Rules for Destashing Your Craft Space || Craft Room Organization

[@jeannejj]

As a long time papercrafter, and an incredible hoarder 😮, I had more crafting supplies than a craft store. I wanted to destash, but wanted to find a “good home” for my giveaways. When I retired, and moved to a smaller home, I knew it was time. So, I called a few schools that had an art program, and filled moving boxes full of paints, brushes, paper, and anything else I thought would be useful. The gratitude and happiness I got back was so amazing. It made me feel so happy. Now, years later, I still do that occasionally. It brings me so much joy.

[@ScrappyWife]

Love this so much!!!

[@scrappyjak1]

Hi, thank you for this video. I am lucky enough to have a large craft room but it's crammed full as I inherited my late friend's craft supplies when she passed a year ago and she was a hoarder as I guess a lot of us are and loved all crafts, Her husband told me to keep what I wanted and do what I will with the rest. I have given so much to a charity where the proceeds go to a mental health cause, some to friends and family/neighbours, etc. I have managed to sell some bits for him but my hubby told me yesterday he's fed up with looking at it. Sometimes I have to use the dining table when I'm doing certain stuff as my worktops are covered. It's also stashed under our bed and I have about 12 totes in his garage! Also I have a lot of my late mum's stuff so I also have the emotional side when it comes to getting rid of things Your video has been very inspiring and I'm going to go for it this weekend. I haven't even finished clearing my friend's room so there is more to come. Wish me luck. I've just subbed to you.

[@ScrappyWife]

You can do it! It sounds like you have quite a big, emotional destash job ahead of you, but I think you can do it!

[@javapick]

Oh, my goodness. The destash rule is giving me angst! I know it's time, but it's SO hard! I literally have some supplies that I've had for 20 years. Eeeeeek! I'm going to do it! Going to let go and make my space more usable. Thanks for the nudge!

[@ScrappyWife]

You can do it!

[@javapick]

@@ScrappyWife You know those oversized bags the vendors give you at Scrapbook Expo and those types of events? Since watching your video to days ago, I took SIX of those bags full of papers I've been collecting and not using to an organization that makes cards for senior centers. They also create crafting kits for low-income school kids. It was great helping them out and now I have room to maneuver as I organize. I also have an issue with collecting books. I donated about 50 of those to a used bookstore yesterday. Thanks, again, for the nudge!

[@gillianwalker4766]

I love the rule--to take time to Destash for a while but don't spend all the time organizing! Allow time to create! Such a good rule! You get a little bit of both and that's fantastic! I need to Destash and I do believe I can let go of a lot of old stuff. I plan to donate and give away a lot of things!

[@ScrappyWife]

Yes! If you spend all your time destashing, you feel deprived of your creative time!

[@forevermoodreading]

This is by far the best no nonsense video with the best tips for decluttering that I've ever seen for crafty people. 👍 ❤

[@ScrappyWife]

Wow, thank you!

[@maryfiona7641]

I agree. These really are the rules to get this done. I so agree about not buying a bunch of storage items before destashing. Also the no buying at all while destashing. Not easy but so true. Actually you need to watch this video more than once to keep yourself motivated. I watched each time before I started a new session of destashing.

[@darlenescreativejourney6755]

I am in the middle of moving my craft room to a smaller room in our home. I have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue and I am finding it overwhelming your video is so encouraging thank you so much. I can only work at a little bit at a time before the fatigue takes over. Right now my hands are the worse so I cant even craft so watching is so encouraging

[@BarbBColorReader]

I live in an apartment, my crafting can take place here or there. HOWEVER, all storage is in two tall cabinets. One holds coloring supplies, the other includes planning supplies. Coloring books are filed in a file cabinet. Current planning takes place with a rolling cart. My planning consists of stickers and tools. In my coloring supplies, I have paints, sprays, stuff that can add to a planning setup sometimes. You have a studio. If I had your setup, I would divide into a 12 month destash cycle. Perhaps 1 month, destash washi tape, next month paper, next month planners, next month inks/paint, next month ephemera, etc.

[@amyfouts9781]

I like that every month detash different items.

[@ingrid2543]

Wow, that’s great. I grew up in NYC and wonder how we didn’t end up with overflowing goods. Times were different 60+ years ago.

[@ScrappyWife]

Sounds like a good plan 👍🏻

[@123.ABC.33]

I had a huge destash two years ago of quilt fabric and 12x12 scrapbook paper. I gave all of it (a whole truck load) to an orphanage. It sometimes hurts when donating some of our precious crafting supplies but this time I knew it was going to a very deserving place and it was not nearly as painful.

[@ScrappyWife]

I love this so much!

[@jneigler]

I’m a craft supply hoarder. Always think “I might need this or that in the future”, and I can’t always just buy another one. Your tips are very helpful, but really challenging, too. Best idea for me is to do the de-stashing and organizing in small time chunks. Like the idea of stopping to play and create.

[@keishajackson4054]

Same! I feel ya!

[@amyfouts9781]

Me 2. It's called freedom. 4 me detaching/organizing is hard & overwhelming. I give myself a goal 2 detash/organize a certain amount of time or certain area. Then after I have gone the certain amount of time or area I craft. I classify this as my reward.

[@ScrappyWife]

Yup, destashing is super hard for sure. Taking time to do the hobby that you love is like a reward for doing the organizing!

