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Growing up I found myself always looking for school supplies. Pencils were never in one place, scissors were never around when you needed them. When I had to do a project, it was always a mad rush to the nearby store to buy what I needed.
When my kids reached school age, I decided that I wanted my kids to have all the supplies they needed when they needed it. And, portable so they could take it to their bedroom or in the kitchen or in the basement. So, I create this school supply organizer for home.
First, I went and organized the supplies I already had. The supplies were in several places - the playroom, the office, the kitchen. I gathered them all together and then sorted them by type. Here are some of the categories: Pens, pencils, highlighters, dry erase markers. While sorting them, I used a piece of paper and opened each one of the markers and marked them on a piece of paper to make sure they worked. Yes, it took a little longer, but some markers were dried out and really old so it paid off to get rid of them before placing them in an organizer. No one wants to grab a marker that is dried out. It also helps to see which markers are in low supply.
Before school begins, test markers to make sure they didn't dry out over the summer.
I bought a storage desktop carousel at Michael's. It was on sale for $27.00. Pretty affordable and looked nice. It had lots of compartments which I loved and the compartments were different sizes which helped too.
Home disorganization will affect the student's ability to complete school assignments.
I then went to town and placed the items in different places depending on how much space I needed. I used the hooks for the binder rings that would hold hole punched index cards. I had a place for pencils, pens, markers, colored pencils, highlighters, erasers, paperclips, calculator, rulers, scissors, and glue sticks. I did label (Affiliate Link) the sections as well with a label maker (Affiliate Link) to help remind the kids where things go of supplies disappeared. As you can see the scissors are in use right now. The project took about 1.5 hours.
By making your own school supply organizer, it will help your child be able to successfully find supplies they need for assignments easily. It will also help you not have to hear, "Mom, I can't find a red colored pencil", "But, Mom, we don't have ...."
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To create your own school supply carousel, here are some you can buy at Amazon.com. They all are unique and can hold many items to help your student succeed in homework assignments. (Note: if you purchase these items, I will receive a commission from Amazon.)
William Rusho says
I have no kids myself, but organizational skills like you describe(carousel) help me get through the trainings I go through for my work. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Pamela Chollet says
Thank you for illustrating how to load the carousel. I've seen those online and have always like them but for some reason I thought they were for organizing mail! I can't believe it, you have opened my eyes.
Kire Sdyor says
What I wouldn't give to have any of these hold a 1/4 of their school project supplies. I need one of those automated tool cabinets they have in large warehouses.
Jacqueline Gum says
Love those! I have had a carousel for years, and I'm no kid! LOL But the ones you show are very cool looking and ew. May have to change mine up this year!
Marquita Herald says
Oh this is a great tip Sabrina and not just for the kids either! I have a small organizer on the credenza next to my desk and it's so much easier to reach and grab what I need instead of having to dig around in a drawer.
Phoenicia says
Great idea - all the pens and pencils in one place!
My daughter keeps her collection in her pencil case and a large tin. Children accumulate so much clutter.
I have a carousel similar to the grey one at work.
Erica says
This is so fun. I know things really do get busy during the school year. To have things easily accessible so you don't spend extra time looking for things makes life that much easier.
Hazel Thornton says
I have that same carousel! Didn't realize it was still available. It sits on my kitchen counter (which is shared with my home office) at all times. Love it!
Sabrina says
Yes, it is! I really like this one. It has larger compartments than the other ones. =)