How to KonMari Craft Supplies
In her book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Marie Kondo advocates a surprisingly simple barometer for deciding what to keep and what to get rid of when decluttering a home: “does it spark joy?” She makes a pretty good case for the potency and effectiveness of this question; and even after putting it to the test myself, I found it does indeed work very, very well…for most things. However, has anyone else noticed that Kondo’s book doesn’t once address how to deal with craft supplies? Ummm…most craft supplies “spark joy,” don’t they? That’s why we’re drawn to them, after all. And even if it’s not the sparkly, glittery, patterned, textured quality of whatever supply we’re lusting over that makes us giddy, it’s definitely the sheer expectation, hope, and inspiration of a completed project that sparks joy deep inside us creative types. So if craft supplies…by their very nature…spark joy, how do you use this infamous method to cut down an excessively large craft stash? Well…I recently put my own craft collection to the KonMari test; and after bending the rules and adapting just a bit, I did find that it was indeed possible to KonMari craft supplies. Let me tell you how I did it!
My Why
Despite regular purges of my craft supplies over the last few years, I still had this gut feeling that I had too much. Not only was I busting out of the extensive storage I have in my craft room, but I knew I was actually only using a tiny percentage of what I owned. Just like how many people typically wear the same few things in their closet day in and day out, I was using only a fraction of my supplies regularly (but was keeping so much more for that “special” project that “might” someday come along). And on top of wasting space, time and energy storing a bunch of supplies I never used, whenever a new idea struck, I usually ran off to the store for new supplies instead of putting what I had to use. I finally decided it was time to get real about what I use, what I don’t, and significantly change my identity as a “craft hoarder.”
Empty the Space…Seriously
Admittedly, I had no intention of emptying out my craft room, holding each and every supply in my hand in order to consider its joy factor, and then loading it all back in. In fact, I originally attempted to purge my craft supplies in a “cheater” way by just opening each bin or box, casually looking for items to get rid of and then moving on. As you can imagine, this approach left me with just a few things to purge and a feeling like I didn’t really give my decluttering a real, true effort.
Then a week later, we HAD to empty the office to (finally!) get new carpet installed. And once every last item from the office was dragged out, precariously piled up in the garage, and I could see it ALL at once, I finally “got” why Kondo says to empty it all out: because the sheer amount has a profound and lasting impression. Just by looking at the pile, I knew I had more work to do. Seeing it all at once helped me finally be ready to do it.
If you do nothing else I suggest in this post, empty it…ALL. Yes…it’s gonna make a disaster and it’s going to feel soooooo overwhelming. Trust me…I’ve seen some intense craft rooms so I know how much stuff you might have! But that’s the point. It’s an incredibly necessary step. Don’t skip it.
Okay…now that everything’s dragged out, you’re ready to go through each and every item and decide if it truly “sparks joy,” or at the very least, if it should be kept for future crafting. Since practically everything in a craft room can be potentially be used for anything, here are some other things to consider as you ask yourself “does it spark joy?”
Be Realistic About the Crafts You Do
This was a really big one for me. As a creative person and someone who crafts as part of their job, I am ready and willing to give lots of different projects a try. Knitting? Sure, I’ve always wanted to learn! Stamping? That sounds fun! Stenciling? You guys know I love a good pattern! Quilting? I love mixing and matching fabrics! Well…as you can imagine, all these various hobbies came with their own collection of supplies. But even when a certain hobby faded to the background, the stuff never went with it.
Like I said in the beginning, my craft space was 85% filled with supplies I never used. So…I got really honest with myself about the hobbies I just don’t do anymore. I kept all of my paper, all of my vinyl, all of my party supplies and other items I use regularly. But I got rid of 100% of my stamps, yarn, and scrapbook supplies, and almost all of my quilting fabric. Gasp. Did I just say that? Yes…yes I did.
I’ve accepted that I’m just not a hobby sewer. I certainly enjoy sewing and use it to create things for my home or as gifts. But it’s not my main craft. When I go to make a project, whether it’s a baby gift or a new set of throw pillows, I often go to the store for fresh new fabrics anyway. Getting “real” about not being a quilter/sewer really freed me to get rid of the things (like 6 boxes of fabric!) taking space, time and energy from the projects and crafts I really, truly enjoy.
Be Realistic About the Projects That Won’t Get Done
Raise your hand if you’ve ever gone to the craft or fabric store with an idea, filled your cart with all the necessary supplies, come home all excited to start, but then life gets in the way. Six months later you find the bag full of untouched supplies, and all the excitement for the project is completely faded?
