Classroom organization is a big part of managing a classroom. Classroom organization for elementary teachers is even more essential because of all the materials needed to teach multiple subjects.  I’m sharing some of my best classroom organization hacks down below.  

One of the biggest compliments I get when teachers enter my room is usually my classroom organization. I’m honestly not so sure how this came to be, because as a little girl…my bedroom was a disaster!  I think it’s because both my parents are organized people, so they continued to teach and model that for me.  I can vividly remember my mom saying…everything needs a place.  I take that saying seriously in my classroom organizing.

We have SO many things we have to organize in the classroom!

• teacher supplies
• Student supplies
• Papers
• Books
• Lesson materials
• Center materials
• And the list could go on and on

I wanted to share some more of my classroom organizational hacks so that you can find everything you need.  This is actually not my first post on classroom organization.  I have a post on organizing your classroom library here and a post on organizing some of the random things in your classroom here.

Classroom Organization Hack #1: Drawers

One system that I really like using are drawers for many things, but all the paper is the best for drawers.  I use them to store all kinds of papers that would just sit on my desk, but now they all have a place to go.

Editable 3 Drawer Labels

As you can see, I’ve collected a lot of drawers over the years.  I didn’t have these all at once, but it’s definitely a good investment.  Having them clearly labeled is also good for you to find and put things away, but also for your students to help you or a substitute.  I have put all the cart drawers or similar ones on my Amazon page, however, these are not the best prices.  I would highly recommend you shop around at Walmart, Target, Big Lots, etc. for cheaper prices.

Classroom Organization Hack #2: Baskets & Containers

Another thing I like to use a lot of is baskets and containers.  They are a great way to put things together so it’s easy to find what you’re looking for in the middle of class.  In my closet, I use a lot of the Sterlite snap lid containers because they are flat on top and you can stack them on top of each other.  I keep a lot of my seasonal books in these, but also units and resources throughout the year.

In my cabinets, I’ve used these colorful baskets from Really Good Stuff.  I originally bought them to use in my class library, but they weren’t sturdy enough to last after students to use.  But they’re perfect for craft items.

I also use the same Sterlite snap lid containers for extra office supplies

I use the big Sterilite bins for seasonal items.  I have some in my closet, but I also keep some on top of my cabinets.

I have a big basket behind my desk that isn’t very see-through.  It’s the black basket on the third shelf.  I purchased this from Big Lots during back to school season.  They usually sell them every year just in different colors.  This basket is my catch-all basket.  It has random things that I either don’t know where to put it or don’t want to put it away.  I like it because it makes it look like things are nice and orderly.  My goal is always to hide the visual clutter!

I use the same kind of bin to hold all our clipboards and lap desks.

These containers were also purchased from Big Lots.  I think they’re called magazine holders but they are perfect for teacher editions and things I need frequently.  Again…it hides the visual clutter.

I have also put all the organizational bins and tubs or similar ones on my Amazon page.  Amazon is a good place if you’re wanting to buy in bulk, but again, I would shop around at Walmart, Target, Big Lots, etc. for cheaper prices on smaller amounts of bins.

Classroom Organization Hack #3: Teacher Desk

Everything I’ve already talked about helps with the clutter on my desk, but I’ve also found that just having fewer items helps too.  I only keep things I use frequently throughout the day.  This is all I keep on my desk beside my computer, calendar, and drink.  Everything else goes in a drawer…eventually! 🙂 The stripped container came from Target years ago.  I want another one but haven’t found it since.  The apple post-it holder I spray painted pink to match my room.

I keep my stapler and tape in a drawer instead of on top.  I use baskets to keep my drawers semi-organized. Using baskets and bins to keep drawers from getting cluttered is helpful!

This toolbox helps with all the little things that teachers need at a moment’s notice.  I created it several years ago and it’s perfect for all the little office supplies.  This also keeps my desk drawers less junky.