As homeschoolers, we must organize homeschool clutter. From papers and art projects to crafts and textbooks, it can quickly become overwhelming and take up precious space in our homes. The question then arises: what do we do with all of this stuff? Do we store it all somewhere for safekeeping or purge and move on?
Invest in a Filing System
One of the most effective ways to keep your kids’ work organized is by using a filing system. This can be as simple as purchasing a set of removable bins, available at most office supply stores. Use these bins to store your children’s finished and graded work, making sure to label each one with their name and grade level. This not only helps you keep track of their progress, but also allows for easy access when you need to refer back to their work.
Keep Things Temporarily
While it may be tempting to hold on to all of your children’s work, it’s important to remember that we simply don’t have the space to store everything. Instead, use the filing system as a temporary storage solution. Once the bins are full, transfer the material into a box in the basement or other storage area. At the end of the year, go through these boxes and decide which items are truly special or important and which can be discarded.
Check State Requirements
Before purging your children’s work, it’s essential to check your state’s homeschooling requirements. Some states may require you to keep a certain amount of work as proof of progress. Make sure you are aware of these regulations before deciding what to keep and what to discard.
Consider Digital Options
In this digital age, there are many options for storing your children’s work without taking up physical space. You can take pictures of their favorite pieces of art or scan their best worksheets and store them on a USB drive or computer. This not only saves space but also allows for easy access and sharing with family members or friends.
Keep Favorite Pieces
As mentioned earlier, it’s important to remember that we don’t have to keep everything our children create. Instead, consider keeping a select few special pieces of artwork or writing in a designated box for each child. This allows you to cherish their work without cluttering up your home.
Let Go of the Rest
One of the hardest but most necessary steps in organizing your children’s schoolwork is learning to let go. While it’s understandable to want to hold on to everything they create, the reality is that we rarely go back and look at these items. Instead, focus on keeping only those items that are truly important or that hold special memories for you and your child.
Have a Designated Homeschool Space
Having a designated area in your home for homeschooling can also help keep the clutter at bay. This not only gives your children a dedicated space for their work, but also allows you to keep all of their materials organized in one place.
Utilize Creative Storage Solutions
If you find yourself short on storage space, get creative! Use wall-hanging storage bins, under-the-bed boxes, or even repurpose old furniture for storage purposes. You can also rotate materials and books throughout the year, storing items not currently in use in a separate location.
Involve Your Children
Involve your children in the organizing process. Teach them how to keep their work areas clean and organized, and allow them to have a say in what items they want to keep. This not only helps them develop good habits, but also gives them a sense of responsibility for their own work.
With some organization and creativity, the task to organize homeschool clutter can be made much more manageable. Remember to keep the clutter at bay, stay on top of grading and organizing work, and involve your children in the process. This will not only help keep your home tidy, but also teach valuable life skills to your children. Happy homeschooling!
