How to Organize Your Art Supplies

The best way to organize art supplies is to sort them by medium and frequency of use, review the care instructions for each material and assign every category a designated container, drawer or shelf. Keep current-project supplies accessible, store clean and dry materials separately, and leave paints, solvents and other chemical products in their original labeled containers.

A practical system makes it easier to see what you have without crowding the workspace or buying duplicate supplies.

Art Supply Organization at a Glance

What Is the First Step in Organizing Art Supplies?

Begin by reviewing everything in your creative space. Group the supplies into broad categories before purchasing bins, shelves or rolling carts.

Possible categories include:

• Paint
• Brushes
• Drawing tools
• Paper
• Canvases and panels
• Palettes
• Cutting and measuring tools
• Adhesives
• Mediums and solvents
• Fabric or fiber supplies
• Current projects
• Finished work

Within each category, decide what should remain in the main workspace, what can move to another appropriate area and what needs to be discarded according to its instructions.

Do not place unidentified paints, solvents or other chemical products in the household trash or pour them down a drain. Keep labels intact and check the product and local disposal requirements.

Should You Organize Art Supplies by Type or Color?

Start by organizing supplies by medium or function. Then use color as a secondary category when it makes individual items easier to locate.

For example:

• Separate acrylic, oil and watercolor products.
• Group drawing pencils separately from colored pencils.
• Divide brushes according to the medium or technique for which they are used.
• Arrange paint colors within each medium.
• Keep cutting tools separate from drawing supplies.
• Create a specific area for materials used in current projects.

Avoid organizing entirely by appearance. Paint tubes with similar colors may require different handling depending on their formulas.

How Should You Store Paint?

Follow the storage instructions on each paint product. Recommendations vary among acrylic, oil, watercolor, gouache, ink and other materials.

In general:

• Keep paint in its original container.
• Make sure caps and lids are fitted correctly.
• Wipe residue from closures before sealing them.
• Keep labels visible.
• Organize paint by medium before sorting by color.
• Avoid direct sunlight and unsuitable temperature extremes.
• Do not place paint near heat or ignition sources.
• Do not combine different products in an unmarked container.
• Review containers periodically for damage or leaks.

A shallow drawer or divided bin can keep tubes visible without creating a deep pile. If paint is stored on a shelf, use a container or tray that can help contain a leak.

Do not assume that every paint should be stored in the same position. Follow the manufacturer’s directions when they specify upright, horizontal or another storage orientation.

How Can You Organize Paint by Color?

After separating paint by medium, arrange it in a way that supports how you work.

Options include:

• Color family
• Warm and cool colors
• Light to dark
• Frequently and occasionally used colors
• Project or palette
• Brand and product line

A large collection may work well in shallow drawers or on a rolling cart. Label each section clearly so paints return to the same category after use.

Avoid storing so many tubes in one container that labels and colors become difficult to see.

How Should You Clean and Store Paintbrushes?

Clean brushes according to the paint and brush manufacturers’ instructions. The correct process depends on the paint medium, bristle material and products used during cleanup.

Water may be appropriate for certain water-based materials, while other products require a specific cleaner. If a solvent or chemical cleaner is required, follow its label regarding handling, ventilation, storage and disposal.

After cleaning:

1. Remove remaining paint or cleaning product as directed.
2. Reshape the bristles gently.
3. Allow the brush to dry in a supported position.
4. Keep bristles from pressing against a hard surface.
5. Store the brush only after it is fully dry.

Wet brushes should not be packed tightly into closed containers. Water or cleaning product left near the ferrule and handle may affect the brush over time.

Once dry, brushes may be stored flat in a divided drawer or upright with the bristles facing up and free from pressure. A brush roll or case can help keep travel brushes separated.

How Should You Organize Pencils, Pens and Markers?

Use cups, trays, cases or drawer dividers to separate drawing tools by type or purpose.

Possible groups include:

• Graphite pencils
• Colored pencils
• Charcoal
• Pastels
• Ink pens
• Paint markers
• Technical pens
• Everyday writing tools

Replace caps after use and follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions for markers and pens. Some products perform best in a particular orientation, so avoid applying one storage rule to every type.

Portable cases and pencil rolls work well for supplies used in classes, shared spaces or outdoor projects. Keep blades, craft knives and other cutting tools in their own suitable container.

How Should You Store Paper?

Store paper flat when possible, supported by a drawer, portfolio or rigid folder that fits its dimensions. Separate paper by type, size or intended medium.

Categories may include:

• Sketch paper
• Watercolor paper
• Drawing paper
• Cardstock
• Tracing paper
• Specialty paper
• Scrap paper

Avoid folding or rolling paper unless the product is designed for that type of storage. Keep small scraps in a labeled folder or container instead of mixing them with full sheets.

A vertical file organizer may work for smaller pads and sturdy paper products. Large loose sheets generally need broader support.

What Is the Best Way to Store Blank Canvases?

Blank canvases and panels should be stored in a way that limits bending, pressure and floor contact.

Depending on their construction and the available space, they may be:

• Placed upright in a canvas rack
• Supported vertically between rigid dividers
• Stored flat without heavy objects on top
• Kept in fitted boxes or portfolios
• Separated with appropriate clean material

Do not lean large canvases at unstable angles or allow frames and hardware to press into nearby surfaces. Keep canvases away from areas where they may be struck, crushed or exposed to moisture.

Finished artwork may have different handling requirements from blank canvases. Review the materials and construction before packing it.

How Should You Organize Palettes and Mixing Tools?

Clean palettes, knives, cups and other reusable tools according to the materials used with them. Let each item dry before returning it to a drawer, hook or storage rack.

