Shop Subscribe

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Schoolyard Blog | Teacher Resources | School Specialty

Tips and trending topics for the teacher who's always learning

schoolyard-logo
  • Education Essentials
  • Inspiration & Planning
  • Learning Spaces
  • Podcasts
  • Topics
  • Search
  • < Previous post
    Next post >
    work in progress sign on a classroom plastic storage bin

    Organization & Storage

    Tips for Updating Classroom Storage on a Budget

    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.

    Shop All Duct Tape

    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.

    Read More: How to Make This Year’s Classroom Organization Resolution a Success

    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!

    Tagged With: Teacher Must-Haves

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Recommended

    Spruce Up Your Bulletin Boards

    Learning Spaces

    Spruce Up Your Bulletin Boards

    Plan Now for Success Next Year

    Inspiration & Planning

    Plan Now for Success Next Year

    Kits for Kidz®Helps Students in Need

    Back to School

    Kits for Kidz®Helps Students in Need

    Make Back-to-School Shopping Easy

    Back to School

    Make Back-to-School Shopping Easy

    Explore The Schoolyard

    Education Essentials

    Inspiration & Planning

    Learning Spaces

     

    TopicsShop Subscribe

    Copyright © 2025 School Specialty, LLC. All rights reserved. Privacy Statement · Social Media Statement · Do Not Sell My Personal Information - CA Resident Only

  • CATEGORIES

    • Education Essentials
    • Inspiration & Planning
    • Learning Spaces
  • TOPICS

    • Arts & Crafts
    • Early Childhood
    • Special Needs
    • Physical Education
    • Educational Technology
    • Student Resources
    • Organization & Storage
    • Classroom Management
    • STEAM & STEM
    • 21st Century Learning
    • Reading & Literacy
    • Healthy Students
    • Teacher Life
    • Back to School
    • Celebrations & Seasons
    • Out of School
    • News
    • Math
    • Science
    • Podcasts
    • Topics
    • Shop
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube