The best Supply Organizers: Reddit reviews

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

If y'all want an inexpensive alternative to the magnetic pallettes, these are what I use in my kits. They're great because they still hold a good deal of pans but take up very little room. And at the price you can get a ton of them for the price of one makeup branded one. I probably have two dozen if them and absolutely love them.

Not a traditional option but I love the ArtBin Magnetic Storage Case. It's cheap, clear, sturdy and a good medium size. See it in action.

Edit: fixed link.

These are like ziplock but sturdier.

JARLINK 18 Pack 8 Sizes Zipper Mesh Pouch, Waterproof Zipper File Bags Document Pouch Multipurpose Travel Bags for Office Supplies Cosmetics Travel Accessories https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07VBF4CYK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_JF00MJGX9G37WM9TKQ1Z?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

You can use something like this: link It's a magnetic craft/sewing case. It's pretty utilitarian with no frills. I have one and it's very sturdy. You could probably glue a mirror into it, or decorate it if you're crafty.

Amazon also has Z Palette alternatives. You might try looking there. I just searched for "Travel empty makeup palette" and a whole lot of options came up.

I like the zippered clear vinyl or mesh bags.

https://www.amazon.com/Vaultz-Storage-Assorted-Colors-VZ01211/dp/B001CDD0X8

https://www.amazon.com/16-Pack-Zipper-Holders-Multipurpose-Organizer/dp/B07P25PD3Z

Search zippered pencil bags and you'll see a bunch. Get a large keyring/carabener and get pouches with either 3 ring binder holes or clips like the link above. You can have a ring that can be thrown in your pelican and are easy to retrieve or hang.

I have mine in tons of glass corked jars

Mainly because I have an aesthetic going on, I'm a spooky lady and have an apothecary for decor filled with fun fake spooky things.

So I just got more jars and filled them with my felt. I have them with all my needle felting stuff on a 3 tiered rolling metal cart from ikea. You can get mason jars and if you want the cork look, buy corks for mason jars online.

I previously used a tackle box/clear plastic container with dividers. Kinda like ones used to store beads. That actually worked quite well! The only thing is the compartments need to be adjustable in some way.

My first storage use was a shoe organizer that went on the back of a door. I would put the felt in bags then in the slots hanging from my door. That wasn't too bad either.

My last idea is this. I use these all over my house for organizing and they would work great for wool. Not exactly air tight but at least gives a little more protection. They sell a smaller size as well that are great.

I like silicone for food storage and Stasher is great but I have some other brands I've picked up over the years that work fine for me too. I like reinforced "mesh" ones like this for toy or game storage (keeping little pieces together etc). https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087WHHHJQ?

I make tracings using Pellon 830, and then fold them up and store them in zip envelopes like these, along with printed-out instructions. (You can really cram a lot in these, for some I even store the fabric and notions and in progress projects in the envelopes)

The Pellon 830 irons nicely with a low iron, so I don't worry so much about them getting creases in the envelopes.

I use a big bin too, with loose bigger things and a bag system for all the small stuff. Used to use Ziplocs and switched to these, and they've been working great. Still slightly transparent, easy to color code (red is first aid, orange is cooking utensils, blue is 'junk drawer' etc.). Happy camping!

EOOUT 24pcs Mesh Zipper Pouch... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q81JBNM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Thank you so much—these are the lightest I’ve seen so far that still have at least a bit of internal organization! I might give them a shot. I’m trying these rather cheap pouches for now: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CDD0X8

I use these mesh zipper pouches (available in lots of sizes) - very lightweight, small and can usually satisfy airport security’s need for a clear case. Much sturdier than a zip lock bag but roughly the same thing. https://www.amazon.com/EOOUT-Document-Waterproof-Multipurpose-Appliances/dp/B087WHHHJQ/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1R3T6574850FS&keywords=mesh+zipper+pouch&qid=1654670145&sprefix=Mesh+zip%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-5

I didn’t want to spend money on a carrying case ($20usd+) and was found a post where someone mentioned they used a large pencil storage case.
I got the Advantus Art Box on Amazon, and I trimmed the original foam from the keyboard packaging. Viola!

Nothing to do with the last minute invite or not enough baby equipment there — I would straight up not go anywhere with my kids where I wouldn’t have access to a car so I could leave if necessary.

The reality of going places with small kids is that you always need an out or a backup plan. Sometimes even if you pack everything on your list, your baby will have a tough time for an indiscernible reason and you have to call it quits and go home. Like you said, small kids tend to have a 90 minute window for big activities.

Is there anyone your husband can carpool with to the office? You said your MILs house is on the way — how far is his work from her house? Could you drop your husband off instead, so you’d have the car?

I would be upfront with your MIL and say that you’d love to spend more time there this summer, but it is a burden on you to have to schlep all the baby stuff over there every time. Make a list of stuff she should get to keep at her house, pack & play, high chair, toddler cups and plates and utensils, etc. Most of those things can be really obtained used for free or cheap.

Diapers, wipes, and clothes should be easy enough for you to keep packed. With 2 kids under 3 and my husband gone for months at a time I have realized it’s easier if I don’t have to get ready, I stay ready. I got a huge 24 pack of these waterproof plastic zippered pouchesfor $17 on Amazon. I keep them packed, one with diapers, one with wipes, one with spare clothes, one with snacks, you get the idea. When it’s time to go somewhere I just throw the pouches I need in a giant tote, most of the time I just leave it in the trunk and refill as needed.

Amazon link

Cheap amazon bags, we got a pile of them a while back to organize board game components. They are some sort of plastic/nylon material, and will stop light moisture. The bags themselves are surprisingly durable and I haven't had much trouble with the zippers, but the zipper pulls are not good at all. They are pretty good little bags for organizing and extra protection.