[@brendagriffin6437]

I did a whole craft room reorganization a year ago to incorporate my friends craft supplies I was given after she passed away. Yes, I already had tons of supplies for a lot of different crafts including quilting, but she did scrap booking and now I am utilizing her "stuff" when I make greeting cards and paper crafts. While organizing I created an inventory spread sheet on my computer and I labeled my various storage containers with a code. I didn't count every button, but I can now put my hands on anything I need without digging for it. I'm not throwing anything away for a while. I have 10 grand kids who come over to do crafts/sewing, etc. They know if they need it, Nana probably has it!! 🙂

[@ScrappyWife]

Love this! And yes, if you know that it will get used (by you or your grandkids!) no need to throw it out!

[@juliebey8240]

I recently switched back to paper arts. Scrapped for 10 years and this is a whole new dimension. I forgot how much I knew😂. But I kept most of my supplies 👍

[@ScrappyWife]

Welcome back to the paper world!

[@stampinwithalohajoyceb9310]

I rent a room and have 2 storage lockers full of crafty goodness. I went from a 2 bedroom apartment to a room with hardly any storage. It was pointed out that I’m paying a premium to store my stash 😢. I’m planning on destashing an hour every weekend - it’s going to be very difficult as I had already donated $$$$’s when I initially moved. But hopefully I have been separated long enough from these supplies to let them go - pray for me 😂

[@ScrappyWife]

Best of luck to you!!

[@cynthiaakacyndsmith6539]

You have my prayers , Joyce you can do this.

[@stylesformiles79]

Hi Elisa, My friend and I live in 2 different states and we just started doing "destashing/organizing" video calls so we can work on a small part of our craftrooms during each call. It keeps up the momentum on the destashing questions we ask ourselves, which you mentioned in your rules. It's been 4 calls now over the last couple of weeks and it's really made it easier and more fun! Thanks for this video. Great rules!😊

[@ScrappyWife]

That is awesome - love this idea!

[@mindfulcreative9168]

Really enjoyed this video, thank you for assisting all of us, procrastinators! Luckily, our supplies don't actually have to physically "breath" because a great deal of my stash would be dead from suffocation!. :) I totally agree with the container advice, I have a small pile of organization bins purchased before I determined what I needed them for, and are not currently in use. Thankfully, not enough that I feel the need to destash them. I really struggled with destashing until I came across a woman on social media who I spent a little time getting to know. Turns out she is a big junk journaler on a fixed income who also was bound to her home in order to care for her sick husband. I wanted to help build up her stash because she really was in need of being able to spend a little time attending to her self-care in order to keep caring for her husband. This chance meeting turned out to be a huge blessing for us both! Her biggest need was pretty scrapbook paper and ephemera. I tell you it was so much easier destashing when the focus was on helping a fellow artist in need! I just really wanted to make sure she had a lot of options for her journals. I ended up going through every piece of paper I owned (which was A LOT as paper is my biggest weakness). It took DAYS, I went through 12x12, 8 1/2 x 11, 8x8, 6x6; everything! I even pulled out all my paper stacks and pulled all the sheets in those pads that I knew I would never use simply because they were not my aesthetic. They were gorgeous pages, just not my style/preference. By the end of this process, I shipped 4 large USPS flat-rate boxes to her; I charged her only for the shipping & I felt AMAZING! I now knew I loved everything in my paper stash and I had cleared out a TON of product all in the name of helping another in the crafty community. For me, this is the secret to getting destashing done and actually enjoying the process. SIDE NOTE: most of my crafty stash was gifted to me by my sister when she tired of spending a small fortune every month to keep her HUGE amount of crafty supplies in storage. This too made it easier to share, because I have never had the means to shop for craft supplies and it was a really big deal to be gifted so much, I loved that I was able to share it with another.

[@ScrappyWife]

So amazing that you were able to pass these supplies on!

[@SightWordMovies]

We could look at the big picture-so many of my favorite crafting KZbinrs create content in order to sell their products on Etsy or get sponsorships. That’s fine, but it does encourage us to keep buying supplies we may not use with the hope that our craft projects will look more like theirs or that our creativity will be boosted once we have the new (fill in the blank). Maybe watching our faves with the firm resolve that we won’t buy anything new for a few weeks, or months, is part of it-to “destash” by not stashing so much in the first place.

[@ScrappyWife]

Totally! As a KZbinr that does receive affiliate commission, I am often using new products to inspire and share what is available. But, you certainly don't have to buy. Also, it can be helpful to take a break from watching unboxing and such if you are trying to cut down on spending and bringing in new product.

[@PieceCraftLove]

I’m constantly working on destashing and reorganizing my space to make it work for me at the time. I’m also helping my friend with her space. The main stumbling block we run into in her space is that, as an art journal/mixed media artist, EVERYTHING has potential so it’s very difficult to destash even just every day items that could be used for gel plate printing. Right now we’re just trying to clear off surfaces and SORT items and then work on letting things go a little bit at a time. Also, I suggested she put up a dry erase board and keep a running total of all the money she will save because once her space is organized and she can FIND her tools, she won’t have to buy more of them! Lastly, following a Marie Kondo approach, I love to think of the joy of the person who will be using the items I destash as well as knowing that the items will be getting used instead of being “sad” just sitting on a shelf and possibly drying out or becoming unusable in some way from being stored for so long.

[@ScrappyWife]

So many great tips! Thank you for sharing!

