How to Correctly Store Yarn and Art Supplies (A Practical Guide)
If you craft regularly, your supplies aren’t “stuff” — they’re time, money, and future projects. The right storage setup keeps yarn fluffy, paper flat, markers juicy, and tools easy to find. The goal isn’t a Pinterest-perfect craft room. It’s a system that protects your supplies and makes starting (and finishing) projects faster.
Start with zones (before you buy containers)
Before you reorganise, do a quick sort and create three zones:
- Active projects (WIPs): what you’re currently making
- Everyday tools: scissors, hooks/needles, rulers, pens, tape, glue
- Backstock / archive: extra yarn, paper packs, refills, seasonal items
This matters because storage works best when each zone has a “home.” If you’re using Eezispace storage space (shelves, cubbies, drawers, or modular units), assign one shelf/drawer per zone so you’re not mixing half-finished projects with long-term supplies.
The 5 things that ruin craft supplies
Most storage problems come down to these:
- Moisture & humidity: mildew in yarn, warped paper, rust on tools
- Heat & sunlight: fading, brittleness, melted waxes/adhesives
- Dust: dulls colours, clings to yarn fibres
- Pests: moths/silverfish love natural fibres and paper
- Crushing/warping: paper bends, yarn loses shape, tools get damaged
Your storage choices should reduce these risks: cool, dry, dark, sealed, and supported.
How to store yarn correctly (so it stays clean and pest-free)
Yarn is basically a dust magnet — and natural fibres can attract pests.
Best practice
- Store yarn in a cool, dry place, away from bathrooms, kitchens, and direct sunlight.
- Use lidded containers (clear is ideal so you can see what you have).
- Keep yarn off the floor where dust and pests are more likely.
Organise it in a way you’ll actually maintain
Pick one method and stick to it:
- By fibre: cotton, acrylic, wool, blends
- By weight: DK, worsted, chunky
- By colour family: neutrals, brights, pastels
- By project: one bin per project (great for WIPs)
Practical tip: Keep the label (or snap a photo of it) so you don’t lose the dye lot, recommended hook/needle size, and care instructions.
Pest prevention (simple, not fussy)
- Keep yarn sealed when not in use.
- If you use lavender/cedar, keep it separate from direct yarn contact (e.g., in a small sachet taped to the inside of a bin lid).
Avoid
- Open baskets long-term (dust + pests)
- Storing yarn in damp areas
- Long-term vacuum compression (can deform fibres)
How to store paper, cardstock, and sketchbooks (no curling)
Paper needs support and stable conditions.
Best practice
- Store large sheets flat (in a drawer or on a supported shelf).
- Store pads and sketchbooks upright like files or stacked flat (not leaning).
- Separate by size first (A4, A3, 12×12), then by type/weight.
Quick wins
- Use folders or sleeves for special prints.
- Keep paper away from windows and humidity.
Eezispace tie-in: A drawer unit or dedicated shelf space helps keep paper supported and dust-free.
How to store markers, pens, paints, and inks (stop them drying out)
Markers and pens
- Store most markers horizontally so ink stays evenly distributed.
- Keep caps tight and group by type (alcohol markers, brush pens, fineliners).
Paints and inks
- Store paints with lids tightly sealed; wipe the rim before closing.
- Keep inks upright and away from light.
- Avoid heat (garages and sunny windowsills are common culprits).
Practical tip: Create a small “refill/replace” section for dried markers, empty paint tubes, and low supplies so you don’t discover it mid-project.
How to store glue, resin, clay, and messy materials
Messy supplies are easiest to manage when they’re contained as a category.
- Use an airtight bin for glues and clays.
- Add a simple spill tray (even a shallow plastic tray) inside the bin.
- Store strong adhesives and solvents out of reach of kids/pets and in a ventilated area.
Eezispace tie-in: Give your “messy bin” its own storage space (low shelf or dedicated cubby) so it’s easy to grab and put away.
How to store tools (and keep sharps safe)
Tools get lost when they don’t have a consistent home.
Sort tools into mini-kits
- Cutting: scissors, craft knife, blades
- Measuring: ruler, tape measure, cutting mat
- Fastening: needles, pins, clips, stapler
- Finishing: seam ripper, glue gun, iron-on tools
Safety basics
- Cap blades and store replacements in a labelled container.
- Keep sharps in a closed pouch or box.
Practical tip: One “everyday tools” pouch/caddy that lives in the same spot saves a surprising amount of time.
Small-space craft storage setups that work
You don’t need a full craft room. Try one of these practical setups:
- One-shelf craft station:
- Top: everyday tools
- Middle: active project bin
- Bottom: backstock bin
- Portable craft kit (for dining-table crafting):
- A lidded bin with a smaller organiser inside
- Everything returns to the bin when you’re done
- Vertical storage space:
- Shelves/cubbies for bins + a small section for paper storage
- Label the front of each bin so it’s grab-and-go
Labelling that makes finding things easy
Keep labels simple and consistent:
- Category label: “Yarn”, “Paper”, “Markers”, “WIPs”
- Detail label: “Cotton DK”, “A3 Cardstock”, “Brush Pens”, “Project: Baby Blanket”
If you want to go one step further, keep a quick note on your phone of what’s in your backstock bins — especially for yarn colours and dye lots.
A 5-minute maintenance routine (so it stays organised)
- After each session: put tools back, seal lids, return supplies to their bin
- Monthly: wipe dust, check for moisture, toss dried-out products
- Seasonal: review WIPs, rotate backstock, donate what you won’t use
Wrap-up
Correct storage is less about buying more containers and more about giving your supplies the right conditions: cool, dry, sealed, and supported. Start with zones, assign each zone dedicated storage space, and keep your system simple enough to maintain.
If you’re ready to make your craft setup easier to live with, look for storage space that matches how you craft: clear bins for yarn, drawers for paper, organisers for tools, and a dedicated home for messy materials.
