If you love crafting, you know how quickly a creative space can turn into a chaotic one. Fabric scraps, half-finished projects, overflowing drawers of paper and paint — it’s easy for inspiration to get lost under the clutter.In this blog post, you will learn the six essential steps from my Space and Time Organising System, along with simple, proven strategies to help you start decluttering your craft room today.
Start with Intention: The Foundation of Organisation
Before you begin sorting or labelling, take a moment to set your intention. Ask yourself:
- Why do I want to organise my craft room?
- What do I want this space to feel like?
Your “why” will guide your decisions and keep you motivated when the process feels overwhelming. You might want a peaceful place to sew, a desk clear enough for scrapbooking, or simply a space where creativity feels easy again.
When you declutter with intention, every action has purpose — and the result is a space that supports you, not stresses you.
The Real Cost of Craft Room Clutter
Clutter doesn’t just take up space — it takes your time, energy, and focus too. It’s important to remember that clutter has a ripple effect:
- It increases stress and anxiety.
- It reduces productivity and focus.
- It can drain your creativity, making it harder to start new projects.
- It often leads to overspending when you buy duplicates of things you already own.
When you organise your space, you’re not just clearing shelves — you’re making room for creativity, calm, and connection.
The Six Essential Steps to Decluttering Your Craft Room
The Space and Time Organising System breaks decluttering into six achievable, practical steps. Each one builds on the last, helping you create a space that’s functional, inspiring, and easy to maintain.
Step 1: Stop the Stuff
Before organising, stop new clutter from coming in. Be mindful about what you bring into your home and your craft space.
Why it matters:
Every item you buy needs space, time, and attention. Saying “no” to excess helps you protect what matters most — your time and creativity.
Here’s how:
- Set a budget to avoid impulsive craft shopping.
- Create a wishlist before buying — if it still feels essential after a week, go ahead.
- Use what you have before purchasing more.
- Follow the “one-in, one-out” rule to keep balance.
- Take inventory so you always know what’s on hand.
These small habits reduce clutter at the source, keeping your creative space light and manageable.
Step 2: Commit to Being Organised
There’s no magic wand for getting organised — it takes consistency and commitment. But the payoff is worth it.
Why it matters:
Getting organised isn’t a one-time project; it’s a lifestyle shift. When you prioritise your space, you create the foundation for focus and creativity.
Here’s how:
- Shift your mindset — organisation is a skill anyone can learn.
- Visualise your ideal craft life: what do you want it to look and feel like?
- Set up your home to support that vision.
- Define what “being organised” means to you personally.
- Schedule organising time — start small with 10-minute daily sessions.
The goal is steady progress, not perfection.
Step 3: Sort the Stuff
Sorting is about clarity, not decisions. You’re simply grouping like items together so you can see what you own.
Why it matters:
Our brains love order. When everything is grouped logically, it’s easier to see patterns and make informed choices.
Here’s how:
- Paints and brushes: Sort by type and size.
- Tools and adhesives: Group by purpose.
- Paper and cardstock: Sort by colour and size.
- Fabrics and textiles: Group by material and pattern.
- Beads and jewellery supplies: Sort by type and size.
Sorting often stirs emotions — memories tied to unfinished projects or forgotten hobbies. Allow those feelings, but keep moving forward.
Step 4: Let Go of What You No Longer Need
Decluttering is about making space for what truly matters.
Why it matters:
Letting go helps you release physical and emotional clutter, making room for creativity and calm.
Here’s how:
- Start with duplicates, damaged items, or supplies you’ve outgrown.
- Donate to creative reuse centres like Reverse Art Truck or Resource Rescue.
- Keep only what supports your current hobbies and goals.
Every item you release frees up energy — and gives someone else the joy of using it.
Step 5: Easy Storage
Once you’ve cleared the excess, it’s time to organise what’s left. And the keyword here is easy.
Why it matters:
Storage should make your life simpler — not prettier or more complicated.
Here’s how:
- Create permanent homes for your supplies.
- Label everything — containers, drawers, shelves — so anyone can find items easily.
- Focus on function before aesthetics. You can make it beautiful later.
- Treat containers and baskets as tools, not solutions.
Storage ideas:
- Pegboards for tools and materials you use often.
- Stackable bins to save space and keep supplies visible.
- Rolling carts for flexibility and mobility.
- Drawer organisers to separate small items.
- Hanging storage to keep essentials within reach.
Easy storage means everything has a home, making it effortless to clean up and get crafting again.
Step 6: Maintenance
Decluttering is the first step — maintenance is where the magic happens.
Why it matters:
Consistency is what keeps your craft room calm and functional over time.
Here’s how:
- Build daily 10-minute tidy habits into your routine.
- Use your calendar or planner to schedule decluttering sessions.
- Create weekly reset routines to stay on top of your space.
- Involve the family — make organisation a team effort.
- Join a supportive community or seek professional help when needed.
- Regularly review and adjust your systems as your hobbies evolve.
Maintenance turns order into a habit — and habits keep clutter from returning.
The Emotional Benefits of Decluttering
As you move through these steps, you may notice a shift — not just in your space, but in your mindset. Decluttering lightens both your environment and your emotions.
It helps you:
- Reconnect with your creativity.
- Reduce stress and decision fatigue.
- Feel more energised and in control.
Every small action brings you closer to a space that inspires peace, not pressure.
Create Space for What Matters Most
An organised craft room isn’t about perfection — it’s about purpose. It’s a space where your creativity feels free, your mind feels calm, and your supplies are tools, not obstacles. When you declutter with intention, you don’t just make space on your shelves — you make space for joy, focus, and the things that truly matter.
Ready to reclaim your creative space? Book your free 15-minute consultation with Julie Cliff today and take the first step toward your dream craft room.