4 tips for teachers packing up for summer break

Many teachers have completed the school year and have started summer break. However there are many that still have 1 or 2 weeks to go. So as the countdown gets closer to the last day, there is always one daunting (for many teachers) task that remains after conferences, Field Day, concerts and class parties....packing up your classroom. Whether you need to move out of your classroom or prepare for the facilities team's heavy cleaning, these tips will help you be efficient in your effort. You don't want spend two weeks at work, after the last day of school, cleaning your classroom when you can be enjoying the first part of your summer break!

1. Start about two weeks before the last day of school  Pack as you go. Declutter by throwing out consumables, Crayon nubs, colored pencils that are too small, and things that are in poor physical condition or cannot be used for various reasons.

2. Label and store items to be used again  Label all containers with its contents, your name and room number. Pack one area of the room at a time.

3. Book cases  If you will not be in the same classroom, you will have to pack all of your books unless you are leaving some for the teacher who will be in that room. If you will have the same classroom, cover the bookcases with butcher paper. This will save you some time in the fall because you won't have to put the books back on the shelves.

4. Share items with fellow teachers or post on Craigslist  You may have items that are in good condition but you have no use for. Place them in the teachers lounge for your colleagues to have (if they can use it) or post them on Craigslist. There are always teachers/parents looking for people donating educational items that are in good condition.