How-to: Declutter And Organize Your Craft Room

How-to Declutter and Organize The Craft Room
I store my craft supplies in the basement when they are not in use and each time I pack them away, I try to do a quick clean out so I’ll be more excited about pulling them out again.
Because when the mood strikes and I want to pull out my sewing machine, if there is any clutter there that I need to face, I’ll procrastinate on sewing. I remember procrastinating doing a project simply because I didn’t want to have to switch out the thread and reload a bobbin…  Really! I need to keep everything streamlined for myself so I can enjoy it.
That clutter in my craft space had a lot of control over when I was creative.
That’s why I embraced minimalism: so my stuff couldn’t control me anymore.
Our stuff needs to serve us, not control us.
I completely understand seeing the potential in all the miscellaneous supplies; the fabric straps, ribbon pieces, paper odds and ends, leftover yards of yarn… all of it. And one could use it. That doesn’t mean we will.
And when we think about decluttering, the hardest part is letting go of all those possibilities.
It’s important, to be honest with yourself and what you will actually do, what you actually enjoy doing and what things give you energy.
The Decluttering Process:

  1. Visualize the space. Take time to think of the uses, what you want to see, what you need, the best location for items, etc.
  2. Remove the trash. Do a quick run through, tossing broken items, scraps, etc.
  3. Sort & Declutter unfinished projects. See below.
  4. Sort non-passion craft supplies
  5. Sort passion craft supplies
  6. Category purging
  7. Revisit space planning

Sort and Declutter Unfinished Projects:
Pull out your bins, baskets, and boxes where you currently store all your craft and hobby supplies. If you have many unfinished projects, take plenty of time to sort them, one box at a time. It’s an emotional process and can be exhausting. Never spend more than 3 hours at a time decluttering, or you will get burnt out. Set a timer if you need to and give yourself a break every 30-60 minutes.
Questions to ask while sorting unfinished projects:

  • Is this relevant to my current life?
  • Do I have enough time/supplies to easily finish it this week?
  • When I think of working on it does it still bring me joy?

Unfinished projects can be a heavy burden. If you only have negative feelings as you assess the item, then it’s best to let them go.
Letting go of these things will free up space to allow you space in your life now creative and otherwise.
Donating unfinished projects:
There are many people who enjoy crafting but are unable to afford supplies and would be blessed to receive those projects and complete them. There are also many who craft to bring in an extra income for their family and would be grateful for supplies they don’t have to pay for.
Check your local buy/sell facebook groups, garage sale groups or young mother support groups.
Donating craft supplies:

  • Local MOPS groups
  • Mothers Of PreSchoolers does crafts on a regular basis and may be happy to take donations.
  • Makerspaces: Many communities offer maker-spaces for artists who do not have their own space to work it, for impoverished children or a place for parties and gatherings in the community. Find a local donation center by contacting ScrapUSA.org  or Makerspace.com
  • Schools and Churches
  • Contact your local school or church to see what they take.

Current Crafts:
First purge obvious duplicates, damaged items, things that never worked right for you, dated items, and things that you no longer love.
Questions to ask?

  • Am I likely to use this up?
  • Do I love this color/pattern/fiber/media?
  • Is this my favorite brand?
  • Do I have enough room to store this much?craft-room-cover

Prefer a whole workbook to walk you through each step? Click here to purchase Declutter & Organize The Craft
Room


 

[Photo credit]

About Rachel Jones

Hi there! I’m Rachel Jones, and I founded Nourishing Minimalism in 2012 at the beginning of my minimalist journey. If you're looking for encouragement in your journey, I created a FREE Facebook Group - feel free to join me there: Nourishing Minimalism Facebook Group and I share videos each week on YouTube

2 Comments

  1. Abbie Peters on 10/18/2018 at 4:20 am

    Another place I’ve found to donate craft supplies is with 4-H groups. Crafting social groups (like knitting groups) can also be a source for donations, even senior centers. I’m in a knitting social group and members are always de-stashing among each other and whatever isn’t taken among us is given to a woman that teaches knitting and crochet in 4-H.

  2. Brooke @ HappySimpleMom on 10/31/2018 at 1:43 am

    I love that you suggest donating to MOPs groups. I live in a rural town, and money is tight for many. MOPS is an affordable outlet for these moms to connect.
    Love the suggestions to declutter the craft room as well going by category really made a difference for me my first go round. I had to be insanely honest about crafts I no longer cared to do. It was wasteful in regards to the money spent, but it felt amazing to get a clean space!

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