[@alanbirkner1958]

People give me craft supplies. I pass extras to a local church for their senior crafting group. There is also a "free" table at the food pantry, so things that would appeal to kids go there. Tina, Al's wife

[@maryfiona7641]

It took me awhile to figure out that organizing and decluttering are two different things. Once I decided that shifting things into totes or just neatly putting things in better places wasn't making things better I started just getting rid of stuff. Before that everything had been organized to death but because I had so much stuff I would just look at it, get overwhelmed and quit. Your brain may be different but I had to reduce my inventory by half before I could start actually making anything again. It was hard but it was worth it. I sent everything to other crafters. I didn't have the time or energy to try and sell stuff. I watched all kinds of videos about minimizing, destashing and decluttering and they gave me the momentum to keep going. I agree with all the points in this video. In the beginning I told myself a lot of lies about why I needed so many things but as more and more stuff went away I kept feeling better and better. The I spent so much money thing was one of the hardest points but I had to let that go. If the answer to the question would I buy this again was no I got rid of it. It may take a few passes to get there but I would recommend not stopping until you really are down to the stuff you are really liking and are prepared to use.

[@ScrappyWife]

Yes! Love everything about this comment!

[@VictoriaKimball]

I would add .. destash by using! Set aside those things that you think you want to purge and when you're done getting organized, take a look and see if you can use them now. You won't feel the pressure to do just the perfect project because, hey, they're on their way out anyway! (If not, THEN donate/sell/trash.)

[@tiffanie5254]

I've been on a No buy time for 4 years! Thank you so much for your tips and rules they will help a great deal

[@ScrappyWife]

That is a very long no buy!

[@ladyradiana]

Thank you so much for all the advice. The best tip you have given is to put a hold on buying. I am overwhelmed with the supplies I have and even if I goit rid of half of them I would never need to buy anything new. It's time to spend our money on something else.

[@ScrappyWife]

Definitely put a hold on buying while you are going through your supplies to figure out what to keep and what to destash.

[@sandyjustian7873]

I agree!! ALL of my seasonal scrapbooking kits are kept in the closet in my craft room. It is so nice to have them out of my active crafting space. When a season rolls around, and I pull out that season, it is like seeing it all again for the first time!

[@ScrappyWife]

It totally feels like getting new supplies when you pull out the seasonal stuff!

[@pamelalanders2055]

Great advice! I began with 12 X 12 paper and now have very little of it. I also stopped buying 6X6 until I use some of it up. And I have very little washi tape since I rarely use it. I have begun looking at my stamps and dies… The goal for me-keep the floor totally clear!😊

[@ScrappyWife]

Good goal!

[@alisonsmith7162]

With greenery, florals, ribbons, picks etc for Christmas crafting/decorating, ive only kept the resources that contribute to my chosen decor palette of olive green, champagne gold, whites and minimal silver. Helps being ruthless about what stays, and what i will buy, esp from thrift stores.

[@ScrappyWife]

Great plan!

[@journalmuse0578]

I truly need your advice on destashing. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It's so hard to let go of items (books, art supplies, stationeries, etc.) because of how they make you feel, you know. But you're right. At some point, you have to, to make room for new loves. I'll try my best.😊💕

[@ScrappyWife]

You got this!

[@journalmuse0578]

@@ScrappyWife ❤️

[@cindyplutnicki8930]

This is the most helpful video I have watched regarding declutterring a craft room. It all makes sense. I have run into every problem u have mentioned and the strategies u have mentioned are extremely helpful. This should be organizing your craft room 101 video. Thank you!

[@ScrappyWife]

SO glad you found it helpful!

[@bonniepearce5151]

This was a little bit “ouch” and a LOT of wisdom! Especially the one about organizational items not solving the fact that I have too many items. I do find that periodic de-stashing helps me shop “smarter” when I buy new craft items.

[@ScrappyWife]

Yes, I think we so often look for a "quick fix" when the problem is really that we just have too many supplies!

[@cynthiaakacyndsmith6539]

Thank you so much. I have been working on the craft space for me. I have recently taken to Salvation Army 4 boxes, (medium moving boxes) of things out of my space… I probably could move out 6 more boxes. I really do need to divest my self of “stuff”. I appreciate your input. Again I thank you.

[@ScrappyWife]

Sometimes you have to get rid of stuff to really appreciate your favorite things!

[@carolengle6920]

Thank you for this! I am just starting to go through my stash and I can’t believe how much I have. I won’t even talk about duplicate items. Talk about being overwhelmed. Your rules make so much sense and now I can actually accomplish this, while making time to enjoy crafting.

[@ScrappyWife]

Yes, enjoy the process!

[@keishajackson4054]

My man says I’m not a crafter, I am a collector of craft supplies. I am constantly reorganizing because I have too many hobbies. Yarn crafting, paper crafting, miniature making, stitching, sewing…

[@wendyface6473]

Can you pick a hobby or 2 like yarn and card making and focus on those for a month or two.. what do you think?

[@ScrappyWife]

I think this is totally normal - creative types often like to jump around! As long as you can find what you are wanting to work with, go for it!

[@rollingbnb2146]

I could never get rid of supplies after a year. I keep them for as long as they are good and I am always going to older items to create new things. My space stays pretty organized because I have a place for everything, so cleanup is quick and easy. I also have boxes that I use for all the bits and pieces that go into ongoing projects. I do an occasional reorganization and sometimes put things I know I will not use into a crazy mix of things I sell. Often Moms buy these to let their kids have some creative supplies.

[@ScrappyWife]

Sounds like you are keeping your space organized so that it is not overwhelming which is awesome!

