How to Store Hobby and Craft Supplies in a Storage Unit

When you need more room for crafting, a storage unit can be a simple way to organize craft supplies, seasonal projects, and hobby materials that no longer fit at home. With labeled containers, shelving, and a clear layout, your unit can work like an extension of your craft area. 

Public Storage offers a range of storage unit sizes, with climate-controlled options available at select locations, for hobbyists looking to declutter a closet, spare room, or workspace. 

Craft-Supply Storage: Key Takeaways

• Clear plastic bins make it easier to organize hobby supplies by project, material, or season. 

• Lidded containers can help reduce dust on fabric, yarn, paper, and décor. 

• Shelving and a center walkway make bins and project materials easier to find. 

• Clean, dry craft supplies are generally a good fit for storage. 

• Climate-controlled storage can be a good option for paper, fabric, wood décor, and other materials affected by temperature changes. 

• Available unit sizes, climate-controlled storage, and drive-up access vary by location. 

• Rental agreements and facility guidelines outline the items that can go in a storage unit.

Why a Storage Unit Works for Craft Supplies

Sewing, scrapbooking, painting, and DIY projects can bring plenty of supplies into the home, from fabric and yarn to canvases, décor, and project tools. Over time, these supplies can fill closets, guest rooms, shelves, and kitchen tables. 

A storage unit gives hobby supplies a dedicated place outside the home. This can free up room at home while keeping project materials organized in one place. 

Craft Supplies Commonly Stored in Bins

Containers for Organizing Craft Supplies

Container choice can make a major difference in how easily supplies are located later. Clear plastic totes offer quick visibility, while small organizers can keep loose items tidy. 

Packing Ideas by Craft Supply Type

• Fabric and yarn: Clean, dry materials fit well in labeled plastic totes. 

• Paper and cardstock: Flat storage can reduce bent corners and creases. 

• Canvases: Upright placement along a wall can create a more efficient use of space. 

• Small supplies: Divider cases can keep buttons, beads, and similar items from mixing together. 

• Seasonal materials: One bin per holiday or season can simplify decorating and DIY projects throughout the year. 

Set Up a Storage Unit Like a Creative Closet

A simple layout can make it easier to find and put away craft supplies during each storage visit Think of your unit as a larger craft closet, with separate zones for sewing, paper crafts, art projects, and seasonal décor. A storage unit with drive-up access can make it easier to pack, load, and put away larger craft bins and hobby tools. 

Simple Layout Plan

• Shelving along the walls: Shelves create vertical storage space for lightweight bins. 

• A clear center aisle: An open walkway makes labels and containers easier to access. 

• Current projects near the front: Frequently used craft materials can stay closer to the door. 

• Seasonal bins toward the back: Holiday décor and occasional-use supplies can remain in reserve. 

• Labels on two sides: Front and side labels remain visible after stacking. 

• A digital inventory: A notes app or spreadsheet can list each bin’s contents and location. 

Example Craft-Supply Inventory

Climate-Controlled Storage for Craft Materials

Climate-controlled storage can be a practical option for materials affected by temperature changes, including paper, fabric, wood décor, photographs, and certain hobby equipment. Indoor, climate-controlled units generally offer a more consistent environment than many standard outdoor storage options. 

Availability varies by Public Storage location. A local facility team can share current unit options, access details, and available features. 

A Clean and Organized Storage Routine

• A simple routine can keep a hobby-storage setup tidy over time: 

• Clean and dry supplies before packing. 

• Pack similar items together in labeled containers. 

• Store heavier bins on lower shelves. 

• Keep a walkway open from the door to the back of the unit. 

• Refresh labels as projects change. 

• Visit periodically to organize, declutter, and put away supplies after a project. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can fabric and yarn go in a storage unit? 

Yes. Clean, dry fabric and yarn can go in labeled, lidded plastic bins. Climate-controlled storage can be a useful option for longer-term fabric and yarn storage. 

Are plastic bins or cardboard boxes better for craft supplies? 

Plastic bins with lids are often a practical option for craft supplies because they are stackable, easy to label, and available in clear styles for quick viewing. 

Can paper craft supplies go in storage? 

Yes. Flat bins or archival-style boxes can work well for cardstock, templates, stickers, and other paper-craft materials. Climate-controlled storage can be a good fit for paper supplies. 

What size storage unit works for hobby supplies? 

The right storage unit size depends on the number of bins, shelving, larger tools, and room desired for an aisle. A smaller unit can fit several bins and shelves, while a larger unit can accommodate broader hobby collections and seasonal décor. 

Can a storage unit be used as a craft workspace? 

Storage units are intended for storage. Facility guidelines and rental agreements apply, and storage spaces are not for running a business or use as a business address. 

What items are not a fit for a storage unit? 

Facility guidelines and rental agreements outline permitted contents. Clean, dry hobby and craft supplies are generally a better fit than perishable, wet, prohibited, or regulated materials. 

Create More Room for Creativity

A storage unit can make it easier to declutter your home, organize hobby supplies, and keep projects ready for the next creative session. From sewing bins and paper crafts to seasonal DIY décor, Public Storage offers storage solutions for supplies that have outgrown their current space.