How & When to Purge Your Craft Stash

[@dragonflydreamer72]

I sat down to scrap, went looking for some paper then discovered a pile sitting on a shelf that needed to be put away not all of it made it. A few months back I had to pack up my scrap room in less than 2 days to move up from pending floods, before I moved it back down I started to go through my stuff....I have destashed over 800 sheets of paper, PL cards, and kits that I have never used or looked at. Tools brought on a whim and never used. I have destashed over 80 punches and made the commitment to only have my 24 Kallax unit for scrapping stuff and my draws that I keep my stickers and that in, I am doing well but have so much more to sort through as well - I even have a pile that I have set aside for when I run out of them ( I won't say how many thickers I own) and stickers that I have multiple of because I love them and use them often. This Video has helped me enormously to keep going and make that decision process a bit easier. Thank you so much!

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

I'm so glad it was helpful! I find that if I do a regular check of my stash levels and purge where necessary, it keeps what I have in check size wise and everything I do own, I love!

[@rebeccahargrove5291]

So I have a section in all my paper weather it’s 12x12 or 6x6 even in my scraps , that’s called “ugly paper “ this is something I will never use the pattern for so I use the back side which is usually white for things like card mats or picture mats, or just white card stock.. let me tell ya.. I have so much “white” now I’m so happy I learned this trick.. hope it helps someone.

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

Yes! I do this most often with paper pads! Using the white side of the patterns I don't love is a great use for it!

[@mrsmcintyre69]

My local scrapbook store does a garage sale twice a year and its the best time to purge. For all the money you make you get store credit! It makes the purge process easier....like would I rather hang onto something old...or have money to buy something new. Its also nice because if I'm not quite ready to give something up at the current garage sale....then I put it aside and if I haven't used it by the next garage sale then it goes.

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

That's an awesome idea! I don't have a local scrapbook store, but it'd be awesome if more of them did it!

[@ellengates7843]

Thank you for this very informative video. I had given up scrapping some time ago because "I couldn't find what I wanted". My daughter came and organized my space (very great full for) and together we did the same three piles...gave a very lot away to an Adult Day Center locally and they were so thankful for all the supplies.

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

I completely understand. I was going through the same sort of burn out a few years ago. I couldn't find the supplies I wanted and loved, it really made me not want to scrap, so I did a deep purge and I haven't looked back! So helpful!

[@rebeccasuraci7666]

Love that moonstruck collection. If I had five (if I had any lol) I’d keep em alllll

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

I completely understand! It's one of my all time favorites too, all I have left are these 6x6 paper pads!

[@carolbuzbee8610]

I wasn't even thinking of doing any purging but now with your examples I think I need to do this!

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

It's amazing how much more I enjoy scrapping when I only keep what I absolutely love!

[@michelewade6131]

I recently purged my 12 x 12 paper and found some from 2003. For me in my case it wasn’t about making more space. I just knew it was time to pass stuff on for someone else to use. Great tips.

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

Absolutely! I had the same issue in 2017, when I finally had some time to devote to scrapping. I discovered that I was bored with my stash, nothing inspired me. After a big purge and some very careful purchasing afterwards, I love everything I have and find so much joy in scrapping again!

[@danceswithpam]

Thanks for this video. I grabbed my box of 6x6 pads during your video and started purging them too. Now I have room in my little box for new 6x6 pads! So now I'm tackling a box of "stuff" that also needs purging.so my work is cut out for me!!

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

Excellent! I'm so glad it was helpful! Definitely just go section by section and it will be done before you know it!

[@emilywhite9274]

Great video, Laura! The 6x6 pads and the PL cards were great examples to go through.

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

Glad it was helpful, Emily! I thought so too! I know it can be so overwhelming to try and purge individual sheets of paper, so starting with something a bit easier like PL cards and small paper pads can give great motivation to keep going!

[@melissamakes4048]

You are a beast with snappy decision making! I'm super indecisive about getting rid of things because my style used to change quite a bit. Which means I have also not respected my space😳 I definitely need to get a purge started and I may rewatch this as I do it, sort of like a personal motivational coach 😅

[@taniab2018]

You are not alone!

