I told you last week that I needed to clean up my craft storage room. Don’t be confused and think that this room will ever be a craft room. There isn’t enough room to work in there. It is strictly for storage. It’s always worked pretty well, until I opened my Etsy shop. Now I have stuff all over the house. I recently cut a lot of boards to have on hand for custom orders as they come in.
This is where I was keeping the overflow—in the guest room. I had shipping materials, here and there. I need to keep everything in one place, that’s the goal of this task.
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Funky Junk Donna did a post years ago about cleaning, that you should “gut” not “shuffle”. It was not practical to gut this room, so I took it in sections. I started with gutting this corner.
I started with one shelving unit, realizing that I needed to go UP with my storage options. I bought this at Meijer and it was over $30. I quickly realized that I needed a more frugal option…
I found these very inexpensive shelving units at Home Depot for $15 each. They aren’t going to last a lifetime, but I needed a couple of ‘em.
I started filling up the shelves with my completed signs, and blank inventory.
The shipping boxes fit neatly in between the shelving units.
Notice how these shelving units go “with” the windows….
I ended up buying 3 more units, and turned them so that I could get more in the space. I do NOT need floor space, because if I have floor space, I may use it for storage.
See all the empty shelves? That is a good thing! Full shelves mean you’re in trouble because you’re running out of room.
This is where I store my bubble wrap and paper filler.
It’s still not pretty folks, but it’s functional. Look at the bubble/air pockets, they are overflowing after I got more shipments for my Spring Fling. Kitty snuck in here, and I ended up shutting to door on her for a couple of hours. I didn’t even realize she was in this picture.
Things are more organized. Do I have too much stuff? Yeah, I do. Hopefully I can tackle some of those easy projects piled on top of the cabinet in the coming weeks. Until then, I’ll be working on all of those signs for my Memorial Day Show.
If you have a real “craft room” I would be jealous, but I have two “shop” areas, so I’m okay not having a craft room.
I am officially on wordpress now, I hope you don’t mind leaving a comment… I think after you leave one, it might be easier the second time??? I’m not sure how to leave a comment on Blogger blogs now. 🙁
gail
Hi, i think that i saw you visited my blog so i came to “return the favor”.I’m
attempting to find things to enhance my website!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!
Looks great Gail!!
That’s a lot of stuff! Love your finished signs!
I’m so jealous of your organization! I have a craft room, but have run out of room to store inventory in my garage. So much easier to think straight when you’re organized.
Wow! What a great looking space for you Etsy and signs!!!
I read Donna’s idea about ‘gutting’ back when I followed along with one of her workshops. It is good for some spaces…not all of them.
I’m still working on Etsy/Office Space… it is slow going. I want FUNCTIONAL AND PRACTICAL…but I SOOOO want PRETTY TOO!
That is why it is so slow I think. 😛
Love this and the storage: HEIGHT IT GOOD!
Patricia, who doesn’t mind leaving a comment.
🙂 Patricia, who doesn’t mind leaving a comment? 🙂
Ohhh, I would love pretty! but my house is not big enough to have a room that’s pretty. Storage is more practical.
height–I’ve been thinking about buying another unit, and adding a shelf to each of the existing units. That’s what’s so good about these, you can make them short or tall. 🙂
gail
I’m so jealous, two storage spaces! I understand what you mean about clearing things out. my business materials are about to take over the whole house and just keep getting shuffled around.
Looking good Gail! And my craft room is my kitchen counter!
Sharon! My craft room is MY island in the kitchen. I built it specifically so that I can stand comfortably (It’s higher than counter height) That is where I make EVERY etsy sign. 🙂
gail
I have to say I was shocked that you bought the shelves instead of building them, since you repurpose so much. It’s definitely not a criticism, just an observation. You know what’s best for you! Isn’t it amazing how good it feels when things get organized? I have a decor/craft/gift closet that got out of control. A couple of weeks ago I finally went through and organized it and it feels so much better. Mind you, I have no idea where anything is, because I moved stuff around, lol, but I know once I get in there more and get acclimated it will be much better! 🙂
Lisa,
With the price of new lumber, it would cost too much to make shelves, and they would be too heavy. I wanted them to be uniform in size, so repurposing something was out. I have “depts” I say to myself, put this in the hardware department, etc…. Most of my storage totes are clear, so that helps a lot!
gail
Makes perfect sense to me! 😉
Functional storage is beautiful to me, It feels so good to have a place for everything and not have to waste time rooting around for what you need. Those shelves are perfect for your signs, and the big bin is a great idea for corralling all your bubble wrap. Congratulations on making the move to wordpress!
Laurel–the move to wordpress has been very stressful. I’m sure someday I’ll be glad I did it, but not this week. 😉
gail
yay for storage!!!!
I KNOW! I’m so happy that I have empty space! that makes me the happiest. 🙂
Your storage area looks a lot better than mine!
It’s always going to be messy…. just hoping I can keep it an organized mess. 🙂 Good luck with your projects for your upcoming show(s) Holly!
gail