[@viviansmith8036]

The one thing that has helped me so much is I destash everything I buy before I go in my home. Weather I buy a thrift store grab bag of stationary supplies or something from the craft or dollar store, I destash it right away in my car. For example if I buy a ream of 500 sheets of color paper because it's $4 I will open it and take out half or more out. The grab bags of art supplies, stationary, etc. I instantly take out what I don't use and put it in a donate bag I keep in the car. The items from the craft or dollar store I open and throw away all wrapping and any thing that I know I won't use that came with it. If I buy markers the same I never use burgundy so I take that and any other color I don't work with and put those in the donate bag. And the trash bag goes in trash too before I get in the door. The only thing I destash in the house are the Happy planner sticker books because those take more time. I organize those by flowers, boxes, words, seasonal, Misc., etc. I put each category in a metal ring and that way I add to my category of stickers and know what to reach for

[@ScrappyWife]

Hmmm, that is a very interesting technique! Totally makes sense that you don't bring things into the house that you already know that you don't want.

[@edietweedy2400]

The hardest part of destashing for me is looking at all the money invested. That makes it incredibly hard! Yes, I know I need to & at times I can just suck it up, but other times it isn’t so easy!

[@ScrappyWife]

I completely understand that. I take solace in the fact that destashing allows me to use the supplies I have MORE because I know and can get to what I love.

[@Staceyintampa]

That's so hard!! Just last night I reminded myself that everyone spends money on stuff they don't always use and it's OK to forgive myself AND I've learned something in the process....that I need to pause before buying on impulse because it just causes stress later on. Can you re-sell? Or swap? (Yes I know this video is 8 months old lol)

[@mariemcmahon3548]

I just heard a speaker at the Get Organized HQ online conference say, "Keeping something you don't use won't make you any richer, and letting it go won't make you any poorer."

[@lyriclovercrafts]

I love this video! Thank you! 🧡

[@ScrappyWife]

Glad that you enjoyed it!

[@taniab2018]

Some good tips. The only one I won't use is the one on putting away seasonal stuff, for the sole reason that I don't do things seasonally. I make Christmas cards all year long, and there is no rhyme or reason to when I scrapbook various photos. I could well do a Halloween page in March. So instead, I have one bin for season stuff that stays easily accessible.

[@ScrappyWife]

That makes sense since you like to craft that way!

[@amyfouts9781]

Thank u Elisa. I agree with your detash ideas. When I detash I have a keep pile, maybe pile, donate or sell pile, & a throw away pile. The throw away pile I immediately throw away in the garbage bag. Something I took away from the paper crafters get organized summit is that if u don't use a product or item & u hold on2 it u r wasting money. That just hit me between the eyes. I have 1 of the old cricut machines & cartridges & books that the only time I use it is once or twice a year when my mom comes 2 visit. Other wise I don't use it 4 me. So I am planning on getting rid of it (donating it or selling it). What r your thoughts on detaching while u r looking 4 a particular item that u know u have, but can't find? I do that sometimes. Have a great, blessed day.

[@ScrappyWife]

Yes, it is totally true that supplies just sitting in your craft room are wasting money! I think if you can't find something you are looking for, that is a cue that you must have too much or you need to update your organization system.

[@LovelyMalia]

I am in the process of creating/moving into a new craft space and I just did a big destash of my stuff... Lots of it goes to an organization called DAFI, that helps disabled artists and they are always so grateful of what I send but I think my 1 rule right now in my smaller space (shared room with my kids!) Is that I have to have a home for every single thing...I tend to leave a pile on the corner of my desk of random bits that have no home so I'm really pushing myself to give every single thing a home... Even if it's something that goes into my "stray paper" box... It has to have a place

[@ScrappyWife]

Thanks for sharing about that organization!

[@normarodriguezjones6771]

I absolutely love you! I have replayed this video 4 times and I will keep doing it, until I have completely destashed my room.

[@ScrappyWife]

Thanks so much Norma!! I hope you are making some progress!

[@secretsquirrelaimee2212]

Great rules. I need to follow them. 😆 🤣 😂

[@ScrappyWife]

You can do it!

[@BlueScallopCreations]

These were such great ideas! I'm destashing some stamps right now and I love the idea of putting away seasonal stamps. I was doing it for Christmas and Halloween, but now I'm going to do it for Fall and Spring holidays as well. It will give me so much more room!

[@ScrappyWife]

Yes, and when you pull it out, it's like getting new supplies!

[@tracireichenbach5212]

I destash my crafting supplies as I need room in my “nook” I also do a no buy New Year’s resolution every three years. This means I can’t buy ANY crafting supplies for that year…I must use what I have. If I don’t have it I figure out a different way to use what I do have. This keeps me continuing to be creative in new ways.

[@ScrappyWife]

That sounds like a great tradition to keep your stash from overflowing!

[@barbarap6851]

Hi Elisa! This video is perfect timing! I have started to do tiny tidies in my craft space and will do the big purge beginning in June. I do keep my supplies out (and store others) seasonally. This helps a lot! Besides planning and journaling, I am a decorative painter and paint on wood...yikes! that takes up space! I am pretty good at organizing it but it's time to go through everything.

[@ScrappyWife]

Yes, those wood pieces are certainly larger! But, if you love it, a little destash will make space for more of what you love!

[@kimberlywalker280]

Love this video...Great tips! Two of my favs are: "No buy season" while destashing.... and, creating the seasonal storage....really makes sense.😃💖😃

[@cindyhenry1410]

These were the two that resonated with me too. I’ve already begun the “no buy” as I have an overwhelming amount of stuff. I need to put like with like and get everything together to where I can see what I have & find spots for everything. Once I can do that, whatever is left goes out the door lol.

