A Simple System to Organize School Papers

Looking for an easy way to organize school papers and art?

Here you will find tips for a simple way to organize all those school papers and art projects using a simple system and free customizable labels. 

If you have school-aged kids, you know that school-related papers accumulate quickly. There are art drawings, report cards, holiday projects, and more. Every week, your child will come home with lots and lots of papers. It also can be really hard for them to throw away or recycle all those projects that they worked so hard on. But if you are like me, you don’t love clutter.

I wanted a simple way to organize all those school papers. I decided to create some school file bins using a plastic bin and hanging file folders. You could also do a binder instead of a bin. 

Here is the system I put in place. 

First, you have to figure out what you want to keep.

Seems simple, but it can be hard to toss some of those cute drawings and projects. Then, I heard about this idea through The Lazy Genius Way and knew it was going to be helpful for this. 

• The concept is that you have some kind of basket or spot where you store all your kid’s art or school papers. I keep a basket on top of my fridge. When my daughter brings home some art from school or makes something at home it goes in the basket.
•  About once every three or four months, the basket gets full. I then go through and figure out what I actually want to save. Normally, it’s just one or two things that really stand out to me. I also put other sentimental paper items in here. Like our yearly birthday interview and her school photos. 

Now, it’s time to organize those papers! 

I used a plastic bin and hanging file folders. But, you could also do something more simple like a 3 ring binder with pockets. Here are a couple of options (click on image to go to link):

Bin Route Supplies:

Or Binder Supplies:

 

I collaborated with Kimberly from Little Home of Hygge to design these printables. She is a literacy middle school teacher and has the best reading tips. Give her a follow!

• The printable includes a customizable cover that you can add your child’s name to. That way you can have one for each child. 
• Labels that you can attach to each file folder or clear pocket. It has a spot for you to write in the grade, teacher’s name, school name, and year. 

 

I highly recommend getting this system set up before the school year starts.

Get your free customizable cover and label printables below. They come in four colors: tan, pink, blue and green!