The Power of Decluttering Your Creative Space
I’ll be the first to admit it: I’m not the best at keeping my creative space… tidy. In fact, I usually don’t even realize that my physical space has become a disaster zone until my mental space starts to feel a little off. The piles of unused art supplies, random scraps of paper, cords from 100 different gadgets that I swear I’ll use one day—it all starts to pile up, and before I know it, my creativity feels just as cluttered as the room around me.
I don’t know about you, but when my space is chaotic, my brain follows suit and let’s be honest, I don’t need anymore chaos goin on up there haha. It’s like the clutter starts to seep into my thoughts, making everything feel disorganized. The ironic part? I know that if I take a few minutes (…or hours, depending on the situation) to clean up, my creativity, focus and overall outlook on life will thank me later. But for some reason, I always put it off until I really can’t ignore it anymore.
If you're like me, you know that when you start feeling stuck creatively, it's often a sign that your environment needs some love. So, today, I’m sharing a decluttering checklist/guide that I’ve put together after taking inventory of the actions that help me clear both my space and my mind—without feeling like I’m tackling a major overhaul every single time. Here’s how I get my creative space back in shape when it feels like I’ve completely lost control of the chaos. And a side note, if you don’t have time for all of it at once, pick just one category to tackle and I promise you, you will already feel a little bit better. I’ve also created a handy dandy printable version you can download and print for free!
Clear the General Clutter
This is the one I put off the most. It’s the random stuff that piles up on my desk or around my work area—the coffee cups, post its, half-eaten snacks, and who knows what else. But when I finally get rid of the little messes, it’s like a weight lifts off my shoulders. I clear the clutter, wipe down surfaces, and make my space feel more welcoming. There’s a certain magic in this process—once I clear out the general clutter and actual junk, I suddenly have so much more mental space to focus on the bigger decisions that truly matter.
Acid-free storage boxes
Consolidate Your Supplies
The first thing I do when things feel cluttered is gather all my supplies and group similar items together. If I’ve got a million different types of paints, pens, and markers scattered around, it’s no wonder I feel overwhelmed. So, I take a few minutes to organize everything—paints in one place, brushes in another. Simple, but it helps me breathe easier. For organizing my markers and “specialty pens” I use this marker storage rack. For my paints, I have really enjoyed using these clear stackable storage drawers I found at Target because they allow me to see the colors with just a quick glance. I’m a big fan of using acid-free storage boxes for storing smaller papers but they also are a great option for “unsightly” items like tape measures and other tools. I love that they are a simple shape, color and that you can switch out label cards in the metal holders if need be!
Keep in mind that it might be time to let go… think of discarding or donating old supplies. This is the hardest part, isn’t it? Throwing out old paints that are past their prime, donating those extra sketchbooks I never use—it's tough. But I always feel lighter once it’s done. If I haven't used something in months or it’s too dried up to salvage, it's time to say goodbye. I donate what I can and toss the rest. It’s a mini-purge that always leads to clarity.
Create a Bin for Random Supplies
I don’t know how I end up with so many random bits and pieces—scrap paper, old fabric swatches, and random printouts—but it happens. So, I create a bin of “random” supplies for my little boy or for any last-minute DIY projects that might come up. I put it in a place where it’s easily accessible, but out of sight. This helps me clear up the chaos and feel like I’m still putting these things to good use.
Go Through Your Drawers
Business Files, Papers, Bills—Oh My! If you're anything like me, your creative space has a drawer (or three) full of papers you’ve shoved in there just to deal with later. Well, later is now. I take time to go through old business files, bills, and paperwork. I shred what’s no longer relevant but contains sensitive/confidential information and file away what’s important. If you’ve been holding on to things you don’t need, this is your sign to deal with it!
Tidy Up Your Digital Files
Okay, I’m not great at this one either (shh), but I’ve learned that keeping my digital files organized is just as important as my physical space. I take a few minutes every month to clean up my computer—delete old files, organize my projects into neat folders, and back everything up to my Google Drive. Some people use “the cloud” but to be honest, I still don’t fully understand it so, Google Drive it is haha.
As a designer, I take the added step of backing everything up again to an external hard drive juuuuuust in case something should happen to the internet. What can I say, I like to be extra safe!
It sounds simple, but it makes a huge difference when I’m trying to get work done.
Tidy Up Your Cords & Tech Equipment
I have so many cords. Too many. Between chargers, headphones, external drives, and other tech gear, it’s easy for them to get tangled up and make my workspace feel like a mess. I organize cords with cable ties, toss out/recylce old tech that’s just collecting dust, and make sure everything has its own designated space. Trust me, this alone makes my desk look TEN times cleaner.
Move Stuff to Storage
Let’s be honest—sometimes you just don’t need something right now. It doesn’t mean it’s not useful; it just means it can go somewhere else until you’re ready for it. For me, that’s the basement or a closet where I store extra supplies or seasonal items. I’ve learned that my creative space doesn’t need to hold everything I own, just the things I’m currently using.
Put All Artwork Away to Start Fresh
Sometimes the problem isn't the supplies or the mess; it’s just the artwork piling up everywhere. If my art is scattered across my desk, it feels like I can’t focus on what’s next. So, I store larger completed or in-process pieces in these flat storage drawers and smaller works and bits in these acid-free storage boxes, giving me room to breathe and focus on new work. It’s like hitting a creative reset button.
Keep Only a Couple of Mediums Accessible
Here’s the secret: Less is more. I keep only a couple of art supplies out at a time—just the basics that I’m using for my current project. By limiting my choices, I reduce decision fatigue and make it easier to dive in without feeling overwhelmed by options. I always feel more productive when I don’t have to dig through piles of supplies to get started. I’ve found that rotating supplies onto an art cart still encourages experimentation, just without the overwhelm of feeling like I have to use everything at once. It keeps creativity fresh while making the process more manageable and inspiring. I’m currently obsessed with these Cretacolor MegaColor colored pencils… they’re sooo smooth, nice and chunky and just a fun and different change from a standard colored pencil—great for getting out of your standard process and exploring something different.
A Final Thought: Decluttering Is a Process, Not a Perfection
Let’s be real—I’m not always great at keeping my space perfectly organized, and that’s okay. But every time I take a little time to tidy up, I can feel the shift in my mindset. It’s like when you clean your room and suddenly feel ready to take on the world. Your workspace is a reflection of your mental space, and when things feel cluttered, it’s hard to focus on your next big idea.
So, whether you’re about to dive into a new painting, finally tackle that DIY project, or just need a little mental clarity, I encourage you to try a couple of these decluttering tips. Take the ones that serve you in the moment. It’s not about achieving perfection. It’s about creating a space that invites your creativity to flow freely. And trust me—when your space is cleared up, your mind is too.
I’ll admit, I still put this off sometimes. But when I do finally declutter, it’s always worth it. What about you? Do you struggle with keeping your creative space tidy? Let me know if there’s something on your own list you find especially helpful, or something you need to work through too!
To help you stay on track and reduce the feeling of overwhelm during the process, I’ve created a quick and free decluttering checklist—grab it below!
