Looking at cheap craft storage ideas is a good idea for the crafter that is on a budget or that just has a whole lot of crafting stuff. A good way to save some money is to go with storage containers that are not specifically labeled as craft storage containers. Containers made for a specialized use often come at a premium cost.
Popular Cheap Craft Storage Ideas
Then again, you don't want to use just any old container. You want one that will keep your supplies neat and organized. Here are some good ones that can serve several purposes.
Shoeboxes
You can't get much cheaper than a shoebox. You get one free most every time you buy a pair of shoes. Only use ones that are sturdy and unripped, and make sure you don't lose the lid. A shoebox can store:
- Scrapbooking embellishments
- Markers or pencils
- Tapes and glues
- Rolls of yarn
- Scraps of fabric
It's not recommended to store sharp instruments in here, since they could poke through the cardboard.
Plastic Storage Bins
These bins come in lots of sizes, they're easy to stack and they keep your craft supplies dry. It's a good idea to look for these bins at discount retailers around the beginning of the year. They often go on sale to try to catch people packing all their ornaments and wrapping paper up in the attic or garage.
These bins can store pretty much anything, including:
- Current projects you are working on
- Large sheets or rolls of paper
- Drafting tools
- Quilt squares and skeins of fabric
- Patterns
- Canvas
- Paintbrushes and palettes
Fishing Tackle Boxes
These are almost the ideal storage container for small crafting supplies that tend to get lost among the others. The many compartments in a tackle box make it ideal for holding seed beads, pins, sequins, needles, necklace clasps and other small fasteners and glue dots. You can find them at most outdoor supply stores. If you can't find a tackle box to your liking, also look at cosmetic storage boxes and children's lunch pails.
Cardboard Drawers
A favorite among college students, these drawers only cost a few dollars. You buy them flat and then unfold them as needed. Often you can find them in sets of two or sets of four. Like shoeboxes, these containers are not good for storing sharp objects. However, unlike shoeboxes, they are easily accessible even when they are stacked up.
More Ideas
Other cheap craft storage ideas include:
- Resealable plastic bags
- Envelopes
- Portfolio files
- Plastic magazine racks
- Plastic letter trays
- Paper grocery bags
- Shipping boxes
- Coffee tins
- Glass canning jars
Staying Organized
No matter what storage option you use, make sure you label everything. You can use a store-bought label maker or simply create labels using a permanent marker and masking tape. That way you'll be able to find what you're looking for and it will be a cinch to keep organized. For more cheap craft storage ideas, you can look to sites such as these:
You can also check out your local dollar store. An item in its aisles may just spark your own creative storage idea.
