As a teacher, you already have a lot on your plate, and a poorly organised learning space only adds to the pressure. Disorganised classrooms – with piles of papers, single-purpose furniture and scattered supplies – aren’t just visually unappealing, they can hinder your effectiveness as a teacher.
Without a functional layout and accessible supplies, you risk losing valuable teaching moments and frustrating your students while you search for items. Plus, an untidy room can be visually distracting to your students and add to your stress.
Fortunately, by taking a methodical approach to organisation using the right storage tools and furniture, you can create a productive, engaging learning environment that is easy to maintain and helps you and your students thrive. Get started now using our top tips below.
1. Declutter Your Classroom
Old textbooks, unused supplies and outdated teaching materials can easily pile up and hinder your organising efforts. Starting the year by clearing out items that no longer serve a purpose allows you to see exactly what space you have available.
Implementation tip:
- Keep on top of the clutter by auditing your space and disposing of unnecessary items each term to avoid a larger job at the end of the year.
2. Create Zones for Different Activities with Storage
Divide your classroom into distinct zones that suit your teaching modes and the curriculum: you may need a reading area, a group working space, a teacher’s desk area, and a supply zone. This will help both you and your students navigate the room more efficiently.
Implementation Tips:
- You can define each space with furniture like bookcases, rugs, desks and storage so that the resources students need in each zone is on-hand.
- Storage solutions on castors like the Stash Mobile Tote Trolley Tray or the Depot Junior Activity Station can be easily moved to create different zones when necessary.
3. Encourage Student Involvement in Set-Up and Maintenance
When students have a hand in creating and maintaining their environment, they feel a greater sense of ownership and are therefore more likely to respect it.
Implementation Tips:
- Invite students to vote on where certain items should be stored and create labels together.
- BFX’s modular furniture is easy to move around, allowing students to experiment with different layouts and help decide which configuration works best.
- Set up a rotating classroom job system where students are responsible for keeping certain areas tidy.
4. Use Multi-Functional Furniture
Investing in furniture that serves multiple purposes is the best way to maximise space. Items like mobile storage units, activity stations, adjustable chairs and stackable desks can be rearranged to suit various teaching activities.
Implementation tips:
- Desks with built-in storage like the Oodle STEM package are a great option for keeping resources together with an activity station.
While combined seating and storage pieces like the Dock Booth Seat or Half Cookie Mobile Ottoman maximise space without sacrificing comfort.
5. Organise Supplies with Clever Storage Solutions
Storage is the cornerstone of an organised classroom – get it right and it makes it simple to keep the learning environment tidy and running smoothly. Whether it’s art supplies, books, or stationery, having a dedicated storage unit keeps everything in its place.
Implementation Tip:
- Not every classroom or teacher has the same needs, so it’s wise to invest in storage furniture like the Buddy Classroom Mobile Storage Unit, which provides flexibility when it comes to shelf heights and stay tray sizes. This unit also has heavy heavy-duty locking castors and writable surfaces for messages or collaboration sessions.
6. Maximize Vertical Space
When floor space is limited, look up and down! Storage doesn’t have to be limited to large pieces of furniture or shelving against the wall.
Implementation Tips:
- Wall mounted shelving and hooks plus hanging storage can free up valuable desk space and help keep everything organised.
- Under desks you’ll also find wasted space. Use this area for small storage bins or rolling carts that can hold extra supplies, books, or materials. A simple and cost-effective solution, these additions can make a big difference in a busy classroom.
7. Label Everything
A place for everything, and everything in its neatly labelled place.
Labelling shelves, bins, and drawers makes it more likely that things will be put away immediately. It also ensures everyone can take ownership of keeping the classroom tidy.
Implementation Tips:
- Use a large, simple font when creating labels for visibility.
- Consider using re-usable labels – like chalkboard or whiteboard-style options – which allow you to change up your organisation system each term or unit.
8. Use Technology to Your Advantage
There are many digital tools available to help organise your lesson plans and track student progress without the need for paper files and cabinets.
Implementation Tip:
- Cloud-based systems can store assignments, schedules, and notes, making them accessible from any device. This reduces the need for printing and makes it easier to share resources with students.
9. Take Advantage of the Outdoors
If your school has outdoor learning areas, you can bring some of your classroom management and seating solutions outside for a change of scenery without disrupting your system of organisation.
Implementation Tip:
- Use portable storage or carts (like the Buddy range) to easily transport books and materials for outdoor lessons.
- Consider furniture that is durable enough to be used inside or outdoors like BFX’s Stakka chair.
10. Create a spot for yourself
Organising your own desk is just as important as the rest of the classroom. Keeping your laptop and teaching resources neat and tidy will lower your stress levels and make delivering lessons straightforward.
Implementation Tips:
- If you don’t have space for a full desk, the Kaboodle Doodle Teachers Station is a great, mobile option that provides you with plenty of drawer space, plus a pull-out shelf for your laptop.
- For full-height desks without drawers, simply slide a four-drawer mobile pedestal
- Use inserts in drawers to keep pens and pencils organised so you can find one quickly. You could even secure a counter pen with a chain to your desk so there’s always one handy. There are many options available at large stationers like OfficeWorks.
11. Keep Student Work Organised
Projects can easily pile up around the classroom – even drawings can create a cluttered mess. Use tote trolleys to provide each student with a space to store their valuable works in progress so they don’t get lost or damaged.
Implementation Tips:
- The Stash range of tote units provide enough bins for each student to store their work – just label with their names.
Ready to get organised?
Creating an organised classroom doesn’t require drastic changes—it’s about choosing and using some of the practical, flexible solutions above that work best for you and your students.
Check out BFX’s range of education storage solutions to find the perfect pieces for your classroom. Or get in touch – our team would be delighted to help.