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

So glad it was helpful! I have trained myself to make snappy decisions. It does not come naturally! I have ADHD and know that if I dwell on things, I will walk away from the task in frustration. So, with lots of practice and a lot of time coming to understand what is my style makes the process so much easier!

[@jennymay3665]

Great advice. I need to purge quite a few older paper ranges as my scrapbooking style and subject matter has changed over the years (since Grandchildren actually!😃). Many thanks.

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

So glad it was helpful, Jenny! I was in the same boat a few years ago and it made such a huge difference in my scrapbooking to move on without them!

[@rebeccasuraci7666]

Garden party! That one bings back such good memories for me . I want to chase down another 12x12. I am just having a hard time using 6x6. 6x8 fine. 6x6 somehow I jist cant lol. I think I’m going thru mine today and cutting them down to project life cards and card bases bc I think that’s they only way I will use them !

[@tlpepper1]

This was such great timing for me. My scrap room is running over especially with 12x12 paper pads…I have a problem. Lol. I have triple digit pads that have begun piling up on the floor in my room. I know it’s bad but can’t seem to get a grip on how to pare it down. I was too sick to scrap for a while but could still buy paper online. I look at the pads and any decide if I really want to keep it or not be I really do like them. Then yes, I do realize I cant find anything I want. You described it perfectly. I have spent a fortune on it also and could scrap for the rest of my life and never buy anymore paper. Any suggestions on doing this with 12x12 pads? The same as the small ones if I can decide if I really love them or not? You make it look so easy, not sure why it’s not for me. Thanks so much! I love ur videos.

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

Yes! Picked that one up from Tuesday Morning at some point. Hey, if that gets the paper pad used, it works! I do have a Quick 6x6 Tricks series on using them if you need some inspiration!

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

Tammy, I would suggest starting with how much space you can realistically allot to the paper pads and use that as your guide for how many to keep. Then, pull duplicates to the side and narrow down to your absolute favorites. See how much space is left and give yourself permission to let go of the ones you don't LOVE.

[@j9cardstock354]

Thanks for these really good tips. I do a decent job of mantaining a realistic stash for most things but I really need to go through my pocket cards, and purge using your approach. Jeannine

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

Glad it was helpful! This process has made maintaining my stash so much easier and assures that what I have is what makes me excited to scrap!

[@gaylefarmer5946]

Woukd love to see you do 12 x12 printed paoer and stamps!

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

Planning on doing a big purge next year and will definitely share it with y'all! I have given myself 2022 to use up as much stash as possible.

[@laurencunningham8281]

Just the motivation I need to get back to purging and organizing

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

Yes! Section by section and it will be done before you know it!

[@annearbo2419]

Perfect timing ⏱ as I am purging this weekend! Great common sense process from a crafter’s view!

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

I hope it helps, Anne! I find that if I do a section at a time, it goes by so much quicker than you'd think!

[@deepalakshman4144]

Wow this is a great video. I have been handed papers from others that I struggled to use on cards or pages. The I used them as envelopes or gift boxes.

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

Glad it was helpful! Yes, I finally had to sit down and come to terms with the fact that a lot of my stash was supplies given to me that were not my style and I was not interested in using. Purging those things was a huge weight lifted off of me.

[@juliehurley6933]

I just did a big purge. It felt good!

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

Seeing how clean and organized your space is after is so cathartic!

[@sandra6322]

Thanks Laura. Was thinking of going through my stash as I am moving my crafting space and worried I won't have as much room to store stuff. You've motivated me to do it.

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

You're quite welcome! Just take it one section at a time and before you know it, you will be done!

[@MsSuperklutz]

Good Morning Laura…..what a Spectacular Purge Share!! Oh I so agree with you about getting more stuff than your space….I’m so guilty of this. MAJOR guilty and I need to scale down more!! I have been using up my papers and not buying more…..I did go thru my toys aka tools and punches let my granddaughter choose what she wanted then sent the rest to Good Will….however recently I tossed some more things have I ever tossed something and had regrets..absolutely not going to lie but hey!! I do believe but correct me if I’m wrong you did a similar type of video way back or maybe just chatted about it when you redid your room and I followed lots of your ideas and it works…your ideas are well thought out and a BIG THANK YOU!!! GIRL YOU SO ROCK!! Joan Smith

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

Thank you, Joan! We talked about it at length on a live scrap a while back and I promised to put together a more informative 'how to' video on it with examples of the process. I'm always looking for new ways to keep my stash in check and this one has been really helpful.

