ground and away from dust and dirt.
  • Finally, make sure to put all of your brushes and other tools in a separate container. This will prevent them from becoming damaged or lost in the sea of paint tubes.

[Goauche vs. Acrylic: What’s the difference?]

How to Organize and Store Art Supplies in a Small Space

If you’re an artist, then you know that having a dedicated space to store your supplies is essential.

But if you live in a small apartment or studio, finding the room to do this can be a challenge.

Here are a few tips for organizing and storing art supplies in a small space:

  • One way to maximize space is to use vertical storage solutions. Wall-mounted shelves or racks are ideal for storing larger items such as canvases or easels.
  • If you have limited floor space, consider hanging artwork from the ceiling or using stands that elevate paintings and drawings off the ground.
  • Another way to save space is to think outside the box when it comes to storage containers. Instead of using bulky boxes or bins, try repurposing items such as coffee cans or shoeboxes. 
  • You can also use clear plastic bags to store smaller items such as beads, buttons, or sequins.
  • Invest in a rolling cart to have your art supplies on hand whenever you need them.
  • Finally, don’t forget to take advantage of empty wall space by hanging artwork or using bulletin boards to display notes and inspiration.

With a little bit of creativity, you can turn even the smallest space into a functional and stylish art studio.

[The best colored pencils for artists!]

How to Organize Art Supplies in Your Classroom

how to organize art supplies in your classroom

As any teacher knows, a well-organized classroom is essential for a successful school year.

One of the most important aspects of organization is controlling the clutter.

Art supplies can be especially tricky to keep tidy since they come in all shapes and sizes. But with a few simple tips, you can easily keep your art supplies organized and under control.

Designate a place for storing art supplies.

The first step is to designate a specific place for storing art supplies. This could be a cabinet, a closet, or even just a corner of the room.

It’s important to have a dedicated space for art supplies so that they don’t end up scattered all over the room.

Sort your supplies into categories.

Once you have a designated space, start by sorting your supplies into categories. For example, you might have a basket for paintbrushes, another for construction paper, and a third for markers and crayons.

If you have a lot of supplies, you might need to further subdivide the categories. For example, you could have a separate bin for thin paintbrushes and another for thick paintbrushes.

The key is to find a system that works for you and your students.

Label everything.

Label the bins with the types of supplies they hold, and consider labeling the individual items as well.

This will help your students know where everything goes and make it easier for them to put things away when they’re finished using them.

Collect plastic containers.

Make sure to collect empty yogurt cartons, plastic cups, and other used containers to hold brushes and markers.

Invest in a drying rack.

Get your school to invest in an art drying rack. This is a huge help – especially if you don’t have a lot of flat open counter areas in your classroom.

Regularly clean out the art supplies.

This will help you get rid of any damaged or dried-out materials, and it will also make it easier to find what you need when you’re looking for something specific.

With a little bit of effort, you can easily keep your classroom organized and clutter-free all year long.

How to Organize Homeschool Art Supplies

how to organize homeschool art supplies

Any parent who has homeschooled knows that organization is key.

Not only do you need to keep track of lesson plans and curriculum, but you also need to make sure that your supplies are organized and easy to find.

This is especially true for art supplies, which can quickly become a jumbled mess.

To help keep your homeschool art area tidy, here are a few tips for organizing your supplies.

  • First, use clear storage containers to sort by type of supply. This will make it easy to grab what you need without having to search through a bunch of different containers.
  • Second, label each container clearly so that you know what’s inside.
  • Third, store all of your art supplies in one central location so that you don’t have to go hunting for them every time you need something.
  • A rolling cart is a great option for this, as it can be easily moved from room to room.
  • Fourth, invest in a few good-quality art supplies. This doesn’t mean that you have to spend a lot of money, but it does mean that you should buy supplies that will last.
  • Cheap markers and crayons will just end up getting lost or broken, so it’s better to spend a little bit more on supplies that will last.
  • Finally, make sure to declutter your art supplies regularly. Get rid of any dried-out markers or broken crayons, and donate any unused materials to a local school or homeschool group.

How to Organize Your Art Studio

how to organize your art studio supplies

An art studio should be a place where you can feel inspired to create. It should be a space that is organized and efficient so that you can focus on your work.

Here are some tips for organizing your art studio: 

Start by decluttering.

Get rid of any art supplies that you no longer use, and clear off surfaces that are cluttered. This will help to give you a clean slate to work with.

Create storage solutions that work for you.

This might mean installing shelves, putting up pegboards, or investing in storage bins. The key is to find a system that will help you to keep your supplies organized and within easy reach.

Personalize your space.

Add some items that make you happy or that inspire you. This might include hanging up artwork, adding plants, or displaying meaningful mementos.

Your art studio should be a reflection of your unique style and personality. By following these tips, you can create a space that is both functional and inspiring. 

How to Organize Your Art Cart

how to organize your art cart

If you’re like me, your art cart is always a bit of a mess. Paintbrushes, colored pencils, markers, and other supplies are constantly getting jumbled up, making it hard to find what you need when you need it. But there is hope!

By taking a little time to organize your art cart, you can make your life (and your art-making) much easier.

