Storing stationery… because I’m pretty sure we’ve all hit *that* wall at least once as we’ve tried to make our homes into our havens, right?!
Here, we’ve tried “only” shared stationery… and it worked… until the pencils and rubbers kept getting seconded to the vast recesses of the house. Cue continuous echoes of frustrated cries here, as those reaching for the absent essentials (myself included!) came up wanting. Gah!
And we’ve tried “only” individual pencil cases… and it worked… until certain someones could never find what was meant to live in theirs, and the battle of yours vs mine ensued… eek…
So now? We use BOTH.
Here are 8 tips on how!
1) Notice…. where are the most common places are that you and your family use stationery? (And yes, I know: if you’re like us, that’s probably everywhere!)
2) Consider the ways… you could keep an easy-to-grab stash nearby (particularly the basic pencil/pen/eraser combination). So that wherever you are, it can be returned somewhere handy. I’ve even been known to arrange a pen pot amongst some pretty things in the centre of our coffee table, in seasons where my kids seemed to gravitate there all the time!
3) Think decor… cute jars, baskets or pen pots amongst other decor can make this feel purposeful. You can see how I use jars in a central spot, here and how I squeeze a basket amongst some art supplies on a trolley in the kitchen, here!
4) Be purposeful… about where you store YOUR stash. I keep a lidded storage box in my room, where I store extra stationery that I don’t want used yet, because it’s so much cheaper to buy in bulk during back to school sales each year. I find that drawer dividers work well layered inside the box, for easier access. It used to be in my wardrobe, actually. And yes, it displaced clothing – but for a season, that’s what worked! Whatever it takes, right?!
5) And… pencil cases!! A few years ago I happened across a particular type of pencil case (pictured) that has been brilliant for us. It can fit everything from highlighters, to pencils, to a small pair of scissors, erasers and even a full (albeit small) set of coloured markers or pencils. It’s chunky, but there are enough elasticated spots for everything to have it’s own space, and not get lost in the recesses of a cavernous pencil case. Honestly: it felt like magic!
6) And more pencil cases… over the years, mine have also been given tidy small, one-zip pencil vases, so for trips out when they know they really only want/need drawing pencils & erasers, they like utilising these. They keep them in their rooms/desks to use as needed. And yes, we have to periodically cull what they accumulate.
7) Have a central storage place… I keep our pencil cases all together in a storage basket on a shelf. Easy to find, easy to return… and, I confess, it gives me somewhere to dump the odd stray stationery bits n pieces when the kids aren’t looking and I’m feeling lazy. We all need those… don’t we?!
8) And one for YOU… I nearly forgot! I was so taken by how awesome pencil cases can be these days, that I bought myself a funky Smiggle one (on clearance) back when I found my kids ones. My kids thought that was pretty neat and loved helping me choose one.
I keep sets of “special” markers/coloured pencils/coloured pens etc. there that my kids are welcome to use when they ask. (We have a set of good felt tip markers that are kept in a basket for free-for-all use, so these are in addition to that).
Having them in a “special” case helps them to be returned there when they’ve been finished with. (Definitely a win, am I right?!) But you could also do that in jars, or a drawer… that’s over to you. Pick what you prefer!
Phew. That’s quite a bit… and I feel like I’ve only just tipped the iceberg when it comes to stationery… but there you go!
Please do remember that different storage systems suit different seasons, and different families, and different homes. These are my tried and true suggestions based on what has worked well for us, and is (thankfully) still working! Do let me know if something here has helped you, it’s always lovely to hear!
We’d also love to hear what’s working for you – your idea might be exactly what someone else is waiting for!
Kristy x
Love this post Kristy. Stationery pens everywhere lids not being put back on me standing on pens and breaking them going to look into some of your ideas as Iria is a creative she loves colouring and drawing. Thanks so much 😊
Hi Denise, I’m so glad this will help, it sounds like you’ve come across it at just the right time. That’s awesome to hear – and you’re so very welcome! Thanks for letting me know 🙂