How to Organize Your Art Supplies

Art supplies have a way of taking over your space. Paint tubes get mixed up, brushes end up in random cups, and you’re digging through drawers trying to find that one specific color pencil. Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been creating for years, keeping your supplies organized saves time, protects your materials, and makes the creative process a lot smoother.

How to Store Paint so It Lasts

Paint is one of the most important things to store correctly, especially if you’ve invested in quality brands. Acrylic paints should be stored upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Heat can cause separation, and freezing can ruin the consistency. Keep lids tightly sealed to prevent drying out.

Oil paints are more forgiving with temperature, but should still be stored upright with caps tightened. Store them away from heat sources since they’re flammable. Watercolor pans and tubes should be kept in a dry environment. Moisture can cause mold in pans and tubes, which can split if they freeze.

Organize paints by color family or type in clear containers, drawer organizers, or on shelves where you can see what you have. Label sections so you’re not hunting through everything. If you have a large collection, consider a rolling cart with multiple tiers to keep paints accessible and separated by medium.

How to Keep Your Brushes in Good Shape

Brushes are an investment, and proper care makes them last. Clean brushes immediately after use. For acrylics, rinse with warm water and mild soap until the water runs clear. For oils, use a brush cleaner or solvent first, then wash with soap and water. Watercolor brushes just need a thorough rinse.

Reshape bristles while they’re still damp and lay brushes flat to dry or hang them with bristles pointing down. Never store brushes bristle-up in a container while wet. This causes water to seep into the ferrule, loosening bristles and damaging the handle.

Once dry, store brushes upright in jars, cups, or brush holders with bristles facing up, or lay them flat in a drawer with dividers. Keep different brush types separated so you can grab what you need quickly. For travel, use brush rolls or cases that keep bristles stored away.

Wrangle the Rest of Your Supplies

Art supplies multiply fast. Here’s how to keep the rest under control:

Pencils, pens, and markers: Use cups, jars, or drawer organizers to separate by type or color. Pencil rolls work great for portability.

Colored pencils and crayons: Store in original tins, clear containers, or divided trays so you can see all your colors at once.

Erasers and sharpeners: Keep them in small containers or pouches so they don’t get lost in drawers.

Canvases: Store flat or upright in a canvas rack, bin, or between pieces of cardboard to prevent warping and damage.

Palettes and mixing tools: Clean thoroughly after each use and store flat in drawers or hang on hooks.

Sponges and mixing mediums: Keep in labeled containers or bins, grouped by type or project.

Use vertical space with pegboards, wall-mounted shelves, or rolling carts to keep supplies visible and accessible. Clear bins and drawer organizers let you see what you have without digging.

Label everything so you know where each item belongs.

Create a Functional Art Space

Before organizing, go through your supplies. Toss dried-out paints, damaged brushes, and materials you won’t use. Keep only what fits comfortably in your space and what you actually reach for.

If you’re working with a large collection or rotating between mediums, Public Storage can hold supplies you’re not using regularly. Store seasonal projects, extra canvases, or backup materials without crowding your workspace.

When your supplies are organized and easy to find, you spend less time searching and more time creating.