The Clutter-Free Classroom Project: Week #3 Challenge {START PURGING}

If you are just joining us, you'll want to start here.

At last, the time has come.

We are about to kick the clutter to the curb.

Or the recycling bin.

Or to your friend's classroom down the hall.

Or to the teacher's room with a sign reading, "Take Me!"

Better yet, make a sign that says "FREE." Teachers can't pass up something that is free.

This week (or weeks depending on how long it takes you) is strictly about purging.

Repeat after me:

• You can't organize clutter.
• The less you have, the less you need to organize.

• Pick one spot in the classroom and work your way around clockwise.
• Tackle only one shelf, drawer, box, bin, etc. at a time. It's much more manageable to break it down into small tasks than to attempt to purge an entire closet. You won't get overwhelmed which means you'll have the stamina to continue.
• Set a timer. Telling yourself, "I have 8 minutes to clean out this filing cabinet drawer" will help you make swift choices and prevent you from over-thinking your decisions. I like to use a song...as in, "I will purge the unwanted resources in this binder before the next song on the radio ends.
• Once you place something into your trash bag, recycling bin, or donation boxes they need to stay there. Give the "keep" items a second review before putting them back. See if you can't simplify even more.
• Get the items you are getting rid of out of your classroom as soon as possible.
• Do not worry about organizing what remains. We'll focus on that soon. Right now your attention needs to be spent solely on dong a massive initial purge.
• Refer to my free printable list if you are questioning if you should part with an item.

On Friday, I'll put up the Linky Party related to this week's Clutter-Free Classroom PROJECT Challenge. The Linky will be ongoing and you can always jump in and link up at anytime. If you don't have a blog you can respond to the prompt in the comment section on Friday's post. Below is this week's topic

TOPIC: Say Goodbye to the Clutter

Take pictures and document everything that you were able to get out of your rooms this week. Let us see those trash bags bursting at the seams, the recycling bins filled to the brim, and the boxes of treasures waiting to be welcomed into the lives of other teachers.

PROMPT: How much were you able to escort out the door this week? Tell us about what you purged and how you felt doing so.

I'll be around each day with more tips and freebies to help you along the way. If you are signed up as a follower on my TPT store, you'll get advance notice when the freebies are released. To follow click here and then click on the "follow me" link at the top of the page.

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