[@ScrappyWife]

So glad that you found the video helpful and that those two resonated with you!

[@donnataylor5671]

Thank you for sharing just retired and it's working getting my attic insulated sheetrock and paint it to make it my craft room it will help me a lot washing this video because I do not know what I have cuz things has always been in boxes thank you and God bless

[@ScrappyWife]

Good luck setting up your new space!

[@ArleneAdkinsZell]

Thank you for sharing this content! I enjoy decluttering and destashing and sharing the items, since I have a small space that is a good thing.

[@ScrappyWife]

Yes!!! thanks for watching!

[@noratate1424]

My best de stashing tip is to share with friends. I go to crops with my friends several times a year and we always have a free table and a sale table. I won’t let myself pick up new stuff if I didn’t bring in some things to get rid of. The sale table is nice for getting rid of old stamp sets and tools you no longer use and the money I get I use for classes at the crop or our silent auction.

[@ScrappyWife]

Good solution!

[@michelebrittany5538]

Elisa, this video is going on my paper crafting playlist, so I can easily revisit it. I think the rule to set a goal of destashing x amount each day is one that will help me. I recently moved and in an effort to clear out the moving boxes, I placed all my supplies on shelves. This is a good time to organize and destash, yet also making sure that I build in time so I can craft too.

[@ScrappyWife]

Yes, don't forget to do the thing you love!!!

[@carolehirsch2368]

U r the best I’ve watched in a very long time thank u for your inspiration it has helped alot

[@ScrappyWife]

Aw, thank you so much!

[@buzziekelly6683]

I think you just crawled into my brain! Thanks for the advice. My main problem is that I sometimes find that when I change emphasis I find I really need some old supply and I'm so glad I saved it. But generally those rules are spot on.

[@ScrappyWife]

That does happen to me from time to time, and I would be lying if I said that I never "re-bought" something I had destashed. But, in general, these rules work well for me.

[@jenniesebrasky6023]

What a great video! Thank you so much. Saving this forever -- to watch occasionally -- again and again.

[@ScrappyWife]

For reals - reminders we all need again and again!

[@leonieharry2941]

Great Video, thanks! kind regards from Vienna/Austria!

[@ScrappyWife]

Thanks for watching!

[@susanfromcolorado623]

Such a great organizational video! I have a very large craftroom with several spaces for different crafts. Getting rid of supplies you just don’t use anymore is amazing! I’m going to put your suggestions to work - can’t wait! Thank you ◡̈

[@ScrappyWife]

Yes! Good luck in your destash!

[@curly_gurl84]

I am way behind on your videos, but I’ve always liked your content, so I am challenging myself to catch up on them! I think one of my biggest stumbling blocks with destashing is the money invested in those items. Something I was into for a period of time or season of my life that I spent a lot of money on building up my stash or supplies for that project or craft, or hobby, just to get rid of it all. That seems so wasteful or uneconomic to me. Don’t misunderstand me, I am a firm believer in the occasional destash, and I really like your suggestion with seasonal crafting items. I have separated all of my planner stickers and scrapbook paper pads in that way. They are in iris cases that go in a closet or in our basement until that season comes back again.

[@ScrappyWife]

I totally understand that, but if items are sitting in your room and gathering dust AND preventing you from seeing the supplies you do want to use, then they are already a waste of money.

[@Mamadriggs]

I am curious when you pack up your Christmas or Halloween items do you include stamp sets for those or are these specific to just paper type items? I have never considered packing up my seasonal stamps, but I honestly think that might be a good idea.

[@ingrid2543]

I wonder about that too.

[@deballen7031]

Hi. Yes, that's something I wonder about too.😊

[@tammyb6497]

I keep my Halloween and Christmas stamps and dies in separate boxes from my everyday stamps and dies. I also have the paper and embellishments, like ephemera, for these two holidays separated from the rest of my paper because I don’t use them all year long. I do keep everything in my craft room but I’m not having to dig through them to get to something else all of the time.

[@ingrid2543]

@@tammyb6497 good idea! Thanks

[@cindyhenry1410]

My problem with this is so many of the seasonal things can be used year-round. Many stamp & die sets have little “extra pieces” that can be used in other projects. I plan to make a list of what each set contains so it can be referenced. For patterned paper, stickers, etc. those would be easy to put into seasonal boxes to be set aside....

[@monicak1832]

Lots of great tips… I’m definitely working on it… It feels good to pass it on… Thank you!!

[@ScrappyWife]

Yes, it definitely feels good to regain the space - both physically and mentally!

[@ingrid2543]

Good advice, I can definitely use these tips. I just donated a bunch of dies and stamps because I didn’t use them too often in card making for cards I donate . You are so right about being organized and creating, can’t do both lol at the same time ….

[@GladysPerrin]

Great advice, where were you able to donate your items. I need to destash dies as well.

[@ingrid2543]

@@GladysPerrin I use Green Drop and you can pick where it goes, I chose Purple Heart because my Dad was in the Navy WWll. They pick up since I had boxes of other items I decluttered. I’m 67 and don’t want to leave stuff for my boys to deal with. Also I use Community Aid this way it goes to someone local who can use.

[@ScrappyWife]

Such a great tip Ingrid!

