I’ve been teaching art lessons and hosting art projects for thousands of children annually, and it’s taught me a thing or two about being intentional and organized throughout the year. Whether it’s at a museum in Seattle, school in China, farmer’s market here in San Diego, or my own backyard, I have to set up and tear down art “classrooms” in only a few minutes; I’ve got it down to a science.

I know that for most of you, the school year has ended and you’re looking forward to the freedom of summer. You’re probably tempted to throw all your classroom art supplies in one big box and call it a day, but taking your time and packing up efficiently will help you start your new school year on the right foot—with a well-organized art space. So, here are my top five, absolutely golden tips for packing up your classroom and getting organized for when you head back into the classroom in the fall. 

Tip 1. Take Inventory of Art Projects

Take a look at your art albums and the art curriculum you follow and make a list of the art projects you do most often. This gives you a point of reference for the materials you use the most during the school year. Make a list of these art materials, then take stock of what you have. Your material list will do two things: it’ll help you quickly remember what supplies you need to buy before school starts, and it’ll set you up for my next hot tip.

Tip 2. Pack Up by Art Subjects

I personally pack up all my art supplies by five teachable areas, which I call The 5 Domains. I explain what each domain is and how to teach it in my book, Introducing Visual Arts to the Montessori Classroom. (I also list the most essential supplies to use for each domain.) The point here is, packing up your art supplies based on the subject makes it easier for you to pull them out one at a time, when they’re actually needed. Since most younger students can get overwhelmed when offered too many art materials at once, I always recommend teaching just one area at a time. When you have a system and you’re intentional about how you pack your items, you’ll be organized and ready to start presenting art lessons based on subject or domain, as soon as the new school year begins.

For example, I love painting with kids. That’s why I keep 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.

Tip 3. Use Clear Containers

Use clear containers and reusable plastic bags so you can quickly see what’s in each container. Even though I always have a list of my art supplies (see tip #1), it’s still helpful to be able to reach for a container and know exactly what’s in there. For example, I can grab a plastic bag of colored pencils and know immediately if I have the colors I need for a project I’m about to teach.

Tip 4. Don’t Hoard!

Honestly, if you’re saving tiny, random odds and ends for some kind of art project you’ll maybe do in the future…just get rid of them. If you’re sure what to make with certain supplies that can’t be used for multiple projects, just get rid of them. If possible, donate them, but don’t pack them up and bring them into the new school year. It’ll be quicker and easier for you to set up an art project the next time around with all that stuff out of your way. Full disclosure: I’m guilty of saving everything, but it does not serve me (and it won’t serve you) when it’s time to be intentional, efficient, and organized. 

Tip 5. Make Yearly Art Albums

Art albums help you putting projects “to bed” for the summer. I recommend you do this throughout the year, but if you’ve made it to the end and now have a pile of art projects you have to decide what to do with, this will help immensely. Make a fast art album by taking pictures of all the art projects created in your classroom. It’ll help you remember what lessons you’ve taught and may even help you remember why those projects were such hits. It’s basically a way to save all your students’ art projects without any of the bulk. Once you snap the picture, toss (or recycle) the project to cut down on packing clutter. You can even make notes on the back of the photo (or to the side if you put each photo in an actual album) about modifications you want to make or steps and materials that ended up being very important.

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