My hunch is that pretty much every crafter’s hand is up. I know both of mine are.
My craft room, and probably yours too, is filled with projects (and their supplies) that were either never started or never finished. If the joyful spark of that project has truly faded and you realistically don’t see yourself ever completing the project…get rid of it…all. Not only will the clutter be gone, but so will the guilt of the unfinished creation.
Discard Extras and Enoughs
When working on any kind of project, it is pretty rare to have the exact right amount of supplies. Whether it’s scrap wood or leftover fabric, a whole box of nails or 6″ left of Velcro, there are ALWAYS leftovers…ALWAYS. As crafters who see potential and usefulness in everything, it can be tempting to keep all those odds and ends. However, those odds and ends rarely get used and are often exactly what’s cluttering up our work spaces.
I suggest you get rid of extras of things that you realistically don’t think you’ll use again. Whether it’s a 1/2 yard really specific novelty fabric or a random tool you had to buy to do something very specific…if it was a one-time, probably never do again-type item, get rid of it. Yes…even those few extra snaps or leftover bias tape…toss it.
In the same way, I suggest you get rid of anything that there isn’t enough to do anything meaningful with. I had kept a lot of drapery materials (tape, hooks, etc); however, I didn’t have enough of any item to make a single pair of drapes. Since I’d have to buy more supplies anyway (if and when I actually make drapes again), I chose to toss it all.
Now…I know you fabric lovers LOVE your scraps; but if you’re being completely honest with yourself, you can only do so much with that many scraps. I refer you to my previous point: be realistic about what you’re actually going to make.
What’s the “Cost of Keeping” vs. the “Cost of Replacing”
Everything has potential in a craft room…everything. And when you add in the likelihood of science fair projects and school dioramas, you can honestly make a case for keeping pretty much everything. If you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time, you know I LOVE LOVE LOVE turning an unexpected find into something oh-so-perfect for a project…that thrill certainly sparks joy for me. However, I also know there is a cost to keeping all those random pom-poms and pipe-cleaners and gift boxes and…you name it.
We move a lot. A lot. And it is not lost on me how much time and supplies are required to move my craft stash over and over again. From the man hours to pack and unpack it, to my hours to organize, store, and maintain it, as well as all the boxes, paper, bins, totes and more to do so over and over…it’s a lot. And I’m realizing that the cost of replacing a $0.97 bag of pipe-cleaners is easier and more cost-effective in the long run than keeping them, moving them, and maybe never needing them.
My example of a bag of pipe-cleaners may seem silly, but multiply that bag of pipe-cleaners by yards of fabric and skeins of yarn and piles of paper and bottles of paint and jugs of glue…(all that is never, ever used)…and I think you’ll get my point. Whether you move or not, if you can’t decide whether to part with something, consider how much it is to replace if you ever need it again. When it comes to small, inexpensive craft supplies, my guess is buying it when you need it will be worth the space you gain by getting rid of it…every time. 
Does It Have Usefulness
In response to my last KonMari post, I had a reader, Erin, write a really concise and on-point response to how something like kitchen knives or plungers can “spark joy.” She wrote:
Also, for the people who wonder how socks and plungers and laundry detergent spark joy: the book specifically covers items that don’t thrill you. Rather than the thing itself sparking joy, the way a flattering favorite sun dress might, the joy comes from the item being exactly what you need for a particular life task. Does the beauty of my plunger spark joy? No. But having a plunger that is ready to do the correct task at a moment’s notice DOES. Same with everyday socks: it’s not their beauty, but their functionality–these socks are comfortable, in good repair, and in the style I prefer; they make me feel good while I wear them and are easy to clean–that’s my sock joy.
I suggest this same thought process be applied to various tools and supplies in the craft room. Do you have a pair of scissors you reach for over and over again because they are reliable, you like the way they work and feel, and they are simply your favorite? Keep them…those scissors spark joy for you. Conversely, is there a pair you pass every time because they are dull and uncomfortable? Toss them…no questions asked. Tools in the craft room might not “spark joy” for you; but if you’re honest with yourself, you know exactly which tools are useful, reliable, quality and purposeful. Keep those and discard the broken, novelty, or never-used tools you’ve gathered along the way.
Does It Still Spark Joy?
