When you have kids, craft supplies can quickly take over your home. The key to staying organized is a system that makes supplies easy to find, easy to put away, and safe for everyone. Whether you are dealing with a closet, a corner of the dining room, or a whole craft room, these storage ideas will help you create a setup that works for your family.

Sort before you buy containers

Before you purchase any bins or organizers, take everything out and sort it by type. Gather all the crayons, markers, paints, glue sticks, scissors, stickers, yarn, beads, and paper into separate piles. This step shows you exactly what you have and how much space each category needs. It also helps you spot supplies that are nearly empty and can be combined or thrown away.

Once you have sorted everything, group items by how they are used. Keep drawing tools like crayons and colored pencils together. Put painting supplies like brushes, water cups, and paint sets in another group. This way, when a child wants to draw, they grab one bin, not five different containers from around the room.

Let your child help with sorting. It teaches them how the system works and gives them ownership of their supplies. For preschoolers, a simple two-pile method — “keep” and “throw away” — is enough. Older kids can help decide which categories make sense for the way they craft.

Clear bins and labels

Clear plastic bins are one of the most practical tools for craft storage. You can see what is inside without opening them, which saves time and reduces mess. For toy storage and rotation, clear bins work well because kids can spot their favorite items quickly. The same idea applies to craft supplies.

Choose bins that stack neatly so you can use vertical space. Shallow bins work best for flat items like paper, sticker sheets, and foam shapes. Deeper bins are good for bulkier items like pom-poms, pipe cleaners, and yarn. If you use drawers, clear plastic drawer units let you separate supplies like glue sticks, scissors, and tape. Consider using clear storage bins that are stackable and come in various sizes for different supply categories.

Labels are essential, even with clear bins. A label tells everyone in the family where something belongs, and it makes cleanup a snap. Use simple words or pictures for young children. You can print labels, use a label maker, or write on adhesive dots with a permanent marker. Attach the label to the front of the bin, not the lid, so it is visible when the bin is on a shelf.

A rolling cart or caddy

A rolling cart with multiple tiers is a versatile solution for craft storage. You can wheel it from room to room, tuck it in a closet, or keep it in a corner of the kitchen. Use the top tier for the most-used items like markers, scissors, and glue sticks. The middle tier can hold paper, coloring books, and stencils. The bottom tier works well for heavier supplies like paint bottles, play dough containers, and modeling clay.

If you do not have a designated craft room, a rolling cart keeps everything contained and easy to move. When it is time for a craft session, roll the cart to the table. When you are done, roll it back to its spot. This works especially well in small homes or apartments where space is tight. Check out rolling carts that are sturdy and have enough depth to hold standard craft supply containers.

A caddy is a good alternative if you only need to transport supplies to a table or outside. Use a caddy with a handle and compartments for pens, brushes, and small bottles. Keep one caddy for drawing supplies and another for painting supplies so kids can grab what they need without lugging everything along.

Paint, glue and liquids

Liquid craft supplies like paint, glue, and decoupage medium need special treatment. Storing them upright is important to prevent leaks and messes. Use a small plastic bin or a shoe box to keep bottles standing straight. If you have squeeze bottles, store them with the caps facing up. A lazy Susan on a shelf makes it easy to spin and find the right color without knocking bottles over.

For washable paints, consider transferring them to squeeze bottles with a no-drip tip. This makes it easier for little hands to control how much comes out. Keep a damp cloth or paper towels nearby to wipe up drips quickly. Always check bottle lids after each use to make sure they are tight before putting them away.

Glue sticks can go in a separate bin or drawer, but liquid glue bottles need to be stored upright as well. A small dish rack or a plastic cup holder can hold glue bottles in place. If you store them loose in a bin, they are more likely to tip over and leak. For beginners, a glue stick is less messy than liquid glue. You can find more project ideas for young children in easy crafts for toddlers and preschoolers.

Keeping some supplies out of reach

Not all craft supplies are safe for young children. Sharp tools like scissors, rotary cutters, craft knives, and needle-point tools should be stored in a locked drawer or a high cabinet. The same goes for small items that pose a choking hazard, such as beads, buttons, googly eyes, sequins, and tiny pom-poms.

Use a cabinet with a childproof latch or a lockable storage box for these items. A tool bag or a tackle box with compartments works well for organizing sharp tools. Keep the bag on a high shelf or inside a locked closet. For families with both older and younger children, separate supplies into two zones: one within reach for supervised crafts and one out of reach for projects that require older kid tools.

Remember that even non-toxic materials can be dangerous if swallowed. Always check labels for age recommendations and follow manufacturer instructions. When you store hazardous items, keep them in their original packaging if possible, so the safety information is always available.

Displaying and storing kid art

Your children bring home artwork from school and create masterpieces at home. It can be hard to decide what to keep and what to let go. Use a dedicated display area to show off current favorites. A simple wire across the wall with clips or a magnetic strip on a metal surface works well. You can also use a large frame with a removable back to swap art easily.

For long-term storage, keep a portfolio box or a flat accordion folder for each child. Label the folder with their name and the year. At the end of each season, go through the artwork together and pick the pieces that mean the most. Take photos of the rest before recycling them. You can make a digital album or a photo book that takes up no physical space.

If you do a lot of crafts at home, you may want to rotate the art on display. Choose one or two pieces to hang up each week, then swap them out. This keeps the walls from getting cluttered and makes each piece feel special. You can also involve your child in choosing what to display, which makes them proud of their work. For more help managing all the items in your home, see building a family craft kit to start a contained system that works for your setup.

FAQ

How do I organize a small craft space for multiple kids?

Use vertical storage like stackable bins and wall-mounted shelves. Give each child a small bin or drawer for their personal supplies like scissors and coloring books. Shared supplies like glue, tape, and paper go in a central rolling cart. Label everything clearly so each child knows where items belong.

What is the best way to store paper and cardstock?

Store paper flat in a shallow bin or an expandable file folder. Keep similar sizes together — letter-size paper in one section, cardstock in another. Use a vertical paper organizer or a magazine holder for scrap paper that the kids can use for practice. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of paper bins to prevent bending.

How do I keep markers and pens from drying out?

Always replace caps tightly after use. Store markers horizontally or with the tip pointing down so the ink flows to the tip. A mesh cup or a pencil case with individual slots helps keep them organized and prevents tangling. For washable markers, keep them in a cool, dry place away from heat sources.

What should I do with leftover craft supplies after a project?

Return leftover supplies to their designated bins right after finishing the project. If you have partial sheets of paper or half-used paint bottles, store them with similar items. Consider a “scrap bin” for small pieces of fabric, paper, and ribbon that can be used in future crafts. This cuts down on waste and saves money.

Keeping craft supplies organized takes a little upfront work, but it pays off every time your child wants to create. With clear bins, thoughtful sorting, and safe storage for hazardous items, you can turn the craft chaos into a system that works for the whole family. Start small, involve your kids, and adjust as their interests grow.