If you’re a stationery person, you know the struggle. Drawers full of pens you can’t bear to throw away, notebooks you bought because they were pretty, washi tape collections that got out of hand, and sticky notes in every color imaginable. It brings joy, but it also creates chaos if not organized properly.
I reached a point where I owned so many supplies I couldn’t find what I needed when I actually wanted to use them. That defeated the whole purpose of having nice stationery. Let me show you some organization systems that actually work for real collections.
Assessing What You Have
Before organizing, take inventory. Pull everything out and see what you’re working with. Group items by category to see how much of each thing you own. Test pens and markers to see what’s still usable. Be honest about what you’ll actually use versus what’s just taking up space.
You might be surprised by how much you have. This reality check helps you plan appropriate storage.
Pen and Pencil Organization
Clear acrylic organizers let you see everything at a glance. You can find drawer inserts or desktop holders with multiple compartments. Mason jars or ceramic cups work for simple upright storage. Choose different containers for different pen types.
Tiered desk organizers create levels for visibility and access. Drawer dividers separate pens from pencils from highlighters. Pen rolls store collections compactly and portably.
Group by type (ballpoint, gel, markers, pencils) or by color if that’s how you use them. The key is being able to find what you need quickly.
Notebook and Journal Storage
Vertical file organizers keep notebooks upright and visible like files. You can flip through to find what you need. Magazine holders work for larger notebooks and planners. Shelf space dedicated to stationery displays notebooks attractively.
Separate by size, purpose, or current versus archive. Keep active notebooks accessible and finished ones stored separately. Label sections so you know what’s where.
If you have dozens of notebooks, be realistic about storage space and consider whether you need them all.
Washi Tape Solutions
Washi tape collections can get out of control fast. Acrylic organizers designed specifically for washi tape stack rolls efficiently. Ribbon holders or wreath forms display washi tape while keeping it accessible. Drawer organizers with compartments contain individual rolls.
Wall-mounted rod with washi tape threaded on keeps them visible and decorative. Clear containers let you see your collection. Organize by color, pattern, or frequency of use.
The challenge with washi tape is balancing storage efficiency with being able to see what you have.
Sticky Note and Paper Storage
Small drawer organizers separate sticky note pads by size or color. Stacked desk trays hold different paper types. Desktop holders with slots keep various pads accessible.
Expandable folders or envelopes store specialty papers, stickers, and embellishments. Label each section for quick access. Keep frequently used items at the front.
Paper supplies can overwhelm quickly, so regular purging of items you won’t use helps maintain organization.
Desk Drawer Organization
Drawer dividers are essential for keeping categories separated. Create zones for different supply types. Use small containers within drawers for tiny items like paper clips and push pins.
Stackable organizers maximize vertical space in deep drawers. Label sections if you have multiple drawers. Keep most-used items in the top drawer for easy access.
A well-organized drawer makes you actually want to use your supplies rather than dreading the dig through chaos.
Portable Organization
Pencil cases or pouches keep daily essentials together for grab-and-go use. Craft caddies with handles transport supplies between locations. Small bins or baskets collect everything for easy relocation.
If you use stationery in multiple places, portable organization prevents scattering supplies throughout your home.
Display and Decor
Some stationery is too pretty to hide. Clear containers on shelves show off collections while keeping them organized. Pegboard walls display frequently used items accessibly. Floating shelves hold pretty containers and organizers.
Decorative boxes conceal less attractive supplies while adding to room aesthetics. Vintage tins and containers add character while organizing.
Make your stationery storage part of your room’s decor rather than something to hide.
Categorization Systems
By type keeps all pens together, all notebooks together, and so on. Simple and logical. By color appeals to visual thinkers and looks beautiful when organized in rainbow order. By project dedicates supplies to specific uses or planners. By frequency puts most-used items in prime spots and occasional items stored elsewhere.
Choose a system that matches how you actually use your supplies. If you always reach for specific colors, organize by color. If you grab whatever pen is closest, organization by type works better.
Small Space Solutions
Wall-mounted organizers utilize vertical space without taking desk real estate. Over-door organizers add storage without installation. Rolling carts tuck under desks or into closets when not in use.
Multi-functional furniture like ottomans with storage hide supplies while serving other purposes. Slim drawer units fit into tight spaces. Use vertical stackers to go up instead of out.
Limited space requires creative solutions and possibly owning fewer items.
Craft Room or Dedicated Space
If you have a dedicated area, larger storage solutions work. Ikea drawer units like Alex or Helmer store extensive collections. Pegboards with hooks and baskets create customizable wall storage. Large desks with built-in organizers keep everything at hand. Shelving units display and store simultaneously.
Label everything clearly so you can maintain the system. Use clear containers whenever possible for visibility.
A dedicated space is a luxury that makes organization easier but requires commitment to maintaining it.
Digital Organization
Don’t forget to organize your digital stationery. Create folders for printables, templates, and digital planning supplies. Bookmark favorite stationery shops and resources. Save inspiration images in organized Pinterest boards or digital folders.
Digital can get just as cluttered as physical if not managed intentionally.
Maintenance Tips
Weekly tidying puts things back in their designated spots. Monthly assessment checks what needs restocking or what should be discarded. Quarterly purging removes dried pens, used-up supplies, and things you’re not using.
The organization system only works if you maintain it. Build quick resets into your routine.
Budget-Friendly Organizing
Dollar store containers work perfectly for stationery organization. Repurpose food containers like mason jars or small boxes. Use shoe boxes covered in pretty paper. DIY drawer dividers from cardboard.
Organize what you have before buying new storage solutions. You might already own containers that work.
Good organization doesn’t require expensive custom solutions. Creativity and consistency matter more than fancy products.
When You Have Too Much
Be honest if your collection exceeds what you’ll use. Donate usable supplies to schools, libraries, or community centers. Gift items to friends who would appreciate them. Sell valuable items if they’re unused and desirable.
Keep only what brings joy and what you’ll realistically use. Having less makes organization easier and means you actually use and enjoy what you keep.
The Real Goal
Organized stationery should be easy to access and enjoyable to use. The system should make you want to write, plan, or create rather than overwhelming you with choices or hiding what you own.
Organization is personal. What works for a minimalist with ten pens differs from what a collector with hundreds needs. Build a system that serves your actual collection and usage patterns.
Your stationery should bring joy and be functional. If you’re not using it because you can’t find it or accessing it is frustrating, the organization isn’t working. Adjust until it does.
Now go organize those pens and actually use that pretty notebook you’ve been saving.