So, for a while now we have been getting turning our loft space into our home office / craft room / homework space / hangout area. Now, this is not a huge room, so this has been a lofty goal from the beginning. I wanted to find every way possible to maximize space.

I also wanted to make sure that for once, I had a space for organizing craft supplies.

My starting point was this cabinet found at a local vintage shop.

This cabinet gave me a run for my money. It must have had a former life in a kitchen where there was a lot of fried foods prepared. I spent hours peeling off layers of gunk. In the end, it completely rejected primer and I knew I had to turn to chalk paint.

I used Annie Sloan bright white on the outside. In hindsight, I should have considered a darker color because there was some bleed through still – but I really wanted this cabinet to be white so I am good with it.

I decided to put a fun blue on the inside. Down the line, I want to also do something with the inside of the doors – maybe add cork and use it as pin board.

While organizing all of my craft supplies, I learned a few lessons that I thought I would share with you to make it easier when you tackle a similar project.

1. Choose the Cabinet For Your Space First

You have to work with what you have. If you go out and buy a bunch of containers and then you don’t have anywhere to store them – you haven’t accomplished much. Start with your space and find what works. I waited until I found a vintage cabinet that worked, but that is just my quirky sense. Ikea, box stores, a piece you already have – work with your space first.

2. Measure Your Cabinet and Buy Containers to Maximize Your Space

Once you have your cabinet, then measure your shelves and figure out what fits. I scoured online until I found these containers that fit my shelves perfectly. I used several different sizes and I love that they stack easily regardless of what size you choose.

There are a few other containers in there as well that I already had that worked.

I used the measurements and gauged the maximum number I could fit in and that is what I ordered.

3. If Possible, Use Clear Containers

Although I have everything labeled, some labels are more general categories. By having clear containers, I can get right to what I need much easier. It also makes putting things away and knowing where there is more space easier.

4. Wait Till Everything is Organized to Add Your Labels

It will be tempting to start labeling everything right in the beginning.

Don’t.

I moved things around several times as I found more of an item or realized there was too much empty space. Wait till you have everything where you want it – then label away.

5. Use Changeable / Flexible Labels

Once you get everything organized and you are ready to label – use labels that can be changed. I used chalkboard labels similar to these (affiliate link included). If I end up moving things into new containers, I just need to erase it and write a new description.

6. Leave Yourself Room to Grow

Try to leave yourself some empty containers and empty shelf space. My cabinet is not huge, so I don’t have a ton of empty space. I do have room in some containers, and a handful that are empty. However, I have another cabinet in the room that does have a lot of space so I know I have options.

If you completely fill your available space, you will probably end up disorganized again if you don’t have a place to put it away.

7. Use What You Have (Now That You Can Find It)

I am giddy to start my next project and be able to know where everything I need is. The key is not keep running out to the craft store and buying more of what you already have. Use what you have. I plan on keeping a running list when something runs out and try to not buy things I already have.

I also feel like I have a ton of more ideas. By seeing everything I already have, new ideas are easier to come by.

8. Put It Back

So much easier said that done. But it is probably the most important part of organizing your crafts.

For me, I really want to keep this space usable for my whole family, so that will be an incentive to keep it organized. Plus, I really do not want to do this all over again any time soon.

Hopefully these tips help you get your crafts organized and usable.

Do you have any other tricks for keeping things organized? I would love to hear them!

Thanks so much for reading!