As I said in beginning, most craft supplies tend to spark some kind of joy when we first buy them. But as time wears on, that spark may indeed fade. Although I’ve demonstrated that there are other things to consider besides “joy,” this is still a valuable question to ask especially when it comes to things like scrapbook papers, fabrics, wallpapers, wrapping papers, etc.
I came across several pads of cute scrapbook paper that I bought on a whim, fabric that I just “had to have,” and wrapping paper that I thought would make for cute drawer liners. But as I really examined them in light of all the considerations I have outlined here alongside the question of “does it spark joy,” it became clear that my spark for these items was gone. If a pattern or product or idea or tool really doesn’t light that excited, creative fire in you anymore, then it’s time to let it go…no matter how useful it might be or how much potential it might have.
Need More Help Decluttering Your Home?
Here are my very best decluttering tips, tricks, and solutions!
- Learn How To Organize Any SPACE In 5 Steps
- Keep or Toss: Questions to Consider When Decluttering Your Home
- Donate Versus Sell | Getting Rid of the Stuff You No Longer Love
- 10 Tips for an Awesome (& Profitable) Garage Sale
- How to Declutter Your Entire Home Before a Move
- How to Declutter Your Kitchen from Top to Bottom
- Does It Spark Joy? My 1st KonMari Experience
- How to KonMari Craft Supplies
- What Happened When I Got Rid of Half My Kid’s Toys
- Helping Your (Senior) Parents Declutter | My Real Life Tips!
Just like what happened in my closet, once I applied (this version of) the KonMari method to my craft supplies, I was able to finally let go of so many items I’ve been holding on to for years. No…I didn’t get rid of every last sequin or pom pom or yard of fabric (we do have school dioramas to make, after all!!!), but I really forced myself to get real about the things I do and the things I don’t. In the end, not only did everything fit back into my craft room (with room to spare!), but what remains are truly the craft supplies I use, know I will use, or genuinely love!
I hope this post has been helpful to those of you who truly want to reduce your crafting footprint but are having a hard time letting go of all the pretty and potential-filled items in your home! If you’ve KonMari’d your craft supplies too and came across some helpful tips, don’t hesitate to share in the comments below! Happy decluttering, my friends!
Megan
38 Comments on “How to KonMari Craft Supplies”
Gee, this is the most helpful thing I’ve read anywhere in a long time, especially the bit about getting real about not being a sewer/quilter. Just because I CAN do something, doesn’t mean I enjoy it. Do I even want to finish any of the WIPs in my tub? Thanks for giving me such food for thought Megan.
Love this post and your comment. You mean I’m not a quitter??? Ha ha. As I have gotten older, I hate being precise! I hate the thought of making a perfect quilt square!!!!
I loved this post. Man, can I relate so much! I especially like your phrase…”was keeping so much more for that “special” project that “might” someday come along”.. I’m a beader and crocheter. Balls and skeins and remnants of yarn and strings and strings of beads (not to mention all the findings!)… yikes! I once told my husband I’d need at least a week off from work to just get thru the beads.. Yikes!.
LOVE, LOVE this post, Megan!! I have so much craft stuff scattered all over the house, but have always been absolutely overwhelmed at the thought of sorting and organizing it all…never even mind (gasp) purging it! This post is so, SOOOO helpful at changing my mindset on what my craft supplies mean to me.
Awesome! Just did a version of this myself (after the PCS, but anyway…) What did you do with the craft items that no longer spark joy?
In our area, someone is opening up a Used craft supply store. I’m currently collecting the craft items and donating to them!
I have to organize my craft supplies since forever hahaha. I also never thought about purging them first, oh shame!
This post is very helpful. Just imagine that I follow your blog since a few years and this is my first comment.
I do love your work. I’m always awaiting a new post.
Kisses from Argentina
Thank you for this! Yes, as a creative type and craft supply hoarder, it’s a struggle to purge the collection because, as you said, everything could be used for something. Asking the realistic and honest questions is going to be a big help in paring down my stash. Thanks again!
I recently read the Kon Mari book, I listened to the audiobook version while driving 8 hours out of town to evacuate NC during hurricane Florence. I realized that most of the things I left behind weren’t all that important to me. We left home with the possibility of returning to a flooded home. We were lucky not to have any damage. Upon returning I have been inspired to get rid of things that don’t Spark Joy. I’ve got a lot of work to do, and had a baby 2 weeks ago. So many of my daily activities are going to be different in the next couple of years. Juggle a toddler and newborn, transitioning to SAHM, wearing nursing tops for he next year or two. It’s a time for me ton get ready eat about all the stuff I have that I’m not going to need or use in what next few years. Time to get cleaning. During naptimes of course.
