Are you ready to pack up your classroom because the school year has come to the end? I have the best art packing tips to get you organized for next school year! I understand many of you have finished the school year and are excited about summer. You might feel like tossing all your classroom art supplies into a box. But taking the time to pack up properly will set you up for a well-organized art space when the new school year begins. Here are my top 5 golden art tips for year end organizing and packing up your Montessori classroom and getting ready for fall.

I have years of experience organizing classroom art supplies, which has honed my skills in being intentional and organized year-round. Whether I’m at a museum in Seattle, a school in Poland, or a local school, I can efficiently set up and dismantle art “classrooms” in minutes—it’s become second nature to me!

Create List Of The Most Used

Review your art albums and art curriculum you follow to identify the most frequently made art projects. This list will serve as a reference for the materials you commonly use throughout the school year. Create a list of these art supplies, then assess your current inventory. This supply list will help you remember what supplies you need to purchase before school begins and prepare you for my next tip.

Organize While Packing

When preparing to organize your art supplies, consider categorizing them by different subjects or domains, as outlined in my book. Packing materials according to specific areas makes it simpler to access them when needed. Younger students often find it less overwhelming to focus on one subject at a time.

By packing with intention, you’ll be well-prepared to deliver art lessons by subject or domain efficiently at the start of the new school year. For example, I love painting with kids. That’s why I organize all my painting supplies (paints, brushes, palettes, wash jars, napkins, smocks, etc.) packed up in one container. I know that any time I reach for that container, I’m set and ready to teach any painting lesson I can dream up.

Use Clear Containers For Art Supplies

Opt for clear containers and reusable plastic bags to easily see the contents of each storage unit. While maintaining a list of art supplies is beneficial (referencing tip #1), having transparent containers allows for quick identification of art supplies. For instance, by grabbing a plastic bag of colored pencils, I can promptly see if I have the necessary colors for a specific project. This type of classroom organizing will help you in the long run as the new school starts up again.

Avoid Hoarding Art Supplies!

If you’re holding onto small, miscellaneous items for potential future art projects that may or may not happen, it’s best to let them go. If you’re uncertain about how to use certain supplies that are limited to specific projects, consider discarding them. If feasible, consider donating them instead of storing them for the new school year.

Removing unnecessary items will streamline your setup for future art projects, making the process quicker and more efficient. While I admit to being a bit of a hoarder myself, I’ve learned that being intentional, efficient, and organized is key to effective teaching.

Create Yearly Art Albums In A Snap!

Yearly art albums are a great way to wrap up projects before summer break. If you find yourself at the end of the year with a stack of art projects to sort through, this tip can be a lifesaver. Simply take photos of all the artwork created in your classroom to quickly create an art album. This method helps you recall past lessons and understand why certain projects were successful.

It’s a space-saving way to preserve your students’ work without the bulk. After taking the picture, consider discarding or recycling the physical project to reduce clutter. You can even jot down notes on the photo for future reference. For more organizational tips, lesson ideas, and teaching strategies for your Montessori classroom, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for free!

Have a great break!

By embracing these valuable tips to carefully organize and pack your classroom’s art supplies as the school year draws to a close, you’ll find yourself saving precious time when classes start up again. Rather than hastily stashing items away, dedicating time now to thoughtful organization will undoubtedly yield positive results down the road. I hope you find some value in these five essential tips for sorting and packing your Montessori classroom at year-end. Have a great break, you deserve it!

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