for teens

How to Organize Your Locker

Want to know a surprising fact? Joanna was a messy teenager. Crazy, right?! It's not that she enjoyed digging through crumpled papers and random folders to find an assignment (IN FRONT OF THE ENTIRE CLASS); she didn't know there was another way. But once she discovered a love of pouches and storing things in bins, the rest is history.

It's one of the many reasons we were inspired to write our new book, The Home Edit for Teens. We wanted to flip the script to show that organizing can be fun. It's an opportunity to showcase your style and simplify your life so you have more time for what matters. And as a busy teen, what's better than that?

Here's a sneak peek of tips from our locker organization chapter to help you start the semester off on the right foot.

HOW TO ORGANIZE YOUR LOCKER

CLEAN SLATE:

Like when organizing most spaces, you need to take everything (yes, everything!) out. Those old flyers from the club fair? Recycle them. Pens that don’t work? Write this way to the trash can.

DOOR PRIZE:

Be sure to utilize the back of your locker door with damage-free hooks for hanging small bags, a lunch box, or headphones, plus lots of magnets for snaps of friends and schedules. (Never forget a test again!)

I SPY:

Our number one locker organizing rule: If you can’t see it, you can’t find it! Organize binders and textbooks with the spines facing outward so you can quickly grab the one you need and go. Be sure to arrange them in the order of your classes to really streamline your day.

CATCH-ALL:

Can’t find that friendship bracelet? Where is that purple highlighter? Think you put your lip gloss in there? You’ll never stress over the little things again with small wire baskets (or even a recycled shoebox!) for those tiny essentials.

HANGING UP:

A super-affordable suspension rod will keep sweatshirts and jackets at the ready for those chilly classrooms. Limited on space? Folding works just as well!

BASKET CASE:

Don’t lose your marbles (literally!). Containers in your locker, like wire baskets or bins, keep supplies and accessories organized—plus they look super cute.