Clutter happens, especially when a space is used mainly for creating. Between unfinished projects, inspiration pictures, and loose supplies, clutter is to be expected in your studio or workspace. The only time this becomes an issue is when the clutter impacts your mindset. For many, the condition of their space is reflected in the condition of their mind. Here are some of our favorite tips for keeping your space, and your mind, clutter-free.
1. Keep the best, toss the rest: Sometimes, to make a room clean, you first must get it a little dirty. Don’t be afraid to pull everything out and wipe down your shelves and tabletops. Once your workspace has been dusted, analyze the supplies you pulled out. Give yourself permission to purge. It’s okay to get rid of things that no longer suit your needs. Donate anything still in good shape and toss anything that’s expired, broken, or no longer useable.
2. Don’t be afraid of vertical space: Whether you have an entire studio dedicated to your craft or just a corner of your guest bedroom, vertical storage can be a huge help when you’re hurting for space. Install shelves or racks that reach to or almost to the ceiling to make the most of your space. Not only can these shelves be useful for storing supplies, but they can also be a dedicated space for unfinished or drying work.
3. Get ahead of it: If you find that a messy workspace gets overwhelming quickly, incorporate time to clean and organize into your creative process. Even if it’s just a few minutes at the beginning or end of each time you sit down to work, you might find yourself having to deep clean a lot less.
4. Find a new system: If your organizational system isn’t serving its purpose, it might be time to find a new one. First, ensure that every piece of your creative collection has a permanent home with other similar items. For example, all pieces of mail should be kept separate from paintbrushes, should be kept separate from your post-it notes of ideas, and so forth. If a new storage unit would solve your problems, do your research. Pegboards are becoming more and more popular as a practical form of supplies storage, but plastic containers or secondhand shelves will do just fine if you’re looking to save money. No one knows your storage needs like you do, so find something that will work for you and your space.
5. Upgrade your workspace: When the pegboards and vertical shelves just don’t cut it, it may be time to consider an upgrade. The studio of your dreams is waiting for you at AmFab. Fill out your application on our website. Happy creating!