Buy One and Let Two Go for Art Supplies

If you’re a creative person, buying new art supplies can feel less like shopping and more like fuelling your imagination. That new watercolour set or box of pens? Full of promise. But over time, these well-intentioned purchases can pile up, leaving you overwhelmed instead of inspired.

That’s where the “Buy One, Let Two Go” rule comes in a simple but powerful approach to curbing clutter while still allowing room for the things you genuinely want or need.

Why It Works

Creative people often collect supplies with the idea that they’ll “use them someday.” But space isn’t endless, and neither is your time. Letting go of two items for every new one that comes in helps keep your space under control and makes room, physically and mentally, for what you really value.

This isn’t about being strict. It’s about creating balance. Buying a new sketchpad? Maybe it’s time to recycle the three half-used ones you haven’t touched in a year.

Start With the Duplicates

Most artists and crafters have duplicates. Five different types of glue, a dozen black pens, three nearly identical brushes. If you’re adding something new, challenge yourself to find at least two similar or expired items to let go of. It’s not wasteful, it’s strategic.

Let Go Without Guilt

Giving up supplies doesn’t mean you’re giving up on creativity. If something hasn’t been used in over a year, it’s probably not right for your current process or interests. Donate usable items to schools or community groups. It gives them a second life and clears space for what you’re excited to work with now.

Make It a Habit

Keep a small box nearby labelled “Let Go” and pop items in whenever you bring something new home. When it’s full, it’s time to donate, recycle, or responsibly discard. It’s a gentle, ongoing way to manage the ebb and flow of your creative materials.

You deserve a creative space that feels energising, not exhausting. Buy what brings you joy and make space for it to shine.