Top 10 Storage Solutions for Kids Art Supplies
Top 10 Storage Solutions for Kids Art Supplies
Got Paints and Glitter Everywhere? Let’s Fix That!
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve stepped on a rogue crayon (ouch), found glue stick caps in random places, or discovered a marker masterpiece on your dining table. Sound familiar? Welcome to the chaos of being a parent,or caretaker,of a budding little artist. Kids and art supplies go hand in hand, but keeping those supplies organized? That’s a whole different story.
Managing kids’ art supplies storage isn’t just about keeping your space clean. It’s about saving your sanity. When the paints are easily accessible and the colored pencils aren’t buried under a pile of stuffed animals, your kid can actually use their art supplies more often. Plus, you’ll spend less time hunting for missing scissors and more time admiring your Picasso-in-the-making’s creations.
In this post, I’m here to help. Whether you’ve got a tiny tot who dabbles in finger painting or a mini Van Gogh with an ever-growing collection of supplies, you’ll walk away with storage ideas that actually work. So, grab your coffee, and let’s sort through that chaotic craft closet together.
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Why Keeping Kids’ Art Supplies Organized Is a Big Win
I know what you’re thinking,”Why does this even matter? They’re just crayons and markers, right?” But hear me out.
A few months back, my six-year-old decided to unleash her artistic vision on a lazy Sunday afternoon. What started as a peaceful morning turned into an explosion of glitter glue, colored paper scraps, and markers that somehow made their way from the kitchen table to under the couch cushions. Fast forward to Monday morning, and guess who couldn’t find a single pair of scissors before school? Yep, it was me.
Here’s the thing: keeping kids’ art supplies organized isn’t just about avoiding mess (though that’s a HUGE bonus). It’s about encouraging creativity. When everything has a place and your little one knows where to find their supplies, they’re way more likely to actually use them. A study from the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that organized spaces can help builds creativity in kids by reducing stress and increasing focus. Who knew, right?
Plus, let’s be honest. Art supplies are expensive. When you can’t find what you already own, you end up buying duplicates. Who wants to shell out for another set of colored pencils when you’ve already got three hiding somewhere?
Alright, let’s get to the fun part. Below are some of my favorite ways to take control of the art supply chaos. ✂️
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1. Use Clear Bins for Easy Visibility
One of the easiest tricks in the book? Clear plastic bins. These are lifesavers for storing your kids’ art supplies. Whether it’s markers, crayons, or felt sheets, you can see exactly what’s inside without having to dig around.
For example, I have a bin for paints, a bin for coloring tools, and a bin for “random stuff” (you know, like googly eyes and pipe cleaners). Label them with stickers or washi tape to make it even easier for your kids to know where things go.
Pro tip: Stackable clear bins work wonders if you’re short on space. They’re perfect for small closets or shelves in a playroom.
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2. Deploy a Rolling Cart
If you don’t already own one, let me introduce you to your new best friend: the rolling cart. These multi-tiered carts are perfect for organizing kids’ art supplies. Assign each level a category,top tier for markers, middle for coloring books, and bottom for paint supplies.
What’s great is how mobile these are. Your kid can wheel it over to wherever they’re working and put everything back in its spot when they’re done. It’s also a big win for shared spaces like a kitchen or living room because you don’t have to dedicate a permanent area to their art supplies.
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3. Create a Wall-Mounted Pegboard System
Got a free wall? A pegboard is both practical and visually appealing for kids’ art supplies storage. Mount one on the wall, add some hooks and small baskets, and voila,you’ve created an Instagram-worthy art supply zone.
Hang scissors, rulers, and stencils from hooks, and fill the baskets with markers and crayons. It’s a great way to keep things off the floor and make use of vertical space. Plus, kids find it super fun to have their supplies within reach but displayed like a mini art studio.
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4. Put Mason Jars to Work
Who knew that a few mason jars could be the secret weapon in your organizing arsenal? Grab a few jars (or any clear containers you have lying around) and use them to sort colored pencils, markers, and paintbrushes.
