Organize-It Blog

Sticking with the back to school theme, we decided to help you start off the year right with an organized locker. Often you have only 5-10 minutes in between classes. Since most teachers frown on tardiness and won’t allow you to return to your locker to retrieve forgotten items, it is important that your locker be organized so you can quickly get what you need without the stress. As we often say, the key to getting organized is having a place for everything and everything in its place. Since lockers have hardly any horizontal space, you need to get creative with the vertical space.

Adjustable Double Locker Shelf w/ Drawer

• Since wet shoes or boots could drip down and make a mess of books and papers, start by storing those on the bottom of your locker.

• Next, use two stacking locker shelves or a double locker shelf. The shelves provide storage for your binders, folders and textbooks. Store them vertically so they are easy to take in and out.

• Group all things for a certain class together to avoid forgetting something.

• Use the hooks provided for your coat, hat, backpack and sports bag.

• If you need more hooks, you can purchase magnetic hooks.

Locker

• Other helpful magnetic items include a dry erase board, a mirror, clips or a storage box for smaller items like a comb or brush and extra pens, pencils, and highlighters. You can even buy an all-in-one hanging locker organizer.

• Use the top shelf for your lunch or snacks and remember – don’t keep food in your locker for more than a day or it will start to smell!

• Lastly, decorate your locker if your school allows.

Now that you have your locker organized, you are ready to start the year off right. Study hard and have a great year!

– Donna Lindley, Certified Professional Organizer and owner of Rochester Hills, MI-based Organize Your World, Inc.

For more back to school ideas, visit Organize-It.