Group similar tools together:

• Palettes
• Palette knives
• Mixing cups
• Rulers
• Cutting mats
• Stencils
• Sponges
• Brayers
• Printing tools

Do not return a container used with paint or another chemical product to food service. Keep art tools and kitchen supplies separate.

How Can You Organize Small Art Supplies?

Small objects can disappear quickly inside deep drawers. Use divided trays, shallow containers or labeled pouches for items such as:

• Erasers
• Pencil sharpeners
• Clips
• Replacement blades
• Fasteners
• Small rulers
• Tape
• Stamps
• Sewing notions
• Specialty attachments

Give each container a specific category. Labels such as “Drawing Tools” or “Replacement Blades” are more useful than “Miscellaneous.”

Choose containers that can be removed and returned without emptying the surrounding drawer.

How Can You Use Vertical Space?

Pegboards, shelves and wall-mounted organizers can free the work surface while keeping suitable supplies visible.

Possible wall storage includes:

• Cups for lightweight drawing tools
• Hooks for empty palettes
• Small shelves for frequently used containers
• Racks for rolls of suitable paper
• Holders for rulers and measuring tools

Install every system according to its mounting and load instructions. Avoid placing heavy materials or leaking containers overhead.

A rolling cart may be a better option when wall installation is not practical. Dedicate each tier or drawer to one medium or project.

How Do You Create a Functional Art-Supply Zone?

Arrange supplies around the way you create.

Keep frequently used materials close to the work surface and move backup or occasional-use supplies farther away. A functional setup might include:

• A current-project tray
• A frequently used tool drawer
• A paint area organized by medium
• A paper and canvas zone
• A cleanup area
• A separate location for chemical products
• A drying area that will not be disturbed

Leave enough open workspace to complete projects. If every surface becomes permanent supply storage, adding more containers may not solve the problem.

What Should You Know About Solvents and Other Chemical Products?

Solvents, cleaners, mediums, adhesives, aerosols and some art products require more care than ordinary craft supplies.

Follow the product label regarding:

• Use
• Ventilation
• Storage
• Compatible materials
• Heat or ignition sources
• Cleanup
• Disposal

Keep chemical products in their original containers with labels intact. Never transfer them into food or beverage containers, and never mix leftover products.

Contact your local environmental, health or solid-waste agency for guidance when disposing of unwanted chemical products.

Paint, solvents, inks, adhesives, aerosols, mediums and other liquids or hazardous materials cannot be stored in a Public Storage unit.

How Do You Declutter Art Supplies?

Review supplies according to whether they are usable and relevant to your current work.

Ask:

1. Is the product still usable according to its instructions?
2. Do I work with this medium?
3. Is this a duplicate?
4. Does it belong with a current project?
5. Can an appropriate local organization use it?
6. Does it require special disposal?
7. Is it taking space needed for frequently used materials?

Do not donate leaking, unlabeled or unsuitable chemical products. Confirm an organization’s acceptance requirements before donating usable supplies.

Can Art Supplies Go Into a Storage Unit?

Certain clean, dry and eligible art supplies may be considered for self-storage when they are not needed in the main workspace.

Possible items include:

• Blank canvases
• Easels
• Empty portfolios
• Dry paper products
• Clean frames
• Empty storage containers
• Clean, dry hand tools
• Art tables or shelving
• Eligible fabric and fiber supplies

Do not store paint, ink, solvents, adhesives, aerosol products, mediums, cleaners or other liquids and hazardous materials.

Money, jewelry, cremains, irreplaceable belongings, sensitive documents, designer goods and property exceeding the permitted stored-value limit are also prohibited. Do not place irreplaceable or qualifying high-value finished artwork in a unit.

Review the complete Public Storage storage policies before packing.

How Should You Pack Eligible Art Supplies?

Before moving eligible supplies into a storage unit:

• Clean and dry every item.
• Sort materials by type.
• Use rigid portfolios for suitable paper products.
• Support blank canvases appropriately.
• Place small tools in labeled containers.
• Avoid overpacking boxes.
• Keep heavy containers low.
• Maintain an inventory.
• Place frequently needed supplies near the front.
• Do not include liquids or chemical products.

A storage unit is intended for storing eligible property. It should not be used as an art studio, workshop or cleanup area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest way to organize art supplies?

Sort supplies by medium and frequency of use. Assign each category a drawer, bin, shelf or portable container and keep current-project materials close to the workspace.

Should paint be organized by color or type?

Organize paint by medium first and color second. This keeps products with different handling requirements separated while making individual colors easier to find.

Should paintbrushes be stored upright or flat?

Fully dry brushes may be stored flat or upright with the bristles facing up and free from pressure. Follow the brush manufacturer’s instructions when available.

How do you organize art supplies in a small space?

Use shallow drawers, rolling carts, divided containers and suitable wall storage. Keep only frequently used materials near the work surface and avoid filling every open area with supplies.

Can dried-out paint go into household trash?

Disposal requirements vary by product and location. Review the label and contact the appropriate local waste program before discarding paint or chemical products.

Can paint go into a storage unit?

No. Paint and other liquids cannot be stored in a Public Storage unit. Solvents, adhesives, aerosols and hazardous materials are also prohibited.

Can blank canvases go into a storage unit?

Eligible blank canvases may be stored when packed and supported appropriately. Keep them off the floor and avoid placing heavy items against or on top of them.

Can a storage unit be used as an art studio?

No. Storage units are intended for storage only and cannot be used as studios or workspaces.

Keep Creativity Within Reach

A useful art-supply system keeps frequently used materials visible, separates products by medium and gives every category a practical place to return after a project.

If eligible, clean and dry art supplies are crowding your workspace, find Public Storage near you and compare available unit sizes and property features.