[@tracylautenschlager2083]

Oohhh where did those wood grain looking boxes come from? They are the ones with lids that show up around 8:35 in the video.....those are so pretty! Thanks for all the great tips....destashing is definitely a MUST and one I'm just staring to come to terms with. Videos like this really help, TFS!!❤

[@kathyabe4828]

I would also love to get the info on the beautiful boxes. Could they be covered in contact paper, maybe? Love your craft room!!!

[@dawnangel1966]

Me too

[@ScrappyWife]

Those are actually from HomeGoods :)

[@tracylautenschlager2083]

Thank you for the info!

[@bethjeans3780]

Thanks for your rules - and a couple apply, a couple don’t, since they’re your rules, and people are different. I don’t use the one year rule for my craft space or for the rest of the house, which my husband and I have heavily de stashed. For me - not everyone! - a date is arbitrary and artificial, probably because in general I’m so bad at dates and how much time has passed. And I had to smile - your stash looks massive, including the biggest and prettiest washi stash than I’ve ever seen. It’s art on the wall! I purge by supply, not by shelf or drawer, which may contain different types of supplies and I need to hone in on one type. So just stamps, just adhesives, etc. I also allow myself to buy during purging. No problem there, they just go into a “new” box and there wouldn’t be many.

[@ScrappyWife]

Yup, different rules will work with different people. I do have a large stash, but I have a large space, and it all works well in the space (and I use a ton of washi!)

[@Melodypodrasky]

I’m in the middle of destashing right now! I wish I would have listened to your rules before I started the process!

[@ScrappyWife]

That's okay, you can put them into practice at any time!

[@janazavitz212]

Great tips! I find I am continually review my supplies and destashing. You are absolutely right - too much stuff is overwhelming!

[@ScrappyWife]

Yes, it is most definitely an ongoing process.

[@user-qv9ec6is1v]

Good video! I think I’ll try the idea of storing seasonal items, and I’ll mark the dates to bring them out. Maybe in late August, I’ll bring out the autumn, Halloween, and Thanksgiving stash, then in mid October I’ll bring out my December holiday projects.

[@ScrappyWife]

Yes! It feels like getting all new supplies when you bring out those boxes. I also like to set up a special little display for my seasonal items when I bring them out.

[@ellenschlagel8030]

Something to keep in mind is that destashing/clutter busting is NOT a one and done thing! You need to keep evaluating and destashing on a regular basis. Keeps things from being overwhelming.

[@ScrappyWife]

Yes, good point!

[@ayeshakarbani5567]

Such a great video! Thanks for all the tips! Saved to my "favourites" :)❤

[@ScrappyWife]

Awesome! thanks for watching!

[@chrisrogers5005]

Thank you. I sew. I make jewelry and I have 2 cricuits. My husband thinks I have too much lol. I can’t sew in the summer, the kids are wild. I think this advise will help a lot thank you.

[@ScrappyWife]

Happy to help!

[@shellywhite1929]

Oh girl, I have watched so many organizational videos for ideas. This has been beyond helpful in so many ways, especially rule seven, I do tend to spend way too much time trying to organize, and it's discouraging. Mainly because i have way too much, but thinking i have to get it all organized before I destash. I also try to stick to rule 8. I also like not getting containers until the destash happens. Oh, soo many helpful things. Thank you! I actually feel hopeful. ❤

[@ScrappyWife]

Glad the video was helpful! Thanks for watching! We are doing a full month of organization on Patreon in July...you may want to check it out! www.patreon.com/scrappywife

[@annsmith5625]

Wow that board got really full recently!! Great job! ⚾️

[@ScrappyWife]

It is nearly full now! Time to make a new plan for adding more friends!

[@kathymarine1164]

Wow...I do about all those things wrong. I have a small nook for my crafts...its definitely too crowded. I bought a ton of things for scrapbooking...and have yet to scrap book anything. I definitely will try to remember your tips...but especially no buying!! Thanks

[@ScrappyWife]

Use what you have before you bring in more!

[@keves11]

❤❤❤ your video, Ty for sharing. What do you do with everything that is being destashed? Ty

[@ScrappyWife]

Donate it or throw it out.

[@carolhutner8931]

I so need to follow your rules for destashing! I’m such a hoarder with all of my various supplies. It’s soooo hard to let go but I’m drowning! And I definitely love your rule of don’t buy any storage items until after I destash. 💙💛🪴

[@ScrappyWife]

Yes, that rule is so important! There is no magic storage system that will suddenly make your space work if it is overstuffed!

[@trishab66]

I enjoyed your video. Can you do a video about what you do with the items you no longer wish to keep in your craft room. Do you toss, donate etc. thank you.

[@ScrappyWife]

Good suggestion!

[@wendimorehead4551]

This was amazing. So needed. So helpful. Thank you!

[@ScrappyWife]

Awesome, always happy to help!

[@lcomfy]

like the psychology of the stash de cluttering,,make lots of sense to me

[@ScrappyWife]

👍🏻

[@lchatter]

I love your rainbow earrings! I also collect rainbows and use them throughout my home. I am in the process of designing my new craft room. Can you tell me where you got the card catalog style drawers? I covet something like that! 🤣

[@ScrappyWife]

I picked those up at a thrift store!

[@shellywilliamswilliamscomp783]

I have been working on de-stashing my studio since mid-last year. I have misplaced my die cutting/embossing machine some place and hasn't been able to find it to use with my new dies.

[@ScrappyWife]

Oh man, that stinks! I hope you come across it soon.