This is really inspiring! Just because I could use it for something doesn’t mean I will use it. What did you do with the supplies you purged?
Thank you for writing this post. I am currently tidying my own craft room and I am a bit overwhelmed by the how much I have admittedly acquired. I’ve realized my true ‘hobby’ has been having creative ideas and spending quality time with other hobbyists hunting for perfect supplies for beautiful visions without realizing many. Time to strategically pick and focus on which ones will actually spark joy in the process of completion. I read a comment someone actually found themselves crafting more once they had less having applied the KonMari method.
Thank you for the inspiration. I dread looking at all those craft supplies I have squirreled around the house in various boxes and confronting all the project I am no longer interested in doing.
Excellent article! I just found your blog, and am looking forward to reading more! I have recently had the revelation that the things in my home all have potential, or else I would not have them! Not only the craft supplies. So an item’s potential cannot be the deciding factor in whether to keep or not. My questions are going to be, “is this item serving or enriching my life RIGHT NOW. “ and, “ if I were shopping at this moment, would I buy this?”
I think for me those are clarifying questions. The hard part is actually answering them honestly, without letting guilt get in the way. Having invested money into supplies, or time, in the case of a half done project, makes it harder. Having dreams of that lovely thing I so wanted to create a long time ago….those are hard to let go of. However, once you do let them go the freedom is amazing. We have to keep that in mind! I love the commentor who said she actually did more crafting after having purged things. That is more incentive!
Another thing to consider is that some of the things we keep lose their usefulness over time. For example, adhesives will eventually lose their stickiness. Then you’ve wasted space keeping stuff that is no longer useable.
What did you do with your purged items? I have been wanting to do this but would love to have a way to get back just a portion of what I spent over the years…but the thought of selling fabric on a destash site then having to mail it all does not sound appealing. Same with scrap booking stuff.
Hi Marcy!
I’ve done a few different things. If you have A LOT (as in, enough to warrant a garage-type sale), then I would start there. When we cleaned out my mother’s house, we had SOOO much (more than you can even imagine), so we did a 2-day “Craft Sale.” For fabric, we sold it by the pound ($10/lbs) which works out to about $3/yard. So much easier than measuring everthing out. We specifically “advertised” this sale to local quilt groups and on Craigslist/FB as a “Craft” sale and had a crazy profitable sale. I chat a little bit about it here: https://thehomesihavemade.com/2014/09/10-tips-for-awesome-yard-sale/
If you don’t have quite that much to warrant a sale, I suggest selling it as a lot on Facebook Marketplace. When I did this most recent purge, I had a huge box stuffed full of fabric that I listed for $100 flat fee. I had all sorts of people ask me to drop the price or donate it to the local high school, but within a week or so, I had a quilter reach out to me and bought it, no questions asked, because she knew what a good deal it was.
I’ve also done giveaways here on the blog with “stash boxes” – you could do a similar thing on Instagram or FB – just load up flat rate boxes with as much as you can (this is great for scrapbook supplies) and see what you can get for them + shipping. (https://thehomesihavemade.com/2017/09/its-a-craft-stash-giveaway/)
Hope that helps a bit!
Megan
Thank you for sharing this information. I am in the middle of purging stage and I needed guidance. Your progress encourages me. Please send me a photo of your finished room. Inspiration is need here from a crafter/teacher/Mom of two.
You can do it!!!! It’s hard, tedious work but it can make such a big difference in your day-to-day crafting! You can see how all my purging turned out and how I ultimately store what I kept here: https://thehomesihavemade.com/2019/05/how-i-store-aaalll-my-craft-supplies/
Hope that helps!
Megan
I just read your post and I recognize myself in every single line… omg now I feel more confident to finally get rid of things that I don’t use. Thank you so much Megan!
Thank you so much for this post! We just moved again, and I have limited space for my art supplies. This post really helped me wrap my head around what to keep and what to part with! ♡
Hi Megan!
I am so glad you found this post helpful. I actually just re-read through it recently because I needed a refresher myself 😉
Good luck getting settled in your new home!Megan
I’m going to be getting new flooring in my craft room so this is a perfect article for me! I’ve hauled boxes of stuff out of my craft room and you can’t even tell! Yikes!!
Hi Heidi!
I totally get it, LOL! Hang in there…it will all be worth it once you’ve worked through the entire process! Focus on how fun it will be to craft in an organized, fresh space!
