I have been planning on doing this post forever, and can’t believe that I am just now getting around to it! So here it is, long overdue, my second storage closet:
And let me tell you, this closet has come a long way!! I wasn’t sure if I wanted to share this or not, but since I know we can all use a little inspiration (and I know it makes me feel better to see other teachers’ messes and know I’m not alone! 🙂 ), here are the before and after pictures!
Crazy, right?! And that before picture is after I had already spent some time going through and organizing (see the beginnings of what would be organized tubs in the top left hand corner?)
I am so thankful to have so much wonderful storage space in my classroom! I definitely will admit though, it takes a while to get it organized and under control! I did the left hand side of my storage closets in August. {you can see my post about it here}
{Left side storage closets}
After spending all that time and energy getting one side organized, it took a while to get to the right side! Plus, I knew that I needed to make the best use of the space as possible, which also led to slow process of it getting done.
One of the things I knew I needed was a place to organize all my math centers and monthly activities. I found these storage containers at Target, put on some cute labels, and they make perfect storage!
I also wanted a spot to keep some of the teacher books that I have collected/been given by other teachers the past few years. The collection I started with was huge and I really dwindled it down to just these ones. Honestly I don’t really use them {and I don’t have to with all the awesome resources on tpt!}, but I know that some of them have good things in them that I may someday use, so I decided to keep them for the time being.
Next to the books is a white basket filled with a variety of cd programs. Once again, I had been given a lot from other teachers, most all of which I haven’t used yet, but some I need to keep around because they go with the computers in our room. Plus, some of the cds are extra from our math program, (the textbook on cd), so it is nice to have one place to store all of those.
I also continued over the containers and labels that I had used on the left side cabinets, since those have been working really well this year!
And I added some tubs with small holiday related items. (The big tubs in the left side cabinets store all of my big holiday items. These ones are smaller, craft related items that would probably get buried in the big tubs.)
It feels so good to finally be done with organizing my cabinets! Of course, I know that I will probably always be modifying them, the main {hard} work is completed!
The other organizational system that has worked really well for me this year {and it seems like it’s worked well for everyone else too!} is my teacher toolbox! {original post here} This has definitely helped keep everything in its place, and much easier to find!
I’m wondering if I should make a smaller version with supplies for my students next year… 🙂
I am linking up with two of my favorite bloggers, Kristen from Ladybug’s Teacher Files, and Elizabeth from Fun in Room 4B for their Optimum Organization linky party!
Wow! I may need you to come help me in my room! Your closets looks wonderful! 🙂 I have to duck when I open the door! 😉
Brandee @ Creating Lifelong Learners
I love your organization, Molly! It is fun, bright, and functional. I would love for you to share this with my readers at our Simply Create Link Party! I'm sure they would be very inspired!
Melissa
redflycreations.com
I think that I found my new summer project 🙂
Diane
Fifth in the Middle
Wow! You are an organizing super hero! I'm looking at your pictures and thinking of how much more organized I could be in my classroom. I love your tote for party supplies! Thanks for the ideas!
~Courtney
Polka Dot Lesson Plans
Wow, you are beautifully organized!!!
Where do you keep your teacher toolkit? I'm thinking of making one for myself AND my students to share. Good idea? Bad one?
I tend to enjoy keeping my things in a round basket with sections ( I think candy came in it and I re-purposed it awhile ago).
Oh and if that is a real palm tree in one of your photos, I am officially jealous!
– NJ teacher
Are your organizational labels available to download/purchase?
Brynne.zachow@gmail.com
Brynne,
Yes they are! You can get them here: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Colorful-Classroom-Organization-Labels-294714
Thanks!
Molly, you are truly an organization inspiration! Thank you for the before and after…it makes me realize there is some promise for behind my curtains. That's my goal this summer! I love the storage boxes. That makes so much more sense than just having piles of stuff in the cabinets! Thanks for linking up:)
Elizabeth
Fun in Room 4B
I love all of your labels! They look so nice!! I need to do a better job of making them all cohesive in my room!
Amanda
Collaboration Cuties
I love the labels!
Brenda
You Might Be a First Grader….
I was thinking the same thing as you about the teacher toolbox!! I really want to try one for my students' supplies. I let them get things from mine and I have not had one issue this year. It's like we can't make a mess of it, because it's all labeled and contained. Were you thinking of one in a certain area or a couple? I forget if you have tables or desks.
I love your gorgeous organization and labels Molly, absolutely lovely! Thanks for linking up 🙂
Wow!!! I'm so impressed! I'd love to be that organized!! I can't wait for our work days now!!
Hi Molly, your organizational skills amaze me! That is my goal this summer-to get organized! I love your labels! I am your newest follower and also a 4th grade teacher! I would love it if you stopped over to follow me as well!
-Allison
Adventures In Room 204
http://adventuresinroom204.blogspot.com/
Wow! Molly! Amazing organization! You have inspired me! My closet looks horrible! I guess that will be a new project this summer! Stop by and link up at my new weekly linky-Tackle It Tuesday with Common Core!
Amy
3 Teacher Chicks
You would be terrified by my two cabinets. The dimensions of the cabinets are so strange, and I don't have any idea how to fix them so they look as beautiful as yours. Thanks for motivating me to get them fixed up! How long did this take you?
Sarah
Miss A's Kindergarten
Oh wow! I need you to come and help me set up my classroom so it can look this amazing!!
Misty
Think, Wonder, & Teach
Where did you get the bin that has all different sized drawers in it? I found all the others, but the only bigger bins that I found, have all the same sized drawers…thanks! Cindra
Where did you get the bin that has all different sized drawers in it? I found all the others, but the only bigger bins that I found, have all the same sized drawers…thanks! Cindra
Hey Molly
I love your labels!!! Trying to get ideas on how to organize and store away holiday and seasonal decorations when I buy my house. Getting married soon and came across your holiday labels!!! Might I ask how do you do that ? They are great!!
These are lovely! Do you mind sharing the labels that you used for Valentine’s Day, St. trick’s Day, etc? I’d love to change them to fit my needs, but I love the design! Thanks!
Lovely!