[@aseal5511]

I'm one who desperately needs to destash my craft room, but the thing that I'm missing is encouragement to start. I did 5 minutes last month and that is all I've done. I just come sit in here and do everything but clean and destash, it looks like I had a paper fight party. So where do I get the encouragement? I've watched so many videos, mentally I can say I'm a organizing destash expert.

[@ScrappyWife]

Accountability helps. Get a friend to be you check-in buddy and set achievable goals like 10 minutes a day just on destashing. Once you've done those ten minutes, text the friend and send a pic for a little encouragement. (P.S. My patreon group is a fabulous place to come for an encouraging community...just saying!)

[@wendywilson1736]

I've just basically have quit buying anything except score tape and Elmer's glue. I have enough tools, dies, stamps, and paper. Still working through my paper pads, and bargain packs of 8x11 printed sheets. I also want to make more printed paper with my stamps, inks, markers, and paints, and colorbursts. I only buy solid cardstock, now, and only when I need it. I'm still a little overwhelmed with what I've accumulated. I'm not destashing yet, though, just using what I have. Much of it was gifted from family, and I still love it!

[@ScrappyWife]

Using what you have is a great way to end up destashing! The "use it up" method!

[@janetwallace7630]

I would love ideas for saving small shop stickers. I have 3 or 4 books right now that I’ve used up all I want of the decorative stickers, but want to keep the functional boxes, checklists, bullet points, etc. I’ve made books from my HP sticker books with those Chicago rings, but not sure if there’s a better way for the small shop stickers. Once I’ve taken the book apart, I can gift the decorative stickers I don’t want to planner friends, but hate doing that until I can figure out the best way to approach this. I’d love a UTube video addressing your ideas.

[@ScrappyWife]

Good suggestion!

[@2Bs_scrapsNcrafts]

Such great ideas.

[@ScrappyWife]

Thanks so much Tracy!

[@sawdust2556]

I so need to do this, Elisa❤

[@ScrappyWife]

💕💕💕💕

[@calicraftymom]

I so appreciate these type videos that you do. It would be nice and appreciated when you do organizational videos that you would share the fonts you use to label your bins and paper holders Could you also share where you got the marker and pen holder loved it TFS

[@ScrappyWife]

I made the marker storage using my Glowforge :). As for the fonts - it has been a while, but I always use my Cricut with Design Access, so lots of fonts are available on there!

[@calicraftymom]

@@ScrappyWife well you did an awesome job on that marker maker

[@deballen7031]

Hi. Thanks for this and now i just have to wait for the right mind set and energy levels to coincide and kick in.😂

[@ScrappyWife]

😂

[@lauriepayseur5897]

Please please tell me where to find the video on your wooden & acrylic vinyl storage on the wall. Edit: and the metal and wood drawer pulls! ❤

[@ScrappyWife]

Here's my info about the vinyl storage - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIq2mJWfiqqUgJY And the pulls on the cabinetry are all from Hobby Lobby!

[@TotalPartyLLC]

This hit close to home! I haven't touched my Sizzix dies in years. I know it's time to part with them, but how? I spent a small fortune on the collection. FB marketplace buyers want everything nearly free. Should I donate? But how can I find an organization that will appreciate it?

[@ScrappyWife]

Aw, yes, those more expensive tools are super hard to part with. I do find that schools, or individual teachers are much more appreciative of items like the metal dies. If they are nicely organized, they would be perfect in a preschool or elementary school work room.

[@dorasanchez5075]

Hello Elisa, good information 😊. How do you find where to donate? I dont know anybody else that has the hobby of card making

[@ScrappyWife]

Schools, churches, women's shelters are all good options! Also, there is nothing wrong with donating to Goodwill or Thrift stores - then there are treasures for other crafters to find on the shelves!

[@brendagilbert7881]

I am all for destashing, its needed in every craft space/room from time to time. But we live in a rural area of Kansas and I am running out of places to give it all away to! Church kids classes loved all the washi and craft supplies but, they don't have room for everything I need to purge! Ideas for rural areas without lots of places to donate?

[@ScrappyWife]

It might be time to be on a spending freeze and use it before you buy new things. If you don't have a place you'd like to donate, you might also just need to toss, but that is a personal choice for sure.

[@Strategictwo]

What do you recommend to do with your destash? Going through a big destash right now. Really nice Anna Griffen, Brenda Walsh Sizzix Bigz dies, Tim Holtzs and I get over whelmed with what to do with it. I can’t imagine just throwing it away. Any suggestions on what you would do? I enjoyed your video. Thanks!

[@ScrappyWife]

Yup, time to donate. You can check with schools, women's centers, or senior centers to see if they are interested. I also am totally cool with donating to Salvation Army or another thrift store. It just means that another crafter will get the chance to come across that treasure while they are shopping.

[@Jesus.Coffee.Planning]

Where did you get your happy planner storage? Great tips!

[@ScrappyWife]

Those sticker bins are from the bathroom section at Target.

[@Lea.Julie13579]

I’m currently in the middle of a craft room destash and I’m going to have a craft supply ‘swap’ with my friends when I’m done. I’m looking forward to giving away my things to friends and ‘shopping’ through their extras for free!

[@ScrappyWife]

What a fun way to do your destash!!!

[@brendaheins3191]

I think what has prevented me from destashing is we have made two major moves in the last 4 years. So I feel like I just get set up in my craft room and then we moved, and we just moved to Georgia last year and I just got my craft room set up in December. So I think I haven’t really looked at my supplies yet to see what I want to craft with or not.

