Trying to create a warm and creative learning space on a budget isn’t as hard as one might think. With a little creativity, imagination, and some DIY inspiration, teachers can pull together a great looking classroom without spending a lot of money. Here are some ideas to get you started and help you create customized, creative, and welcoming classroom storage on a budget.
5 Thrifty Ways to Organize Your Classroom Space
Use these tips as starting points toward money-saving classroom organization. Not only will your students love the decorative touch that you can bring to your learning space, but you might be able to stretch your budget a little further.
Decorative Duct Tape
Proof that duct tape can fix, well, almost anything. Duct tape and washi tape now come in hundreds of prints and patterns. You can use it to spruce up even the ugliest of items. Use colorful tape around some recycled cans to create pencil cups, or around old Pringles cans to store rulers. Use it to label storage cubbies and file folders, or to place student name tags on their desks.
Recycled Frosting Containers
If you’re a baker or know someone who is, small plastic frosting containers make great storage for small classroom items as well. Use paper or decorative tape to cover them up, and voila!
Thrift Store Furniture
Second-hand stores are always a great place to find items that would be useful in the classroom. A nice rocking chair for the reading corner, milk crates that can be transformed into stools, or rugs that can be cleaned and used to cover up an old, plain floor.
Plastic Storage Bins with Drawers
Plastic bins can serve a lot of purposes and are easily dressed up with colored or patterned paper or paint. Use these bins as paper storage for students to turn in their work, retrieve missed assignments while they were out, or store class supplies.
Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard is also a multipurpose classroom tool. Use large boxes to create privacy screens or use smaller boxes as storage. Cover them in paper or colorful tape and you’ve got easy DIY dividers on a budget.
More Creative Storage & Organization Tips for Your Classroom
It’s important when trying to create a warm and welcoming room to keep to a theme. Doing so will prevent things from looking messy and disorganized. Visit School Specialty for more great classroom ideas and products to help you create an inviting room where your students can thrive!
Leave a Reply