You got this!Megan
Great perspective! Kind of like you, I thought the whole KonMari technique was a little “out there” when I first read the book, but this post is a great example of how to apply the principles in a really practical way!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this post, Marianne! And that I’m not the only one who struggled a bit with the book’s concept 😉 All these years later…I still find her principals pretty handy though!
Thanks for stopping by today!
Hi Megan, Your article has sparked a fire within me that I really needed to have lit. 🔥 Thanks for all your encouraging words and ideas. I too have practiced the Konmari Method with my drawers in my closet and dresser but when it came to my craft room I really didn’t know how to apply it or where to begin. That was until now. Thanks so much for sharing!!! I’m excited to get started now and to also see your craft room as well!! 😊 Kathleen
Hi Kathleen!
I am thrilled to hear you found this post helpful…it’s one of my favorites I’ve ever written! Best of luck with your craft stash and keep me posted how it goes!
When you say “Toss” or “get rid of”, what do you actually mean? Do you throw them in the trash, donate them to a school or thrift shop, or give them to another crafter “and make it their problem!”?
Hey Clara!
It kind of depends on what it is. Some things like scraps, small quantities, really random supplies, etc I will likely just toss. Anything that has good value, I usually try to sell (you can find craft, quilting groups on Facebook Marketplace). I also give a lot away to friends, fellow crafters, and teachers 🙂
I was a military wife and I was so much more productive when I bought to make, made it and then used, wore it etc. I’d never heard of a stash, I had 4 pairs of scissors, nail, kitchen, dressmaking sheets and small embroidery. Now I have loads as even though some are not very good I haven’t disposed of them as I’ve replaced. I, too, tried quilting and bought a stash, usually cheap from the sewing group sales table but discovered it’s not for me. Art materials are my nemesis, I think it’s just a dream that I’m going to be a watercolourist if I haven’t done so by age 71. My other thing, is unfinished stuff, often even that curtain I’m relining but I hate doing curtains! It’s just a cost saving exercise.
You have truly made me think! Actually think about losing a lot of it. At my age, my family never know what to buy me for presents so I can always replace if I do get the urge to try again. I think the local school might just get lucky!
Megan I just want you to know that this post has been the most helpful post for decluttering a craft room I have ever read. I have not used the KonMari method yet but I certainly will use all the good advise you gave in this post. People who don’t craft don’t have a clue how hard it is to get rid of your stashes and supplies because you see usefulness in everything you touch. I am 77 years old and have been crafting with a business of making custom cards with poetry and scriptures in them. I have worked with the fantastic Take my house back ladies Cas Dawn & Dana to work on other parts of my house, but craft rooms are a special space, and being old enough to be their moms is a special life filled time for me. Thanks and bless you for this post. I will get back to you with my success story. Be safe
HI Harriette!
Thank you so much for leaving such a kind comment. I am SO thrilled to hear you found this post helpful. I was disappointed that the Konmari book didn’t cover craft supplies at all…especially since it’s a HUGE problem for so many of us. But like you said, lots of people just don’t “get it.”
Although I purged my crafts and wrote this post years ago, the results have stuck! I hope that gives you hope that you can make some real progress too!
Good luck and keep me posted!
What did you do with craft items you did not keep?
Thank you!! This is the most useful, practical thing I’ve come across regarding quilting and crafting supplies. I’m currently on my second go-round of doing konmari and I’m ready to let a LOT of crafting stuff go this time. Your article solidified stuff I was thinking but couldn’t quite pinpoint.
Did you really toss all those supplies or donate them
I have a hard time throwing useful items in the trash
This was what I have been looking for- thank you for your insight and input. It was like you were reading my mind! I was familiar with the ConMari method and was helpful in other areas, but did not work for my craft- the potential of everything I have brings joy- your thoughts are so helpful. Thank you! Thank you!
Thank you. I moved from a house with two different craft rooms (sewing an paper/minatures) to a two bedroom apartment. You can guess the amount of stuff I have. Everything but the major items was put into my craftroom (master bedroom) we we moved. I have been able to move everything out that is not craft related into their proper places. My craft room is still in a state of moving in. This article will help me to get rid of things and crafts that I don’t and will not finish, have no intrest in and or just come to hate. This is just what I needed. Thank you so much.
Thanks for your guidance through the craft room. I too am getting ready to go through my craft supplies. It is overwhelming! I am going to try to apply the things that you have mentioned in this post to get rid of things that I will never finish.Thank you again for your help!