Storing Classroom Equipment: Four Helfpul Self-Storage Tips For Teachers

Whether you have to clear your classroom at the end of each school year or you simply want to cut down on clutter in your teaching space, a self-storage unit can provide a smart option for organizing and storing your teaching materials. Use the following tips to help sort your items and keep them protected from potential damage while not in use. 

Store By Subject

When you start packing books, toys, and supplies, consider sorting them by subject. This will make it easier when you need to retrieve something for an upcoming lesson. You can create a color-coding system to help keep everything separated and sorted. Use colored tape on the floor to mark the space for each subject, and use matching labels on each box and storage container to make filling the storage unit easier.

Use Vacuum-Sealed Bags

If you have a lot of stuffed animals, pillows, and other fabric-covered items, vacuum-sealed bags can be a great option. These bags compress your teaching items to save space, and they also keep water and air away to help prevent moisture damage. Be sure to place your vacuum-sealed bags in another storage container to prevent accidental rips and tears. These bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some require the use of a vacuum hose for setup, while others can simply be folded to force air out of the bags before sealing.

Use Moisture-Absorbing Products

Books, notepads, and other paper-based items can be particularly susceptible to moisture damage. Regardless of how you pack away these items, be sure to use moisture absorbers in your self-storage unit. Silica gel packets, like those you find in purses and shoe boxes at the store, can be placed inside of book boxes to absorb moisture. You can also use clay-based kitty litter placed in front of or on top of a bookshelf to keep moisture away from paper materials. Consider placing workbooks and stacks of papers in vacuum-seal bags like those discussed above as an added layer of protection.

Protect Furniture With Plastic Wrap

Wrapping classroom furniture in plastic wrap is a great way to keep your furnishings free from dust, dirt, and damage while in storage. You can purchase large rolls of stretch plastic wrap at your local home improvement store for this part of your self-storage preparation. For student desks, tables, and chairs, simply stack them up and wrap each stack in the plastic. You can also use this practice on chests of drawers and bookshelves. Be sure to use silica gel packets on shelves and inside of drawers before you add the plastic wrap to help prevent moisture buildup.

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