Here are a few tips:

  1. Start by separating your supplies into categories. For example, put all of your paintbrushes in one area, all of your markers in another, and so on. This will help you to quickly find what you need when you’re in the middle of creating a masterpiece.
  2. Invest in some storage containers. This will help to keep your supplies organized and prevent them from getting tangled up. I like to use clear plastic bins so that I can see what’s inside.
  3. Label each container clearly, so you know exactly what’s inside.
  4. If you have a lot of small items, consider using a tackle box or toolbox to keep everything organized.
  5. Finally, don’t forget to declutter your art cart on a regular basis. Get rid of any dried-out markers or broken crayons, and donate any unused materials to a local school or homeschool group.

How to Organize Craft Supplies on a Budget

Any crafter knows that organization is key to a successful project. But when you’re on a tight budget, it can be hard to know how to get started organizing your craft supplies!

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to organize your craft supplies on a budget.

Reuse & Repurpose

One of the easiest ways is to repurpose items you already have around the house.

For example, old coffee cans make great storage containers for small items like beads or buttons.

Egg cartons can be used for sorting and storing different types of buttons, while shoeboxes are perfect for holding larger items like rolls of ribbon or yarn.

You can also use inexpensive materials like cardboard boxes and PVC pipes to create your own storage solutions.

With a little creativity, you can easily implement art supplies organization without spending a lot of money!

How do artists stay organized?

how do artists stay organized

For artists, organization is key to ensuring that all the art supplies and materials are readily available and that work is properly documented.

Many artists implement systems that work for them, often incorporating both digital and physical methods.

[Procreate vs Illustrator? Which digital app should you use?]

For example, some artists use apps to digitally organize their sketches and notes, while others prefer to keep a traditional notebook.

Additionally, many artists make use of storage solutions such as shelving units and drawer systems. 

This helps to keep their workspace clean and allows them to easily find what they need. By staying organized, artists can be more productive and creative in their work.

How to Make an Art Supplies Organizer

Any artist knows that having a well-organized workspace is essential to being productive.

One way to achieve this is to invest in some art supply organizers. 

There are a variety of options available, but one simple and affordable solution is to repurpose an old shoebox.

  1. First, remove the lid and wrap it in pretty paper or fabric.
  2. Then use hot glue or double-sided tape to attach the paper.
  3. Divided compartments can be created by cutting recycled cardboard into strips and gluing them down in rows.
  4. Once the compartments are in place, start filling them with your supplies. Pens, pencils, paintbrushes, and other small items can be stored upright in mason jars or recycled plastic bottles.
  5. Larger items, such as paper pads or bottles of paint, can be placed in the bottom of the box.

By using an art supply organizer, you can keep your workspace tidy and easily find what you need when it’s time to create.

Check out this great video on how to make an art supplies organizer!

How to Organize Your Kid’s Art Supplies

As any parent of a creative child knows, art supplies can quickly become a cluttered mess. But with a little organization, it’s easy to organize kids’ art supplies and craft supplies and keep everything in its place.

See-through Containers

One way to organize kids’ art supplies is by using see-through containers. This way, you can quickly and easily see all the supplies you have on hand, and your child can easily find what they need.

Labeling

Another way to organize kids’ art supplies is to label each container with the contents. This will help to prevent miscellaneous items from ending up in the wrong place.

Designate an area

Finally, it’s helpful to designate a specific place for arts and crafts supplies. This could be a shelf in the playroom or a drawer in the kitchen.

By keeping everything in one place, you can help to store craft supplies avoid lost crayons and misplaced markers.

How to Organize Kid’s Drawings

how to organize kids drawings

If you’re like most parents, you probably have a stash of your child’s drawings somewhere in the house. But what is the best way to organize them?

Here are a few tips to get you started:

One option is to keep all of the drawings together in a box or album.

This can be a great way to create a visual record of your child’s development over time.

Select a few favorites and frame them.

This can be a fun way to decorate your home with your child’s artwork.

Scan the drawings and store them electronically.

This can be a convenient way to share the drawings with family and friends who live far away.

How to Purge Art Supplies

Many people are unsure how to purge their art supplies. However, it is important to get rid of any supplies that you no longer use to make room for new supplies.

There are a few different ways to purge your art supplies.

One way is to donate them to a local school or community center.

Sell them online or at a garage sale.

Another way is to sell them online or at a garage sale.

Finally, you can throw them away. However, be sure to check with your local waste management facility to see what items they accept.

By purging your art supplies, you will be able to declutter your space and make room for new supplies.

How-to-Organize-Yours-Art-Supplies--|-Easy-Tips-&-Tricks 5

Conclusion 

If you have been wondering how to store art materials, then follow the easy steps above. While it can be difficult to find a place to store all of your art supplies, there are many different ways that you can do so.

By considering the type of materials that you have and finding creative ways to store them, you’ll be able to keep everything organized in a small space. Do you have any tips for storing art supplies in a small space? Share them with us in the comments below!

Other articles you may enjoy…

[The 22 Best Beginners Art Supplies | Everything You’ll Need To Get Started Making Art]

[The 10 Best Bags for Carrying Art Supplies to Class]

[Looking for a Sketchbook for Markers? 13 Awesome Sketchbooks for Marker Art]

[Best Pencil Cases]

[How to find the Best Art Journal Supplies]

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