Arts and Crafts Storage: How to Keep Your Hobby Organized

It’s not just a hobby, it’s a way of life. But, have your creative endeavors gotten in the way of everything else? From the living room to the garage, your artistic genius knows no bounds. But there is a limit to how much your family (and your home) can take. When your fabric, lumber, yarn and clay have permeated every inch of your home, it may be time for an alternative storage solution. 

It doesn’t take a cosplay wizard to recognize the unsung hero of the crafting world: self storage! That's right, self storage isn't just for hoarders and holiday decorations. It's the perfect solution for crafters, sewers, builders, woodworkers, and every creative soul in between. Best of all, like the Bob Ross of the storage world, Storelocal is here to show you how to channel all that creative energy into a snazzy storage unit that is every bit as quirky and fun as your frosted animal cracker pillows. 

3 Reasons a Craft Storage Unit Makes Sense

1. More Room for Creativity

Let's face it—crafting takes space. Whether you're a part-time sewer with a stash of fabric that rivals a textile factory, a woodworker with a forest of cedar strips, or a model builder with carefully-labeled boxes of tiny parts, you need room to create. Self storage units offer the perfect sanctuary for your supplies so that you finally have the space to create that patchwork K-Pop quilt, wooden heirloom canoe or replica of the Sydney Opera House. 

2. Safe and Secure

Craft supplies can be expensive, and we all know the heartbreak of finding out that your bolt of purple taffeta now comes with fruit punch polka dots thanks to your gregarious three-year-old. Self storage facilities provide a safe, secure environment to keep your supplies in pristine condition. With climate-controlled units, your delicate papers won't turn into a pulpy mess, and your paint won't freeze in the winter.

3. Easy Organization 

Say goodbye to the days of rummaging through cluttered closets and disorganized drawers. When you’re the only one with the key, a craft storage unit allows you to organize your supplies the way you want. Now, you can find those vintage People magazines and make your series of Full House-themed beverage coasters. Plus, it keeps your home less full, which means fewer “creative differences” with your family.

Tips to Optimize Your Craft Storage Space

A self-storage unit is great for hobbyists, teachers and trade show goers. Organization is key to finding the supplies and finished artworks you need quickly and easily.

1. Use Clear Craft Storage Bins

Clear bins are a crafter's best friend. They’re a window into each vial of glitter, spool of thread and collection of wooden dowels. Label each bin with its contents (e.g., "Knitting Supplies," "Scrapbooking Materials," "Woodworking Tools") to find items faster than you can say “decoupage.” 

2. Shelving Units are Key

Invest in sturdy craft storage shelves to keep your space organized and to maximize vertical space. Stackable shelves are ideal for storing smaller items like paint jars, mosaic tiles and pipe cleaners. For larger items, consider heavy-duty shelves that can support the weight of lumber or sewing machines. There’s nowhere to go but up!

3. Pegboards and Hooks

Channel your inner Bob Vila and install pegboards on the walls of your storage unit. Pegboards are perfect for hanging tools, scissors, rulers, and other frequently used items. Hooks can also be used to hang larger items like extension cords and rolls of fabric.

4. Utilize Craft Storage Drawers and Cabinets

Old dressers and filing cabinets can be repurposed for craft storage. Drawers are perfect for keeping smaller items like beads, buttons, and screws organized. Filing cabinets are great for storing paper, patterns, and plans. 

5. Keep an Inventory

Maintaining an inventory list of your supplies can save you time and prevent duplicate purchases. Use a simple spreadsheet or a crafty app to track what you have and where it's stored. This way, you’ll always know where to find that elusive tube of rainbow glitter glue.

Hobbies We Love to Store For

There are more hobbies than you could ever list in one blog but these are some of the ones we know can benefit from a storage unit:

• Model Railroad Enthusiasts: Keep your tracks, trains, and tiny towns safe and sound, away from curious pets and toddlers. Shelving units and labeled bins will help you keep track of every piece, from miniature trees to tiny train conductors.
• Cosplay Creators: A storage unit keeps your alter ego secret from the outside world. It provides the perfect environment to store your elaborate outfits in mint condition. Use garment racks to hang costumes and plastic totes for smaller accessories and props.
• Musical Instrument Makers: Store your wood, strings, and specialized tools in a climate-controlled unit to prevent damage and keep everything organized. Pegboards and hooks are especially useful for hanging tools like chisels, saws, and clamps.
• Quilters: Those mountains of fabric, batting, and thread will come in handy. Store your extensive fabric collection in clear bins, and use garment racks for hanging quilt tops. Shelves can hold your sewing machine and other quilting tools.
• Miniatures Painters: Miniature painting requires precision and a small fortune in tiny supplies. Use drawers or small bins to organize paints, brushes, and valuable miniatures. Set up a small workbench, roll up your door and roll up your sleeves for on-site crafting.
• Jewelers: Ensure that valuable metals and stones are safely stored and free of tarnish in a climate controlled space. Keep your inventory organized and secure until your next trade show. 
• Candlemakers: Wax, wicks and molds can stay out of sight until your next bright idea flares up. 
• Scrapbookers: Keep books, papers, supplies and completed masterpieces safe and sound. Storelocal makes it easy to preserve your memories. 

Store Your Craft Supplies

Self storage is the perfect solution for crafters and hobbyists looking to reclaim their homes and keep their creative supplies safe and organized. With a little planning and organization, your storage unit can become a well-ordered paradise for all your crafting needs. 

No matter what your crafting storage needs are, Storelocal has a unit waiting to be bedazzled. Find the location nearest you using the search bar at the top of the page or contact Storelocal with questions.