Busy students don't want to dig through a messy locker to find books, reports, or personal items. If you're on a grab-and-go schedule, it's time to get organized.
Lockers are pretty small, so consider buying locker organizers: Stackable or hanging shelves hold books and notebooks. Magnetic clips, bins, and boxes keep small items handy.
If you need a lot of time for a major reorganization of your locker, do it after school.
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Take everything out and put it into three piles:
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Wash and dry the inside of your locker.
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Ditch your unwanted stuff in a trash can. Be careful, though. If there's private information (like graded papers or anything with your phone number or address on it), take it home first.
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Put the "return" pile in a bag and be diligent about following through! Return borrowed items, and take home old clothes and unused articles.
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Organize your "keep" stuff into separate piles: clothes, grooming items (put into a bag), books, loose papers (put these into a folder), binders and notebooks, sports equipment, and so on. Put pens and pencils into a pencil box or clear zippered bag.
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If you have locker organizers, install them.
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Now put in your stuff: Hang up your clothes, gym bag, or backpack; place your books in the order that you'll need them, by class; and add your personal items. Sports equipment, shoes, boots, and other dirty stuff go on the bottom of the locker.
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Add your class schedule to the door. Also consider: a mirror, clock, a dry erase board for quick reminders, calendar, and hand sanitizer.
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Decorate, if your school allows it.
Here are some things to remember . . . to keep your "house" in order:
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Tidy up at least once a week to avoid losing stuff.
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Whatever you add to the inside of your locker door might go flying if you slam your door shut. Be sure everything is attached firmly.
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Never give out your locker combination or key. You don't know who will end up with it!
Don't keep perishable food in your locker for more than a day. Weird smells are not cool.