6 Storage Bins For Journaling Supplies To Organize Better
Tired of cluttered desk supplies? Discover 6 versatile storage bins for journaling supplies to keep your pens and stickers organized. Shop our top picks today.
A well-organized workspace is just as essential as the right needle size for a tension-perfect sweater. When journaling supplies like washi tape, stamps, and pens are scattered, the creative flow of a project suffers just like a tangled skein of mohair. Effective storage saves time, keeps delicate tools protected, and prevents the frustration of losing a favorite marking pen during a crucial pattern-making session. These six storage solutions bring order to the chaos, ensuring every tool remains within reach when inspiration strikes.
ArtBin Super Satchel: Best for Large Collections
The ArtBin Super Satchel offers a substantial footprint for those who have moved beyond a single notebook and into a full-blown creative habit. Its acid-free, plastic construction ensures that expensive stickers or paper-based ephemera remain protected from environmental degradation.
This container excels when managing large quantities of materials, much like storing a stash of bulky weight wool that requires significant volume. The internal dividers allow for the creation of customized compartments, preventing small items from shifting during transport.
However, the sheer size can be an obstacle for those with limited table space. It is a heavy-duty solution for long-term storage rather than a nimble tool for daily use.
Deflecto Stackable Caddy: Best for Portability
Portability is vital for makers who migrate from a dedicated craft room to the living room couch. The Deflecto Stackable Caddy functions much like a mobile project bag, keeping essential markers and glues accessible while the user works on a layout.
Because the units clip together, supplies stay secure even if the caddy is bumped. This modularity means that tools remain separated by category, preventing the common issue of ink bleeding or adhesive spills.
The tradeoff here is the vertical height, which can make the stack top-heavy. Keep the heaviest items in the bottom tier to ensure the structure remains stable.
mDesign Portable Caddy: Best Budget Organizer
The mDesign Portable Caddy is a straightforward solution for those who prefer simple, open-access storage. It is ideal for grouping items that are used in every session, such as scissors, tweezers, and pens, much like a knitting notions bag holds stitch markers and measuring tapes.
The open design allows for quick visibility, meaning no time is wasted digging through deep bins. Because the material is lightweight plastic, it is easy to wipe down after a messy session involving paint or glue.
Budget-conscious crafters will appreciate the low price point, though the lack of lids means supplies are susceptible to dust. It is best used for items that are rotated frequently and cleaned often.
Akro-Mils Stacking Bins: For Serious Crafters
Akro-Mils bins provide the ultimate industrial solution for granular organization. These are the gold standard for separating tiny supplies like rubber stamps, metal charms, or assorted paper clips that would otherwise get lost in a larger container.
The sturdy, high-impact plastic stands up to years of abuse, mirroring the durability of high-quality stainless steel knitting needles. Seeing each item at a glance prevents double-purchasing supplies that are already in the collection.
While these offer unmatched visibility, they can create a cluttered aesthetic if not housed on a dedicated shelf. They require a disciplined approach to labeling to ensure the system remains functional over time.
iDesign Lazy Susan: Best for Pens and Markers
A rotating Lazy Susan is a superior choice for tools used frequently, such as calligraphy pens or brush markers. By keeping these vertical, the ink distribution remains consistent, much like storing bamboo needles to prevent them from warping under their own weight.
Accessing supplies is simplified by the spinning mechanism, which eliminates the need to reach across a desk. This keeps the workspace clear and focuses the creative energy on the journal page rather than the hunt for a specific color.
Ensure the diameter of the unit fits the desk space, as a wide base can consume valuable room. It is a one-stop-shop for all long-handled tools that need to stay upright.
The Container Store Drawer: Best Modular System
Modular drawer systems are the best investment for a permanent journaling station. Like a dedicated chest for specialized needles and interchangeable cords, these drawers provide a designated home for every supply, keeping them protected from sunlight and dust.
The stackable nature allows the system to grow alongside a collection. Clear fronts allow for quick inventory checks, saving the trouble of opening every drawer to find a specific roll of washi tape.
The main tradeoff is cost and immobility. This is a stationary solution, so consider the permanent location of the workspace before committing to a larger drawer configuration.
How to Pick a Bin for Your Journaling Style
Selecting the right bin depends entirely on how often the supplies are accessed. If the journal setup is stationary, deep drawers or large bins are efficient. For those who move around, prioritize lightweight, handled caddies.
Consider the fragility of the items as well. Delicate washi tape and stickers suffer in direct sunlight and fluctuating humidity, making opaque, lidded bins a safer bet.
Ultimately, if a storage solution adds steps to the creative process, it will eventually be abandoned. Choose a system that reduces friction between the idea and the page.
Organizing Stickers, Stamps, and Washi Tape
Stickers and ephemera are best kept in flat, shallow trays to prevent curling. Vertical storage often leads to bent edges, which ruins the aesthetic of a journal spread.
Washi tape presents a unique challenge; when kept in deep bins, the labels become unreadable. Use horizontal dowels or clear, shallow acrylic trays to display the rolls by pattern and color.
Stamps should be kept in airtight containers if possible. This prevents the rubber from drying out or losing its tackiness over time, much like sealing expensive wool to protect it from moths.
Plastic vs. Fabric Bins: Which Is Right for You?
Plastic bins offer the advantage of durability and transparency. They are easy to sanitize and provide a clear view of contents, which is essential for high-volume supply caches.
Fabric bins, conversely, are gentler on delicate tools and offer a softer, more home-focused aesthetic. They work well for storing notebooks or larger pads of paper that might scratch a plastic surface.
Choose plastic for tools that involve liquids or adhesives. Save fabric bins for softer items like stencils or paper scraps that don’t require heavy-duty containment.
Think Vertically to Maximize Your Shelf Space
Vertical space is the most underutilized asset in any craft area. By utilizing wall-mounted rails or stacking bins, the footprint of the desk remains open for the actual work of journaling.
Use clear containers on high shelves to keep small items out of the way while maintaining visibility. Shelving units with adjustable heights allow for the customization of storage tiers based on the size of the supply.
Remember to keep the most frequently used items at eye level. Less essential supplies can live on the highest or lowest shelves to keep the central workspace clear for creation.
A thoughtfully organized journaling space does more than just store items; it sets the stage for a productive and creative practice. By matching the bin to the specific needs of the tools—whether it is the portability required for a roaming crafter or the structured permanence needed for a serious collector—the act of journaling becomes more seamless and enjoyable. Investing in the right storage is a commitment to the craft, ensuring every piece of equipment is ready to perform whenever inspiration strikes.
