How To: Pack Up Your Classroom

It’s no surprise that I have become somewhat of an expert on this topic. Not only was I a military kid moving every few years, but I find myself moving classrooms every year. With grade changes come classroom moves so here I am, moving into a new room! Read below to see all my tips on how to pack up your classroom!

Tip #1: Enlist help for your move

I would typically use a few students on the last day of school to help me pack up my room. Even 3rd graders can sort through books looking for a sticker/stamp on the inside (if you label the books that you buy with your money). Maybe your family is willing to pitch in a couple hours in exchange for pizza or you know of a friend who is down to help. Other teachers are usually willing to help, especially if they also have to move rooms!

Tip #2: Make a list to keep you organized

I’m a total list person so I jot down a list of every area I need to move out of (much like a house). For example, the library area, lower cabinets, upper cabinets, teacher desk, front of room space ect. This helps keep you focused!

Tip #3: Take everything down from the walls

Now that you have some help, let’s really get started! This is the step that will make packing up your room the most real so I start with this. I take everything off the walls and put it in gallon size ziplocks to stay organized. All the letters of the alphabet go in one bag, all the math posters in another. This makes it easier to put things up in the new room.

Tip #4: Start with 1 area of your classroom

I start with just 1 area, maybe it’s your library, or math centers. Pick through everything and find what’s yours. Start a box (or 2, or 3) for that area and put just that area’s things inside. Yes you might have a half empty box but it will be easier to unpack. Once you are done with 1 space, cross it off the list and move onto the next.

Tip #5: Get rid of things you don’t need

This is one of many silver linings about moving rooms. You have to pack up everything you own anyway, so make it easier on your future self and purge! If you are changing grade levels, get rid of books you won’t use anymore or stations that you haven’t used in a few years any ways. Donate things if you can: to other teachers, second hand books stores, or a thrift store. If you have a ton, think about a garage sale! Make Marie Kondo proud!

Tip #6: Don’t make boxes too heavy

This probably should have been tip #1 because I am notorious for packing the heaviest boxes ever. Especially for books, either use smaller boxes or be really conscious of the weight of books. Because yes, even paperbacks get heavy!

Tip #7: Label EVERYTHING

Find your handy dandy sharpie and label every box. Be as specific as you can be. Don’t just write books, write ‘3rd grade guided reading set’ or ‘table bins, pencils, scissors, glue, rulers’. Whatever will help you remember later is key!

Tip #8: Find some wheels

Whether you are moving down the hall, into a mobile or changing schools, scout out carts with wheels. This makes everything so much easier and less hard on your back! Renting a trolly might also be worth while if you have a lot of boxes.

Tip #9: Use your storage containers as boxes

Boxes will eventually become scarce if they weren’t to begin with. I use the storage containers I have to help me move. Large clear bins are great to move lots of little items. Book bins can move books, papers, or stations. Especially if you are moving down the hall, your own storage just might be the easiest option to pack and unpack later.

Tip #10: Clean the room

Once everything is out of your space, wipe all the furniture down. Wiping down the inside of cabinets, book cases and shelves is a nice thing to do for the next person who lives in your room.

Tip #11: Sort boxes by area

This tip might not apply to every situation but following it if you can is helpful! As you move boxes into your new room, sort them by category. Even better if you can place them close to where their new home will be. Are there built in bookcases? That could be your library so put all the books over there. Put your desks things by the desk. Now your room might not be set up the way you want, but at least like things are with like.

I’d love to hear from you! Any tips you would add? Have you ever had to move rooms? What worked for you?