Clutter-Free Classroom Organization and Management

1-2-3 CLUTTER-FREE!

Clearly, this is the overwhelming part. While just the idea of sorting out years (and in some case decades) worth of stuff can be draining, it does not have to be. The key is breaking it down into manageable steps. You need to be motivated, create a plan, act on your plan and maintain. Below you will find helpful tips for each step.

The Pep Talk:

What are your goals? Take some time to envision what you want the end result to be. Think about the benefits of organization. Make note of how achieving your goals will make positive changes in your career and personal life.

You can't declutter and organize your entire classroom in one day, but you can tackle a single drawer, cupboard or shelf in a short amount of time. Look at the big picture and break it down into smaller goals. Write out a plan and stick to it.

There is a lot of money to be made by selling the personal items from your classroom. Decide what you would like to use this extra money for and go for it. Maybe you could spend the next school break sunning yourself in the Caribbean compliments of the clutter you have rid yourself of. The more you get rid of the more cash you will make.

Think about what is more beneficial to your students. Teachers often hold onto things because they think they or their students may someday use them. Chances are there is very little that you can't find online or borrow from a colleague. An organized, well-planned, clutter-free space will benefit a child continuously vs. the benefits that may someday be obtained from the possible use of an object.

Determine the REAL value of an item. We frequently will keep items because we paid for them. An item is useless if it is gathering dust. The space and peace of mind you will achieve by simplifying is priceless.

Teaching is a profession that is ever-changing. Discard old resources.

Create a Plan. Realize that decluttering and reorganizing your classroom will not happen overnight. Do not get overwhelmed by the project. Simply break it down into smaller, manageable tasks and schedule time to complete each one.

Plan Your Attack:

How will you make this a reality? Think about all of the areas in your classroom and imagine them neat and tidy. Envision yourself being able to locate anything at anytime. Picture yourself walking in every morning to a classroom that is magazine worthy. Visualize the classroom running itself.

Make a list of all of the areas in your classroom that will need your attention. Be specific and break each area down into smaller areas. Don't just write "closet," but instead break it down to specific shelves. You will use this as a checklist as you begin decluttering.

Generate a list of rules regarding things you will automatically discard. Be sure to adhere to these rules. Examples include things that…

you have not used in the past two years
are broken
are easily replaceable (like egg cartons and Pringles cans)
are duplicates
can be found online or borrowed

Gather some basic supplies.

large black trash bags (black is important so you won't second guess yourself)
plastic tubs or large cardboard boxes
a recycling bins
signs reading, "trash, sell and donate"

Create a workstation. Take a look at the recommended supply list. Once everything is gathered, locate a space within the classroom to store these supplies on. The ideal spot would be a cart on wheels that you can move around the room with you. Keeping your organization and cleaning tools central will prevent you from losing them in the process (ironic, isn't it?).

Declutter First - Then Organize. The less you have the easier it will be to organize your things. Do not buy any products or containers until you have done a clean sweep and eliminated anything you do not need.

Start Decluttering:

Decide how much time you have for this session. You can either attack one zone at a time or else start in one corner and work clockwise around the room.

Start by removing EVERYTHING you don't want. It is tempting to jump right into the organizing stage, but it is best to remove all unwanted items first. Consider your trash bags, recycling bin and donation boxes to be the most beneficial tools in this process. The more you put in them the easier the rest of your task will be.

Beat the Clock…or the song. You will be more productive and far more willing to part with things under pressure. Pick out a few of your favorite upbeat songs and challenge yourself to complete a task (empty a drawer, clear off a shelf, go through a binder) before the song ends.

Try not to think too much. You need to get yourself into a decluttering groove. However, if you come across an item you are on the fence about then ask yourself these questions:

Does this item fall into my "non-negotiable rules for getting rid of it?"
Do I know somebody who would get more use out of it than I will?
Could I make money if I sold this item?
Am I emotionally attached to this item? If so consider taking a photo of it.

Select a starting point in your classroom and work your way around the perimeter. This will help you to stay focused and ensure that you cover every nook and cranny.

If school is in session you might be better off working in small chunks. Things are going to get worse before they get better. Based on your individual needs it may be best to tackle one area (or shelf) at a time. Just be sure to have a master list of all the areas and check them off as you go.

When tackling a shelf, drawer, cupboard, etc. remove EVERYTHING. Take all of the items and sort into keep and trash categories. Clean the area and put back only the items that are worth keeping.

It will get worse before it gets better. Prepare to be surrounded by some clutter before you can be fully organized.

Make an inventory of what you are keeping. Measure your shelves, drawers and cupboards. Carry this information with you so you can find containers that will best fit your particular needs and space.

Cha-Ching:
Money is a great motivator. Many of the items you are not using are worth money. Below is a list of great places to sell your unwanted items.

www.ecrater.com

I have really been enjoying the ease of this site and find the other store owners to be super friendly and helpful. Check out my store over there.

www.craigslist.com
This site is typically used for local pick-up. It is very easy to use.

www.ebay.com
I had great success with ebay in the past, but lately fees have skyrocketed, changes haven't been favorable to sellers and the selling prices are not what they used to be

www.yahoo.com
Join yahoo groups like teachers bargain basement and teacheryardsale.

www.amazon.com

Contact homeschool groups. They can often point you in the direction of families in need of resources.

Consider organizing a teacher swap at your school.

Donate items to a school or another teacher and request a receipt for your taxes.

Maintaining Order :

Reflect upon your routines and habits that contribute to disorganization and clutter. Being aware will help you to make positive changes.

If you do not consider yourself to be an organized person there is a good chance that you were never taught to be. There is an abundance of information available. Educate and train yourself of how to become a more organized person.