I keep several plastic boxes at hand when I'm quilting: one for stuff I will need, one for tools,one for stuff in progress ( the block i'm working on, pieces that have been cut) one for stuff I'm done with (i.e., fabric Ive already cut out), one for completed stuff (a block that's finished), the trash can is near at hand as well. Nevertheless, my area is still a disaster! And totally, my kitchen is a mess when I cook.