It’s the end of the school year. Your students are ready for summer, your to-do list is a mile long, and somewhere in between the celebrations and goodbyes… you also have the not-so-small task of packing up your classroom. Whether your school requires a full pack-up or just a partial one, these end-of-the-year tips for teachers will help you finish strong and save your future self tons of stress when it’s time to set everything back up. Let’s dive in!
Packing Up Your Classroom Must-Do’s
1. Create a “Bulletin Board” Box
Let’s face it—most of us have at least one bulletin board we recreate each year. Whether it’s your birthday board, calendar wall, classroom expectations, or math practices posters, putting all the reusable pieces in one place is a serious sanity-saver.
Here’s what to include in your bulletin board box when packing up your classroom:
- Prepped pieces clipped or bagged by board (label them too!)
- Borders rolled or clipped together
- A stapler or mini glue gun with extra staples/glue sticks
- Sticky tack, push pins, or mounting tape
Label the outside of the box clearly so you can grab it first thing during back-to-school setup. You’ll be amazed how fast your boards go up when it’s all together!
2. Make Copies for Back-to-School
If you already know what you’ll be using during the first week of school, do your future self a huge favor—copy it now! While you’re wrapping up this year, your beginning-of-the-year materials are still fresh in your mind. Make those welcome letters, back to school glyph, first day packets, and any other go-to first week resources. Don’t have time to make the copies, enlist a parent volunteer to come in one morning to copy for you. Trust me on this, you won’t regret it!
Once all your copies are made, stick them in a clearly labeled folder or drawer so they’re ready to grab. I know this may seem strange to do when packing up your classroom but it will be one less thing to worry about during the whirlwind of back-to-school season.
3. Pack Your Teacher Desk Like a Pro
Let’s not pretend we haven’t all spent an entire afternoon trying to re-find our favorite pens, Post-its, or that ONE special paperclip holder.
Before summer break, pack your teacher desk items intentionally:
- Use small bins or zipper pouches to group like items (writing tools, office supplies, personal items)
- Toss any dried-out markers or junk you won’t miss
- Store these essentials in one labeled box and write “open first” on it
Bonus tip: keep your teacher planner or notes from the year inside too—you’ll be glad to have those handy when you return.
Final Thoughts on Packing Up Your Classroom
Packing up can feel overwhelming, but with a few small systems in place, you’ll thank yourself come August. These end-of-the-year tips for teachers are all about making your return smoother, faster, and less stressful.
Whether you’re a brand new teacher or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you walk out on the last day feeling accomplished (and maybe a little more ready for that well-deserved summer break!).
And hey—if you’re looking for easy, low-prep ways to celebrate the last days with your students before you start packing up, check out my End of the Year Bundle. It’s packed with fun, print-and-go activities like a countdown, autograph book, awards, and more—all designed to help you make the most of the final days without adding to your stress.
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