Grab a trash bag, take a deep breath, and let’s ditch the clutter. Here are 15 things to throw away in your craft room to declutter and make crafting fun again.

We all know that a working craft room can be messy – but an out-of-control, cluttered craft room can stifle creativity, making it hard to find what you need when inspiration strikes!

If you have supplies tumbling out of every drawer, taking over your chair,  and piling up in corners, it’s time for a serious clean-up.

1. Dried Out Markers and Pens

Source: @sparklycanadiancraftygirl

Nothing’s more frustrating than grabbing a marker only to find it bone dry. Test them all and toss the ones that no longer work.

Then, sort your markers by color and store them in a fabulous marker organizer like this.

2. Old Paint

Source: @organizemore

Crusty caps, dried-up tubes, and rock-solid paint in pots make painting impossible.

Old, clumpy paint won’t give you smooth strokes or vibrant colors. Save yourself the frustration and throw away the unusable paints.

Keep a list of the colors you ditched, so you can replenish them when you’re ready to buy fresh ones.

Check out these other genius craft room hacks.

3. Unusable Paper Scraps

Source: @functional_kidsplay

Tiny bits of paper you’ve been hoarding “just in case” often become clutter. Keep only the ones big enough for real projects!

If a scrap has been sitting in a pile for years without purpose, it’s just taking up space. Let go of the small bits and make room for fresh ideas.

4. Dried Out Glue

Source: @hope_journals_penpals

Like paint, dried-out glue is a total frustration! Squeezing the tube won’t magically make it work again.

Toss your old glue and get a fresh lot. I love Aleene’s Clear Gel Tacky Glue. It’s budget-friendly and dries clear – perfect for all types of craft projects.

Stay organized with these brilliant DIY craft desk ideas.

5. Duplicate Tools

Source: @duetulipani

When space is limited, duplicate tools steal valuable shelf space that can be used for supplies you actually need.

It’s time to downsize! Keep your favorites and donate the duplicates to a fellow crafter, a home for the aged, or your local school.

6. Old or Unused Hobby Supplies

Source: @minxymanor

We’ve all tried a craft that just didn’t grab us.

Whether it’s a calligraphy set or a candle-making kit, hanging onto it creates clutter and negative feelings of guilt.

Why not pass it along to someone who’ll use it? They’ll be ecstatic and you’ll feel great!

7. Expired Products

Source: @mrscogscrafts

Using expired products can damage your projects and be a danger to your health.

Resin, Mod Podge, glue, and paints don’t last forever. Check the expiration dates and toss anything that has expired.

I ‘stole’ a great idea from a fellow crafter! She uses colored labels like these to highlight the expiration dates on her products, so there’s no need to search for the tiny print to check dates.

8. Broken Tools

Source: @lelaburris

Bent knitting needles, cracked rulers, blunt scissors, or a glue gun that won’t heat up will cause frustration when you want to relax and enjoy your crafting time.

Check all your tools and toss those that are broken. You’ll instantly declutter and create valuable space for new tools that work.

I’ve invested in some large plastic bins like these for organizing my craft tools and supplies. They’re deep and also have removable trays – awesome!

9. Ribbon Scraps

Source: @stitchkitscrafts

Tangles of tiny ribbon scraps won’t help your crafting (or your mood).

You’ll spend hours pulling ends and getting frustrated when you find the piece isn’t long enough for what you need.

Declutter your ribbons and store them on a ribbon organizer rack like this. It looks so attractive and you can instantly see what you have.

10. Excess Beads

Source: @readingpl

Beads are fun until they overflow everywhere. Keep your favorites and donate or organize the rest to prevent chaos.

If you have mismatched or random beads with no project in mind, it’s time to let them go. A tidy collection makes crafting so much easier!

11. Colored Yarn You Never Reach For

Source: @emilysweaving

We all have our favorite colors, so keeping that neon orange or olive green yarn you hate will only irritate you whenever you see it.

Someone out there will LUV it! Donate it to a local craft group, community center, or school, and declutter your craft room.

I love a hanging yarn organizer like this. It uses blank space behind a door, freeing up my drawers and shelves, allowing visibility and easy access to what I need.

12. Stencils You Never Use

Source: @giogiocraft

Here’s a great rule to follow – if you haven’t used it for years – it’s clutter.

Throw away or donate old stencils that don’t inspire you. Someone with different tastes will love them and get creative! And, you’ll have space for stencils you actually use.

13. Old Paint Brushes

Source: @artbyangelinal

Grabbing an old paint brush with frayed bristles or hardened tips can ruin a project at the last moment.

Throw away all your old paint brushes and treat yourself to a stunning paint brush set like this. It includes 18 brushes plus a palette knife and 2 sponges, all in a snazzy pop-up carry case.

14. Out of Date Fabric

Source: @marthastewart48

If that fabric no longer fits your style or craft plans, it’s just taking up space.

Donate or repurpose it into something useful. Holding onto outdated fabric stifles your creativity. Clear it out and make room for fresh fabric you’re excited to use.

Do you need a way to organize fabric? I found this amazing satchel compartment box, perfect for storing pieces of fabric.

15. Unfinished Products You Won’t Return To

Source: @sostrenegrene

Let’s be honest – if it’s been sitting in your craft room for years and no longer excites you, it’s time to move on.

Keeping unfinished projects only creates stress. Clear the clutter and allow fresh energy into your crafting space.