Spring has sprung! And now is the perfect time to refresh and reorganize your workspace, especially if running an at-home T-shirt business. A clean, functional space can improve productivity, reduce stress, and help you stay focused on growing your business. Whether you’re working from a dedicated room or carving out a corner of your home, these spring cleaning and organizational tips will help make the most of your setup.
Keep Workflow in Mind
Before rearranging shelves or buying bins, evaluate the space and how it’s used. Establishing a clear workflow is essential to keeping your business running smoothly. Think about how each task flows into the next, and how to arrange equipment and supplies to match that process.
Key Areas to Consider:
- Equipment – Take inventory of the machines you use, including heat presses, cutters, and printers. Determine how much space each requires and the order in which they’re used during production.
- Blanks – Decide whether blanks should be visible for quick inspiration or stored away to minimize clutter.
- Materials – Consider how much material is kept on hand and whether it’s stored in rolls, sheets, or pre-cut to size.
Once the layout is determined, group similar items together to better assess storage needs and spot redundancies.
Storage That Works for You
Organizing a home-based business doesn’t require expensive systems—get creative with what’s already available.
- Dressers – An old dresser can hold blanks, transfers, materials, or even small tools. Use a label maker or custom vinyl labels to clearly identify contents.
- Tissue Box Holders – Flip one upside down to create a simple, accessible dispenser for scraps.
- Page Protectors & Binders – Keep small material scraps organized by color in page protectors stored in a binder.
- Laundry Baskets – Use them to hold rolls of vinyl, store blanks, or transport finished garments to another room or for local delivery.
If space is limited, consider converting a closet into a crafting zone. Install pegboards on the wall to hang scissors, rulers, weeders, and cutting mats for easy access without sacrificing surface area.
Maximize Small Spaces
Working in a compact area doesn’t mean sacrificing efficiency. A table or desk with open space underneath can make a big difference. Store rolling carts or bins below for flexible storage that moves with your project. This setup allows access to different zones of the workstation without getting in the way.
Stackable drawers are ideal for storing blanks, transfers, or small rolls of heat transfer vinyl (HTV). Start with a few and add more as your inventory grows.
Look for heat press tables with built-in drawers to keep transfers and press accessories organized and close at hand. When the workspace flows easily, it’s easier to stay focused on what matters: creating high-quality custom apparel.
Ready to Clean Up and Gear Up?
Spring is a great opportunity to streamline your at-home business setup. A little organization now can lead to smoother production, better time management, and more space to let creativity shine.
Looking for more ways to level up your shop? STAHLS’ has the tools, transfers, and support to help you grow. Explore our full line of heat printing solutions.