I keep a row of jars on a small shelf in my daughter’s room. She loves the visual sorting of seeing all the colors grouped together. Bonus: it’s easy for her to grab what she needs without dumping out a whole box of supplies.
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5. Repurpose an Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer
If you’re tight on space, an over-the-door shoe organizer is a genius solution for your kids’ art supplies. Each pocket is the perfect size for items like glue sticks, paint tubes, or small containers of beads.
You can even organize it by category,glues on the top row, markers in the middle, and paints on the bottom. And because it hangs on the back of a door, it’s space-saving and out of the way.
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6. Invest in a Craft Supply Caddy
A divided craft caddy is a must-have for portable organization. These come with multiple compartments, so you can neatly store crayons, markers, and stickers in one spot.
I keep one of these in the car for on-the-go crafting (road trips can get messy, after all). It’s also great for stashing supplies you don’t want to mix with the main collection, like glitter (trust me, you don’t want glitter EVERYWHERE).
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7. Build a Rotating Art Station
Turntable organizers (think lazy Susans) are incredibly practical for kids’ art supplies. Place one on a desk and load it up with jars of pencils, small containers of erasers, and even tape dispensers.
A rotating station makes it easy for kids to grab what they need without knocking over everything else. It also makes sharing between siblings a bit less chaotic,you’re welcome.
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8. Use Stackable Drawer Units
Plastic drawer units are perfect if you’re aiming to store a lot of supplies. Assign each drawer to a different category,stickers, drawing tools, paper, etc.,and label them clearly.
This option works wonders for older kids who may have more complex materials, like acrylic paints, canvas boards, or even sewing supplies. It’s a great way to keep things organized while still hiding the mess.
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9. Upcycle an Old Bookshelf
If you’ve got an old bookshelf collecting dust, repurpose it into an art supplies organizer. Use bins, baskets, or jars to sort everything, and arrange them on the shelves.
We did this with an old IKEA unit we almost got rid of, and it’s now the centerpiece of our playroom. The best part? My daughter knows exactly where her supplies are, so cleanup is easy (well, easier).
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10. Make a Portable Art Kit
For those who like to keep things on-the-go, create a portable art kit using a tackle box or a small plastic storage case. Add some markers, colored pencils, mini sketchpads, and glue sticks.
These are perfect for car rides, visits to grandma’s house, or even keeping the kids entertained at restaurants. And since everything stays in one compact place, you won’t have to worry about cleaning up a trail of art supplies wherever you go.
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Pro Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t Overcomplicate Your Storage Setup
Keep it simple. If your system is too complicated (alphabetizing the crayons?!), your kids won’t stick to it, and neither will you.
- Label Everything
Labels are your best friend. Use words or even pictures for younger kids who can’t read yet. They’ll know where everything goes, which makes cleanup a breeze.
- Rotate Supplies
Avoid overwhelm by rotating in supplies every few months. Not only does this keep things fresh, but it also prevents your storage system from getting overcrowded.
- Avoid Cheap Containers
Invest in durable bins and organizers. Kids can be rough on storage systems, and flimsy containers won’t stand a chance.
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Products That Actually Help
A few things that make a real difference here:
- Toy Storage Bins – Labeled bins make cleanup something kids can actually do themselves.
- Bookshelf Organizer – A low bookshelf keeps favorite books visible instead of buried in a box.
- Command Center Wall Organizer – A wall command center stops permission slips from vanishing into the void.
Note: links above go to Amazon search results for these products.
Quick Summary / TL;DR
- Use clear bins to see everything at a glance.
- Rolling carts keep supplies portable and organized.
- Pegboards make great vertical storage solutions.
- Mason jars are perfect for sorting small items.
- Over-the-door organizers save space and maximize storage.
- A craft caddy works well for portable supplies.
- Use lazy Susans for easy access and sharing.
- Categorize materials with stackable plastic drawers.
- Repurpose old bookshelves for a budget-friendly art supply station.
- Portable art kits are a must for on-the-go creativity.
Ready to conquer the chaos of kids’ art supplies storage? Start by picking one solution that feels doable and go from there. Your future self (and your bare feet) will thank you.
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