7 Habits To Keep A Clean Classroom All Year

Every year, I always set a goal that I’m going to do better at keeping my classroom clean. Then, the school year starts, and things get a bit hectic, and (I hate to admit it), but my organization is always the first to go. However, each year I get better and better at keeping a tidy classroom, and after 20+ years, I have acquired a few tips and tricks that help! So, without further ado, here are 7 habits that keep your classroom tidy all year long!

7 Simple Tips To Have a Clean Classroom

Let’s dive into my 7 easy tips to have a clean classroom that will keep your classroom tidy throughout the year! I’m also sharing my favorite finds from Amazon to help organize your second home.

7 easy tips to help you declutter, organize, and keep your classroom clean and tidy all year long.

1. Declutter as you go

This one seems obvious, but it’s impressive how quickly teachers can acquire all.the.stuff. From student work to supplies to fun extras, the clutter can build up quickly. I try to make it a habit to get rid of one thing for every new item I bring into the classroom. If you haven’t used it for months, you probably don’t need it. And hey, someone else may really appreciate your donation!

2. Spend 10 minutes Tidying Every Day

Again, having a clean classroom is easier said than done. Teacher tired is REAL when the final bell rings. However, your future self will thank you if you spend 10 minutes at the end of each day tidying after the students leave and you’ll come in to a clean classroom the next morning.

3. Gather Items You Use Often

By keeping the items you use often together and organized, your days will feel so much more put-together! When you can reach for one bin full of reading supplies, or one drawer of math manipulatives, your room is guaranteed to stay much more tidy!

I love using these clear bins to sort my centers and daily small group supplies. They are sturdy, high, and easy to store!

4. Manage Your Inbox

Although it’s not physical clutter, a messy inbox can add unneeded stress and overwhelm to your life. I try to pick a day once a month to declutter my inbox. It only takes 15 minutes, but it can leave you feeling accomplished and as if a digital weight has been lifted off your shoulders.

5. Limit Seasonal Décor

Seasonal decor is fun, but also extremely hard to store. I try to limit my holiday decor to one small bin (same as above) per season. Or, if you have great room parents, you could also have a volunteer sign up for each season to help decorate (and take the decorations with them after the season is over!)

6. Refuse Things You Don’t Want

There are always free things in the lounge…don’t (always) take them.

When I first started teaching, I said yes to EVERYTHING. I wanted to save money, and I thought it would be rude to refuse someone else’s donation. I know now that this can lead to clutter quickly. It’s okay to say no-thanks if you do not see a need for the item.

7. Do a Friday Clean-a-Thon

Take 10-15 minutes before dismissal on Fridays to have students wipe out their desks and classroom areas.

You can give each student a Lysol wipe. (Students with allergies or sensitivities get a wet paper towel.) And then, make a game out of it…the 3 kids with the dirtiest wipes get a prize! My students always look forward to our Friday clean-a-thon competition, AND it leaves me with a dust-free, fresh smelling clean classroom!

Classroom Supplies to Help Keep a Tidy Classroom

Here are some of my favorite organizational items that I use that will help keep your classroom clean and tidy year-round!

1. Storage Bins with Lids

These are the best bins I’ve found so far for sorting all my literacy centers and math center supplies!

They are super sturdy and clear, so you can easily find exactly what you are looking for. Plus, they stack nicely on my shelves and aren’t a major eyesore.

storage bins with lids for an organized classroom.

2. Desk Organizer

Anyone feel like they are drowning in misfit paper clips, staples, rubber bands, and all the office supplies?! This desk organizer will help keep your work area nice and clean, and your brain will thank you.

Tip! Use the label machine below to really go above and beyond!

3. Headphones Storage

I will never go another year without a headphone organizer! The stray cords always drove me crazy.

Now, I simply hang this on the back of my closet door, and each student has a number for easy storage.

4. Pencil Holders

A small but mighty tool in keeping your classroom tidy! These pencil holders will keep the pencils off your floor and hold students responsible for their supplies.

5. Label Maker

A label maker is a must for helping to keep your classroom nice and tidy all year long. Plus, it’s great for students to see the words all over your classroom!

6. Magnetic Dry-Erase Holder

I can’t be the only one always misplacing my favorite dry-erase markers?! This magnetic dry-erase maker comes in handy!

7. Rotating Pen Organizer

In addition to my desk organizer (above), I like to keep this rotating pen organizer stocked and pretty at all times.

Tidy Classroom Recap

There ya have it! 7 tips plus my favorite 7 organizational supplies to help keep your classroom tidy all year long! Do you have any other tips or supplies you would add to the list? I’m always looking to add more tricks to my toolbox!