I also have a Seal Line 10L dry bag that serves as an outer shell for the whole kit. Makes a half decent rain cover during use as well.

Not OP but it looks like a normal laptop stand. I think the one in the picture is this one but any laptop stand will do.

Tokmali Laptop Stand, Portable Laptop Stand Adjustable Multi-Angle Laptop Holder with Heat-Vent to Elevate Aluminum Laptop Stand Compatible for Notebook/PC/MacBook/MacBook Pro All Laptop 10-17 inches https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B088C45T35/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_RJS1ZVDSCVYGKRF2WRXF?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I stitch on the train most days. I keep organized with mesh zipper bags similar to these. I use the large size for paper patterns and my cloth, and put in use bobbins and accessories in smaller ones inside. It keeps everything together and reasonably protected even though it’s just shoved in my backpack. Also more durable than the ziploc style bags I used before.

We use an MZ Wallace backpack and have been very happy with it. Fits a ton, super lightweight, can run it through the washer, and it’s a neutral color so my husband doesn’t feel ridiculous carrying it. We use lots of pouches to keep things organized - these Amazon ones are our current favorites: https://www.amazon.com/JARLINK-Waterproof-Multipurpose-Cosmetics-Accessories/dp/B07VBF4CYK

We also used Como Tomo bottles and I usually just packed a separate small insulated lunch bag with her bottles - though, I was also often able to fit that inside the backpack too!

JARLINK 18 Pack 8 Sizes Zipper... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VBF4CYK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Was it these? I bought two packs and organized all puzzles and a couple travel games in them. Seriously useful stuff!

ArtBin makes a “Sew-lutions Slimline case”, with a magnetic sheet in the bottom. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SMPK6A/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_H9FV8B95K18YG0AZ1GH5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Or you could make your own using magnet vent covers from a hardware store, they’re a cheap way to get magnetic sheets.

EOOUT 24pcs Mesh Zipper Pouch Document Bag, Plastic Zip File Folders, Zipper Bags for organizing, Letter Size, A4 Size, for School, Board Games and Office Supplies https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q81JBNM/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_N2E53RQA0DG3QXNQ777B

You’re welcome! ;)

Bins and baskets are great but they turn in to giant messes quickly

I use these bags to categorize toys. They are bags so they fit all the wierd sizes and take up way less room than boxes/bins/cubes . I use large one for hot wheels tracks and a small one inside with hot wheel . another bag for magna tiles ..Lego ...puzzle...trains..small animals ..art supplies ...a playdough one etc etc

My toddler takes out a bag, plays with it , and then we clean it up and put that bag away before something else.

bags

I am also constantly doing clothing and toy purges .

As a vet tech and fellow ADHD sewing enthusiast, this was bad, but does happen, and I way more often see/hear about cats getting other strings and hair ties, all the hair ties! Stuck inside. I think the trauma of this will help you remember not to leave needles, pins, and thread lying around. I have a smaller version of this for my pins, but since you like to have the thread attached you could keep this next to your couch/carry it around to enclose the needle and thread easily. Making it easy to have your needle and thread safely put away really helps a lot!!

I see you like organizing! I use these things for inside of my game boxes to organize pieces:

JARLINK 18 Pack 8 Sizes Zipper Mesh Pouch, Waterproof Zipper File Bags Document Pouch Multipurpose Travel Bags for Office Supplies Cosmetics Travel Accessories Random color https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07VBF4CYK/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_N8V2HCHX96S5MRVC76R3

Idk if that link will work...

I got this cute (fake) wooden organizers where I put all of my brush pens in!

Marbrasse Wooden Pen Organizer, Multi-Functional DIY Pen Holder Box, Desktop Stationary, Easy Assembly, Home Office Art Supplies Organizer Storage with Drawer (B11-Cherry Color) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T66589H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_T8YCH8KGP9ZJ1EGAYRVM

I really like these clear plastic stackable drawers for crafting supplies. I know they are pricey, but I've had mine for several years now and they have held up extremely well. They also sell a "shoe" size that can be handy. Inside of them and for small notions/supplies, I use these little cases. I do my best to store by category, and I use my label maker a lot to make it easy to grab what I need.

The clear drawers make it easy to see what you're looking for ... and as long as you're not just dumping things inside of them, they look really nice.

As for a work surface ... a folding table is really handy. They come in all sizes, and some even have adjustable height. They can be tucked away when not in use.

i'm not able to take a photo right now, but here's a link on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/ArtBin-Sew-Lutions-Magnetic-Box-Translucent-Raspberry-6905AB/dp/B011CCKCTS/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1483649292&sr=1-1&keywords=sewlutions&th=1

i got mine at joann fabric! I would have liked the clear/blueish one, but they only had pink.

EDIT: there's a lot of photos in the comments/reviews of people who used it as a makeshift magnetic palette! That's where I got the idea!!

All 4 are the same size. This is the amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011CCKCTS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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It says the dimensions are

• 7.375 x 3.625 x .6875 inches

Check these artbins ones out. Technically they are made for holding pins, razors, and other things for crafting, BUT they work great for shadow singles. Plus you can get them for $4.99 each. Its also a prime ship item if you have Amazon prime. ArtBin 6811AG Slim Line Magnetic Box - Clear https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011CCKCTS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_NTfxDb1P0ZJSK

I always stock up when I visit DAISO (basically the Japanese Five Below), but most people don’t have access to one. Here’s a multi-pack from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VBF4CYK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_gVfJFb9ZZ7RPN

They also have packs of just the big sizes, if that’s what you’re looking for. I can’t recommend these bags enough.