Lollygag Learning
How to keep your Kid's Art Supplies Organized
As a parent of young kids, I know all too well the challenges of keeping the house organized, especially when it comes to art supplies.
If your little ones love to create and express themselves through art, you’ve dealt with the chaos of crayons, markers, and paper everywhere. To help you keep things tidy and make art time more enjoyable, I’ve put together a list of seven ways to organize your kids’ art supplies.
1. Use clear storage containers
One of my favorite ways to keep art supplies organized is using clear storage containers.
These containers allow you to see what’s inside easily and make it simple for your kids to find what they’re looking for. I recommend using various sizes of containers to store everything from paintbrushes to stickers.
In addition to keeping things organized, clear containers also make it easier for your kids to put their supplies back after use. Plus, this helps you quickly identify when you’re running low on specific items, so you can restock before they’re completely out.
2. Use a pegboard
A pegboard is a fantastic way to keep art supplies within reach while also saving space.
Hang a pegboard on the wall, and add hooks and baskets to hold supplies like scissors, tape, and glue. This method keeps things off countertops and tables, creating more space for your little artists to work.
You can customize your pegboard to fit your kids’ specific needs and preferences, making it a versatile and personalized storage solution. The pegboard also encourages your kids to hang up their supplies after use, helping to instill good habits from an early age.
3. Label everything
Take organization to the next level by labeling all storage containers and drawers.
Using labels helps kids know exactly where each item belongs, making clean-up a breeze. You can use a label maker or simply write on masking tape to create your labels.
Labeling your art supplies also provides an opportunity to practice reading skills for younger kids. You can even involve your children in the labeling process, making it a fun and educational activity for the whole family.
4. Sort by color or type
Sorting supplies by color or type is another excellent way to keep things tidy.
For example, keep all the markers together in one container and crayons in another. Or, sort everything by color so your kids can quickly find the perfect shade for their masterpiece.
Sorting supplies by color or type also helps you quickly identify when you need to replenish your stock. Plus, it can inspire your kids to experiment with different colors and materials as they easily spot new combinations within the organized containers.
5. Make a dedicated art space
Designate a specific area in your home for art projects. This can be a small table, a corner of a room, or even a portable art cart. Having a dedicated space helps keep the mess contained and teaches your kids the importance of maintaining a tidy workspace.
A dedicated art space also helps to set boundaries and expectations for your kids, teaching them to respect and care for their supplies. Additionally, it makes it easier for you to monitor their projects and provide guidance or assistance as needed.
6. Repurpose what you already have
You don’t need to spend a fortune on fancy storage solutions.
Get creative and repurpose household items like mason jars, shoe organizers, or ice cube trays to store smaller art supplies. Not only does this save money, but it also adds a touch of personality to your organization system.
Repurposing household items not only saves money but also helps teach your kids about sustainability and the importance of reusing and recycling. This approach encourages creativity in finding new uses for everyday objects, inspiring your kids to think outside the box.
7. Keep your to-do's achievable
Finally, encourage your kids to take responsibility for their art supplies by making clean-up time fun. Set a timer and challenge them to clean up before it goes off, or turn it into a game where they earn points for putting things away correctly. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in teaching good habits.
By making clean-up fun, you can also create a sense of teamwork and cooperation among siblings. This can lead to a more harmonious household and teach valuable life skills, such as working together and taking responsibility for shared spaces.
With these seven tips, you’ll be well on your way to keeping your kids’ art supplies organized and your home clutter-free. Remember, the key is to find a system that works for your family and to involve your little artists in the process. Happy organizing, and here’s to many more masterpieces from your creative kids!
This article is a guest post by Nick Nolan – SEO Content Manager at 21K School.