How to de-clutter and keep your classroom organised

An organised classroom is essential for fostering a productive, calm, and creative learning environment. A clutter-free space can help reduce distractions, ensure the safety of children and make daily routines run smoothly. Whether you are starting fresh or looking to revamp your space, here are some practical tips to help you de-clutter and keep your classroom organised.

1. De-clutter and sort

Before you can begin organising, take a step back and de-clutter. Remove any unnecessary items, broken toys, damaged books, or any materials that are no longer useful. Sort everything into categories (e.g. toys, books, art supplies, games, teaching materials) and decide which items to keep, donate or discard.

2. Establish storage systems

A well-organised storage system is key to maintaining an organised space. Invest in shelving units, baskets, bins, and drawers. Have a designated space for everything – books on shelves, art supplies in drawers, toys in bins, etc.

Tip: use transparent bins so that the contents are visible, making it easy for your young students to access the right items independently.

3. Label everything

Labelling is a simple yet effective way to promote organisation. Label storage areas with both words and pictures, this helps young children to learn where things belong and encourages them to clean up after themselves.

Tip: Stay consistent. Make sure that your organisation system remains the same and communicate expectations clearly with children.

4. Minimise desk clutter

Teacher desks can quickly become cluttered with papers, lesson plans, and miscellaneous materials. To avoid a disorganised desk, create a filling system and only keep essential items on your desk. Set up a routine to go through your papers regularly,

5. Use vertical space

When floor space is limited, take advantage of vertical space by installing shelves or pegboards. Use these areas to store books, art supplies and other materials that are used less frequently. This keeps the floor area open and accessible for children.

6. Create clear zones

Designate specific areas for different activities within the classroom. For example, create a reading corner, an art station, a play area and a quiet space for reflection. This allows children to understand where they can find the resources they are looking for and encourage them to return items after use.

7. Create routines for clean-up

Teaching children the importance of tidying up is key to maintaining an organised classroom. Establish clear clean-up routines and involve children in the process. You can use songs, timers, or games to make cleaning up fun and engaging.

Tip: Set a time each day for clean-up, and encourage children to return items to their designated spaces after every activity. This creates a sense of responsibility and helps keep the classroom tidy.

8. Incorporate natural elements

A cluttered environment can feel overwhelming to young children. To balance the many materials and visual stimulation, try to incorporate natural elements like plants, wooden furniture and calming colours to create a soothing and organised atmosphere.

A clutter-free and organised classroom enhances the learning experience for young children, fostering independence, creativity and focus. By implementing these tips, you’ll create a space that is not only functional but also welcoming for both you and your students.