Organizing my craft room-help!

Question

I rent my home. I have an ok size craft room, but it has a sliding glass door and the foundation just out so things do not sit against the wall. I have so many craft hobbies. Scrapbooking, sewing, paint furniture, I have sooooo much stuff that I don't want to part with but I can't organize it all! I don't want to build things in as it's not my house. My stencils get bent, large amounts of acrylic paint, bits and bobs, glass jars, you name it!
I need help, ideas, how to sort, separate, store. I don't want to spend large amounts of money. Thank you!

I need help, ideas, how to sort, separate, store. I don't want to spend large amounts of money. Thank you!

Fran · Answer

If you can get four short bookcases, you can put them together, like n,w,e,s, and put a board on top, that will give you a work surface, and storage that you do not use often in the middle, plus storage in all the bookcase areas using baskets, bins or whatever. You could use only three bookcases and have easier access to the middle storage.

Claudia Egger · Answer

EXPEDIT shelves from IKEA - I have a 4x4 and a 2x4 unit side by side, with boxes, bins and baskets to organize everything from fabrics to paints and jingle bells. Then I added a tall bookcase for all the craft books. The top of the IKEA shelves gives me plenty of room for oversized stuff.

Keri · Answer

Oh man, I wish I could come and organize with you! Craft organizing is my favorite. Simple tip go to the dollar store maybe they will have some plastic storage shelfing you could get some plastic spray paint any color (texture too) that you like. While your there pick up some cheap little rubbermaid bins and food storage containers for the little odds and ends, beads, etc. You can use scrapbook paper (some im assuming you already have) to decorate your bins by wrapping them. or use modge podge and line the insides with old fabrics. Just to make them cute and use items you already have without spending extra money for pre decorated boxes and bins. By just screwing the plastic shelves to the wall studs should fix the problem being unable to lean shelving on the wall.

I really like the other ladies suggestions too! Im just thinking of a way to save some money. Small Rubbermaid bins with lids and stackable bins are really cheap at Wal-Mart too I have organized both my kids rooms with the stackables, LOVE EM! plus they have handles to easily lift them out of the way. Good Luck! Share pictures when you finished!

Anna [DirectionsNotIncluded] · Answer

I swear by by IKEA Expedit cases and drawers. I just shared some photos of my craft space. All inexpensive ways to organize: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/craft-room/craft-supply-storage/craft-room-simple-spacious-and-all-diy-on-the-cheap-3091778

Colleen · Answer

I too am re-organizing. So far measure the actual size of the room you are using, this will come in handy when you decide what you need for storage. It was hard but sort through things to determine what you realy should throw out (like old paint,very old and brittle threads, etc). Then sort like items (I couldn't believe how many duplicates I had until I did this). Next this is the hard part: determine if you will realy 'Get that project done'. I found projects I had good intentions of starting,only to realize 'What was I thinking' then set aside to donate or sell. I'm now at the point of replanning the layout of the room. Since you're renting, and limited on what to hang, make some simple shelving and use home made baskets (repurposed cardboard boxes, covered with paper or fabric). With all your supplies I bet you could come up with some great ideas for this.
Good Luck.

Kara Spurlock · Answer

Wooden crates! They are so versatile. Can stack them many ways and easy access too!

Bonny McDaniel · Answer

It sounds as though your craft room is like mine...the foundation problem in mine stems from the fact the room was, originally, the garage. However, I don't find it much of a problem when using cabinets or bookcases. Sometimes I store flat items like foam core board behind a bookcase in that space. As those before me commented, inexpensive book cases and small cabinets do wonders. I bought mine at Lowe's and Home Depot but, if your budget is even tighter than mine, check your Craigslist or cruise the thrift shops and yard sales. My little shop is full of book case type storage that cost anywhere from free to $3. I found a really nice farm style table on Craigslist for a reasonable price and use it for my work bench and sewing table. I put it at right angles to the wall next to the electric outlet and it works for me. A table or some work surface in the middle of the room is nice, too, if you have room. For my stencils, I put hangers into the wall and hung them on that (my stencils have hanging holes or you can punch a hole in them) or you can use the plastic hangers that can be removed without damage to the walls. The plastic baskets, etc are good. Also, I have a lot of magazines so I use cereal boxes, covered in gift wrap (in colors that go with my craft room decor, of course!). I cut the boxes at an angle like the ones at the store. Good luck!

Marge · Answer

The problem with shelves is that they aren't deep enough for storing much. I have a metal shelf rack that is normally is used for restaurants supplies to be better. It is free standing. I don't have the measurements. Sorry.

Ashley@Biggerthanthethreeofus · Answer

I love lockers. You could get the cubby style and the longer ones making tons of storage for you.

Melissa @ Polished Habitat · Answer

The Dollar Spot at Target is a great resource for inexpensive organizational tools. The items change frequently, but recently they have had plastic baskets perfect for craft supplies. Start with a few baskets or storage boxes and group like items together. For me, it can be overwhelming to try and sort everything at once, but focusing on one thing per day/week works well. You could start with your painting supplies first and go from there. Good luck!

Val · Answer

Hi Kelly. Things not sitting against the wall can be fixed by putting shims under the front legs or front of the shelves at the bottom. This will tilt the shelf against the wall. I have to do this in my sewing room. I used a tension rod between the side of the shelf and my wall, with inexpensive clip rings for hanging small projects in ziplock bags. You can see it on my Hometalk posts. Hope this helps!
Val

Opal · Answer

Shims for existing needs and deeper bookcases, night stands, end tables, dressers for a table base are the way to go for a rental. Freecycle.net or org. for Tacoma and there's is another that is South King County. Everything is free.... You post what you are wanting and what you want to get rid of. Once you decide what you want, go there and register. I see bookcases and craft stuff on there all the time.

Kelly Wivell · Answer

Thanks! Opal, I am on Puyallup free cycle, but nothing good, will have to try others!

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