How to Organize Classroom Art Supplies with Baskets, Bins, and Cubbies

Quick answer

Start by sorting supplies into categories, then assign each category a labeled basket, bin, or cubby. Place frequently used items at child height and keep a mobile cart for shared or rotating materials. This system keeps the art center tidy, accessible, and easy for children to use independently.

A well-organized art center invites creativity and reduces chaos. When children can see and reach their materials, they are more likely to engage deeply and clean up after themselves. But without a clear system, crayons, glue sticks, and paper can quickly become a jumble.

This guide walks through a step-by-step approach to organizing classroom art supplies using baskets, bins, and cubbies. You'll learn how to sort, label, and store materials so that your art area stays functional and inviting all year long.

Why Baskets, Bins, and Cubbies Work Best

Baskets, bins, and cubbies each serve a different purpose in an art center. Open baskets make it easy for children to see what's inside and return items without opening lids. Bins with lids are great for less-used supplies or items that need protection from dust. Cubbies provide dedicated vertical storage for larger items like paper pads, smocks, or drying artwork.

Using a mix of these storage types lets you match the container to the item. For example, a shallow basket works well for markers, while a deep bin can hold rolls of tape or bottles of paint. Cubbies with shelves can store trays or boxes, keeping the floor and table surfaces clear.

• Choose open baskets for items used daily to encourage self-service.
• Use labeled bins for supplies that need a home but are used less often.
• Assign cubbies for larger items or to create a designated space for each child's work in progress.

Step 1: Sort and Declutter Supplies

Begin by gathering all art supplies from every corner of the classroom. Empty shelves, cabinets, and drawers onto a large table or floor space. Then sort everything into broad categories: drawing tools, painting supplies, cutting tools, adhesives, paper, and embellishments.

As you sort, set aside broken or dried-out items for disposal or recycling. This is also a good time to remove supplies that are no longer age-appropriate. A clutter-free start makes it easier to see what you have and what storage you actually need.

• Use a 'keep', 'donate', and 'discard' system to speed up the process.
• Check for safety: discard any items with sharp edges, choking hazards, or toxic materials.

Step 2: Choose the Right Containers

Once you know what you have, select containers that fit the size and quantity of each category. For small items like crayons or pom-poms, choose small baskets or bins that can be easily lifted by children. For larger items like paper rolls or fabric scraps, use bigger bins or cubby shelves.

Consider the weight of the items. A heavy bin of paint bottles is easier to manage on a low shelf than on a high one. Also, think about visibility: clear bins or open baskets let children see what's inside, which reduces the need to dig through everything to find one item.

• Measure your shelf or cubby depth before buying containers to avoid wasted space.
• Use trays with dividers for small items like beads or sequins to keep them separated.

Step 3: Label Everything Clearly

Labels are essential for helping children find and return supplies. Use both words and pictures so even pre-readers can participate. Print labels with the item name and a simple icon, or use a label maker for a clean, uniform look. Attach labels to the front of each basket, bin, or cubby at child eye level.

Consistent labeling also helps adults maintain the system. When everything has a clear home, it's easier to notice when something is out of place and to teach children to put things back correctly.

• Laminate labels to protect them from paint and glue.
• Use color-coded labels for different categories, like red for painting and blue for drawing.

Step 4: Arrange for Accessibility and Flow

Place the most-used supplies at child height, between 18 and 24 inches from the floor. Reserve higher shelves for teacher-only items or supplies that need supervision, like scissors or glue guns. Arrange the storage so that there is a natural flow: children can take what they need, use it at a nearby table, and return it easily.

Keep like items together. For example, store all painting supplies in one area, with brushes, paints, and paper nearby. This reduces cross-traffic and helps children remember where things belong.

• Use a mobile cart for supplies that are shared between different learning centers.
• Create a 'drying rack' area near the art center for wet paintings or projects.

Step 5: Maintain and Rotate Supplies

A storage system only works if it's maintained. Set aside a few minutes each day to tidy the art center and return misplaced items. At the end of each week, do a quick check for broken or empty supplies and restock as needed.

Rotate materials seasonally or based on your curriculum. Store away items that are not currently in use and bring out new ones to spark interest. This keeps the art center fresh and prevents clutter from accumulating.

• Involve children in the cleanup routine by making it a game or a song.
• Keep a small basket labeled 'broken' or 'needs repair' for items that need attention.

5 Steps to Organize Your Art Center

1. Sort and declutter: Gather all art supplies and sort into categories. Discard broken or dried-out items and donate what you don't need. Checkpoint: You should have clear categories and only usable supplies.
2. Choose containers: Select baskets, bins, or cubbies that fit the size and quantity of each category. Use open baskets for daily items and bins for less-used supplies. Checkpoint: Each category has a container that fits its contents and is easy for children to handle.
3. Label everything: Create labels with pictures and words for each container. Place them at child eye level. Checkpoint: Children can identify where each item belongs without asking.
4. Arrange for access: Place frequently used items at child height and group like items together. Use a mobile cart for shared supplies. Checkpoint: The art center has a logical flow from storage to workspace and back.
5. Maintain and rotate: Tidy the art center daily, restock weekly, and rotate materials to keep interest high. Checkpoint: The system stays organized and the art center remains inviting.

Helpful Products from Guidecraft

• Art Cart: The Art Cart provides a spacious, mobile storage option for organizing art supplies, crafting materials, puzzles, toys, story time accessories and more. With multiple storage sections in various sizes, the Art Cart is perfect for sharing or moving supplies around the classroom or within home-based learning. A mobile cart lets you bring art supplies to different tables or learning centers, making cleanup and sharing easier. Its multiple sections help sort materials by type or project.
• Tabletop Book Browser: Students can easily view and access the books from a tabletop or shelf top. Available in natural birch plywood construction with a matte UV coat, or easy-to-clean finish. Angled base keeps books secure. Displaying art books or visual references on a tabletop browser encourages children to explore ideas and techniques. The angled base keeps books visible and secure during use.
• EdQ Classroom Rectangle Table - 24" x 30": The EdQ Classroom Table is thoughtfully designed for everyday learning, creativity, art, and play. Its smooth, easy-to-clean laminate surface resists scratches, spills, and messes, while the lightweight design makes it easy to move and rearrange. Ideal for group work, art projects, or snack time. A dedicated art table with a wipe-clean surface makes cleanup quick and encourages children to work on projects without worrying about spills. Its lightweight design allows you to rearrange the art center easily.

Organizing classroom art supplies doesn't have to be overwhelming. By sorting, choosing the right containers, labeling, arranging for accessibility, and maintaining the system, you create an art center that supports creativity and independence. With the right storage solutions, your classroom can stay tidy and inspiring all year long.