How I Do My Summer Clutter Clean Out

I have to confess, I LOVE those TV shows where there's a transformation - new you, home redo, clutter cleanup. I'm completely obsessed with them. Just watching them is inspiring for me. I know... I'm a little weird.

Do you love a good transformation, too? I can't be the only teacher who loves that.

It took me awhile to realize why I love those shows so much. Clutter, both physical and emotional, is stressful to everyone whether we know it or not. I also know that physical clutter becomes mental clutter because it's like a visual to do list nagging at us. So, cleaning out physical and emotional clutter is always one of my MUST DOs every summer. Teaching is one of the few professions where there's an end each year and a fresh beginning the next. Let's take advantage of that. 

Are you with me? Here's my Clutter Buster Plan, just in case you're in.  ;)

Because I'm such an organization freak, here's a checklist: 

• Make a list of all the areas you need to take care of (check off as you go).
• Get a small bin or box for miscellaneous parts you find along the way.
• Get a bin ready for items to donate.
• Have your trash and recycle bins ready too.
• Create a cleaning bin with all the supplies you'll need as you work - clear duct tape, scissors, labels, cleaning supplies... (Grab the FREE Checklist here.)
• Divide your classroom into sections.
• Do one section at a time.
• Move similar materials off of the shelves or out of the cabinet in one section.
• Wipe it all down.
• Go through each set of materials and put them back on the shelves or in the cabinets as you finish.
• Repair anything that needs repairing.
• Make a note of anything that you need to put in a work order for or fix later.
• Misplaced items go in the parts bin.
• Write down anything you need to purchase to help reorganize later.
• Anything you don't want goes into either the trash, recycle or the give away bin.

Work your way through your room. It's not easy, but it's simple.

When you're done, start at home.

What?? I know, I'm a sucker for punishment. Same process. I just do one closet, cabinet, etc. a day over the summer. You could do one room a week if you wanted to get it done in large chunks. I promise, once you do this you'll be sold. It feels so good to start fresh in all areas of your life. 

Here's the last piece.

If you're like me, you already journal and reflect a lot. But in the summer, take time to reset your priorities and get your head around your bigger WHY again. Why are you in this business? Why do you love teaching? It helps so much to reflect on the year and gain perspective. Then, you can develop a new set of goals and habits you want for the year before life gets super busy again. Don't forget to create steps to accomplish each goal or habit as well. 

Want help? You can grab my FREE Goal Setting Framework here and my FREE Classroom Cleanup Bin Checklist here.