[@MsSuperklutz]

@@lauraalbertscrafts OK. That’s where I heard it in that stream. 👍👌😘😘😘

[@annehoyle3581]

I enjoyed this video. I have always had plenty of room for my scrapbooking supplies and just bought,bought ,bought whatever I wanted. I love everything I have but now I am moving into a 1058 SQ ft condo and HAVE to purge because of lack of storage . It has been very difficult for me because I see money down the drain. My daughter actually has alot of my stash at her yard sale today. What I am keeping are the things I REALLY love. I will have to be very careful with what I buy in the future, but I truly don't need anything except adhesive and cutter blades!

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

So much truth! I think you will find that you enjoy your scrapping so much more now that everything you still have is an absolute favorite!

[@evesmith8985]

I need to do that soon! Thanks for the tips!

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

Glad it was helpful, Eve! It's crazy how fast it piles up, isn't it?

[@gloriabaggett7594]

Thank you for this Laura, I needed this. Going to start in my room today😊

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

Yay! Glad it was helpful, Gloria! I'm cheering you on!

[@gailhind5218]

Timely video. I have started going through my Christmas supplies and have pulled quite a few collections to purge but I need to let go of more. I am going to try your approach.

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

Hope it helps, Gail! I do find that defining what amount of space I have for that type of products really motivates me to pare down until it fits!

[@cutnpaper6831]

Enjoyed this video.. Got me thinking🤔

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

I find it incredibly cathartic to clean out the bits that don't excite me anymore. It guarantees that I can lay hands on what I love every time!

[@grownwomanplans3929]

Omg this was SUPER helpful! Thx so much!

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

So glad it helped! I've found this method makes maintaining my supplies so much easier!

[@grownwomanplans3929]

@@lauraalbertscrafts Yes! And you make a great point about being able to use the stuff you really love!

[@kiandra323]

My 6x6 pads are out of control and I will admit I feel overwhelmed by how much stuff I've collected and don't use any more. I might even start purging today.

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

That's a great place to start! It definitely doesn't make it easier to scrap when you have to struggle to find the things you love!

[@heatherhuang6404]

Good ideas!

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

Thank you, Heather! I have found it so much easier to scrapbook when I only keep what I love!

[@taniab2018]

What a terrific video! All the 4 reasons to purge are great. I think I need to deal with 1 & 3 before I think about 2&4. I say that because while definitely have really old stuff, some of it I am SURE I still want to use; I've only not used it because it's been buried. I think I am going to use the 3 pile process. There are some things I'm going to try to garage sale before I donate it. I have learned to not hold onto the stuff that doesn't sell at the yearly sale, though, which is progress . :) I totally have struggled with trying to do too much too fast. I will do a section a day. I think you mentioned that when you get a collection pack, and it has cut aparts, you will cut the sheets pretty much right away. Do you store them somewhere else? I instinctively think of them as journaling cards, so I'd store them with my other journal cards

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

So glad it was helpful, Tania! Definitely take it section by section so you're not overwhelmed. If I buy a substantial amount of a collection, I keep it all together until it's pretty heavily used. Once I find myself having trouble using it, I'll slip it into a kit to finish it off!

[@lindabozeman5013]

I keep all my scraps, At what point fo you get rid of yours? I tend to try to make page kits out of my leftovers and interchange scraps with new. My mind thinks I love it all. Do I truly need all those scraps?

[@lauraalbertscrafts]

I do not keep scraps unless it's part of a collection and then it stays with that collection. That said, if it's smaller than 3x4 inches, I chuck it. I know myself and I'm not going to use it! Paper is the cheapest supply in our stash, so I try hard not to hoard it!