Pack It Up, Pack It In

You made it. The end-of-year whirlwind is winding down. The final papers are graded, the last high fives have been given, and the classroom that once buzzed with energy now echoes with silence. But before you grab your beach bag and sunscreen, there’s one last job: packing up the classroom.

Closing up your space doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a little strategy (and maybe a good playlist), you can wrap it up in a way that makes your future self really happy when back-to-school season rolls around.

Here are some tips of the trade to make summer shutdown smooth and fall setup a breeze:

1. Think Like the Custodian

Cleaning crews are the real MVPs of summer. Make their job easier (and your classroom cleaner) by:

• Clearing surfaces and floor space.
• Stacking chairs or moving them to one area.
• Covering or labeling items that shouldn’t be moved.

Pro tip: Leave a friendly note or treat for your custodian. A little appreciation goes a long way.

2. Pack with Fall in Mind

Don’t just toss things in a bin. Think: What will I want access to first in August?

• Label boxes clearly (supply closet, bulletin board tools, teacher desk, etc.).
• Group materials by zone (reading corner, math center, teacher area).
• Use a "First Week" bin with your go-to back-to-school supplies and routines.

3. Purge What You Don’t Love

Yes, it’s time. That stack of dried-out markers and crusty glue sticks? Toss ‘em. The curriculum guides from 2010? Let them go.

• Recycle, donate, or trash what you haven’t used in years.
• Create a “free table” in the staff lounge for others to claim items.

4. Make a To-Do Later List

Your mind is buzzing with ideas for next year, but now’s not the time to execute them. Keep a running list of:

• What you want to revamp
• Items you want to buy/replace
• Books to read or new tools to try

Stick it in your "First Week" bin or email it to yourself with the subject: “Open in August!”

5. Tidy with Triage

You don’t have to deep clean every drawer right now. But quick wins go a long way:

• Wipe down surfaces with disinfecting wipes.
• Dump out your junk drawer, give it a once-over, and put back only what you actually use.
• File or scan stray papers so you’re not starting the year buried in mystery piles.

End-of-Year Classroom Pack-Up Checklist

•  Take down bulletin boards and store decor in labeled bags
•  Pack away classroom library (or cover it if allowed)
•  Return school-owned materials (tech, books, assessments)
•  Empty and defrost mini fridge (if you have one!)
•  Clear out and clean student desks/cubbies
•  Create a “First Week” box or bin
•  Label all boxes and bins clearly
•  File or recycle loose papers
•  Take home personal items or valuables
•  Leave a note or treat for the cleaning crew
•  Snap a photo of your room setup for future reference
•  Turn off electronics and unplug everything

You’ve given everything this year—your time, energy, and heart. Packing up the classroom is the final exhale before a well-earned break. So wrap it up with intention, and then let it go. Your classroom will wait patiently for you… and so will those bright-eyed students ready for a fresh new year.