[@ScrappyWife]

I completely understand that! You probably have supplies you haven't seen in 4 years and might still enjoy. Take time, get settled, and then dig in!

[@samanthafischer1130]

I broke my ankle in February and the kids went crazy playing downstairs. They got into my craft stuff so much I had to put a lock on the craft room and put extra things in there (saw, drill ,etc). Now there's no room to move in there but I can't declutter the tools and there's not much I'd be willing to destash right now. So I need to figure out how to organize too much for now.

[@ScrappyWife]

That is definitely a conundrum.

[@jaimieswindler7450]

New here but what do you do with all of those awesome supplies? Sometimes it’s just that I loved it at the time or got such a deal it’s hard to let those items go sometimes. It would be so much better if you know they are going to someone who equally understands how nice they are.

[@ScrappyWife]

I gift them to friends that also craft. There are some other great donation items like preschools or churches that often need extra supplies. Or, you can always donate to Salvation Army or Goodwill, because those supplies will certainly be treasured by someone who discovers them at their local thrift!

[@alisonsmith7162]

You can always divide up the items you destash, say it's 20 ribbon rolls, into bags of 4 or 5 coordinating ones, and take to a couple of different thrift shops, to spread the love around. When I get baubles at thrift stores, it's so frustrating to get all mismatched colours. So if I destash stuff I'd bag it up, like how I'd want to purchase it. Just me.

[@jessicabell3125]

My mom has a mini craft store with focus on paper crafting/scrapbook 😂 she likes makin the bases for different projects but lacks being able to decorate em, decorating semi falls to me lol

[@ScrappyWife]

Aw, I love that you all get to work together to finish the projects!

[@dawnr3790]

Great video! We are about to put on house on the market and I didn’t know how to begin! This was so helpful! Also what font did you use on the clear containers? (Time stamp 9:35)

[@ScrappyWife]

I don't know the exact name of the font, but it is available in Cricut Design Access.

[@valorieyoung8805]

Question was it storming while you filmed this because I can hear the thunder thru my Airpods

[@ScrappyWife]

Nope!

[@kjoscrappinmama]

Great tips, now who do you destash to? Just donate? I realize there's tons of do supplies we're talking about here, I'm also familiar with the struggle and the process of decluttering and destashing and I know the money is already gone and spent Just get rid of this stuff, but some of it is still worth something! Any tips and tricks of what to do with it?

[@ScrappyWife]

I just donate it, after asking friends if they would like to have it. I find if I try to recoup the money, generally the stuff just gathers dust in a bag.

[@kjoscrappinmama]

@@ScrappyWife YES! Or try to sell it, then it's sitting there waiting to get out!! It kills me to donate it, but I guess there's probably not a logical way to get anything back from it!!

[@susanhyde685]

Where do people donate their items? Schools and community centers don't have die cutting machines or stamp positioners. I'd like the items to go to someone who will use them. Thanks!

[@ScrappyWife]

You could always donate the die cutting machine as well. They would also only need a few acrylic blocks instead of a whole stamp positioner. You can always donate to a thrift store for a lucky crafter to find!

[@claudialemmon5396]

My biggest problem is who to pass my stuff off to. Some things I would like to get a little reimbursement from but I’m not good at resale sites and no garage sales. I know I can just put it all in a box and GoodWill it but really don’t want to send it there or someplace like that. I’m just stumped but I really need to get rid of a lot of stuff.

[@ScrappyWife]

Why not Goodwill or a thrift store? Then there will be treasures for other crafters to find! As far as re-selling, I don't often have the patience for that, so I tend to just donate away.

[@lesliewells1062]

Thanks for the great advice!!!

[@ScrappyWife]

Glad to help!

[@jennifersantistevan7673]

I think one part I find difficult is how much money I’ve spent, so it’s hard to get rid of, and that some stuff has never been used. I think I need to at least try it. My stumbling blocks

[@deballen7031]

Hi. I totally agree with you on that.

[@wendyface6473]

Forgive yourself. And focus on what you enjoy doing. If you might take a break from a hobby then you can box it up. With a future date and then donate or get rid of in 90. Days or so.

[@dotmitchell8912]

Hi from New Zealand. I have recently put stickers on the backs of all my stamps and dies and my rule is to write the date on the sticker when I use it and this should tell me what to part with in 6 and 12 months time . Motto being Use it or Loose it . Enjoyed watching you .

[@ScrappyWife]

I can see that. Putting yourself on a no-spend until you use a certain amount of your stash might be a great solution.

[@minilin0563]

After you do the destash, what do you do with the items not being kept? I live in a small community and I don't want to just give to thrift store or Goodwill. I have given a few things to a church group, but they would get so overwhelmed if I gave them everything.

[@ScrappyWife]

Why not give them to a thrift store or Goodwill? Then there are treasures for fellow crafters (who you might not know) to find!

[@jeannejj]

Call a local school. They need supplies for their art programs, as they are vastly underfunded. From elementary to high school, they are lacking supplies.

[@alisonsmith7162]

Find a few different churches and split up what you're giving away perhaps.

[@nicolebisco]

What blocks me is what to do with the things I’m destashing. Where is a good place to donate? If I have unused product how do I sell it and figure out shipping. That’s my block.

[@ScrappyWife]

Selling on FB marketplace is always a possibility. Or, go grab some of those fixed shipping boxes from USPS and figure out what fits in each box. Then you know how much shipping will be and you can sell the boxes for a flat rate.