Ridiculously Easy Ways to Organize Kids’ Art Supplies

Kids love making stuff. Specifically, they love to create art. And who are we to stop them when we know it enhances creativity and makes them happy? The trouble is that kids tend to collect art supplies like furniture collects dust, so keeping everything organized can be a real pain. If you want to keep your sanity without squashing their creative minds, here are some easy ways to organize your kids’ art supplies.

1. Cheap and Simple

If you want to go the cheap route while keeping things out of sight, it doesn’t get much better than hanging shoe organizers. Hang these inexpensive beauties over a closet door, and you’ve got a space for art supplies that holds a ton.

2. Totable

Ever seen those heavy canvas tool organizers that fit over a 5 gallon bucket? They’re not just for tools! if you want your kids to be able to carry their art supplies with them to different parts of the house, this setup is a great idea.

3. Rolling Caddy

If you’ve ever been to IKEA, you’ve seen those rolling carts with deep shelving. Storing art supplies in something like this allows you to shove the whole thing into a corner or closet when it’s not being used, but easily pull it out whenever your kids’ creativity strikes. Organize it further with smaller compartments like jars or tins for markers, crayons, glue, etc. Of course, you can find one at World Market, too! 

4. Dedicated Closet

If you’re lucky enough to have a closet you can dedicate to the cause, you can create a dream art supply space. If all you have is a cupboard, you can use the same idea. And if you have a small nook where you can install some simple shelving, you can create your own closet. In any case, the key is clear storage like plastic bins and jars that let you see what’s inside, as well as attractive labels to keep things looking neat.

5. Small Bookshelf

If you have a small bookshelf you can free up, you can use it for an art center. Categorize smaller storage to keep things in check. You can use mason jars, plastic cups, even magazine holders to organize it all. If you don’t have a shelf like this, you can probably find one cheap at a thrift store or in your local classifieds. Why not get crafty yourself and paint it before you set it up?

6. Make it Spicy

If you have a craft room or a wall in your kids’ rooms you’re willing to set up for art supplies, grab several of these cheap wall-mounted spice racks from IKEA. They make fantastic holders for art and craft supplies, and can be displayed prominently or hidden away in a closet or cupboard.