Sometimes, it feels like keeping your locker organized is harder than advanced trigonometry. But it doesn’t have to be that way! If you feel overwhelmed by the state of your locker, start with a clean slate (literally) by taking everything out of your locker. From there, you can use some supplies to help you organize your books, papers, pens, and other belongings to create a welcoming and easy-to-navigate space. We’ve got plenty of locker organization ideas, so keep reading to find what tips and tricks will work best for you!

Things You Should Know

  • Invest in locker accessories like hooks, shelves, and magnetic organizers.
  • Follow your class schedule when organizing your locker to easily find textbooks and binders.
  • Clean out your locker at the end of the week to start Monday with a newly organized space.
3

Attach magnetic locker organizers.

  1. Smaller pockets with magnets help you make the most of the small space. Having handfuls of loose paper floating around is normal throughout the school year. Your locker can become a dumping ground, so why not make the dumping a bit more organized? Stick a magnetic folder holder or basket to the inside wall of your locker. Now, you’ll have a space to neatly place your papers, so they don’t get stuffed under textbooks throughout the day.[2]
    • If you take multiple classes, try picking an organizer with multiple pockets. This way, you can slide assignments and notes into their corresponding class pocket.
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4

Stick a magnetic dry-erase board on the inside of your locker.

5

Stack heavier items on the bottom of your locker shelf.

  1. Bulkier textbooks and binders are harder to remove from the top shelf. Locker organization is all about thinking, “What will benefit me and my locker throughout the day?” Chances are, you’re not going to want to pull down a heavy textbook after a long class. Place your larger books and materials at the bottom of the locker. This way, they won’t fall on you while you try to take them off a high shelf.
    • With this in mind, store your lighter notebooks and supplies on higher or top shelves.
    • Putting heavier items at the bottom of the locker will also keep shelves from warping and bending over time.
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6

Arrange your books and supplies by schedule.

  1. Keep your supplies organized so your locker stays tidy. When you’re in a rush, you don’t want to search for the right books for your next class. Organize your books and supplies from left to right according to the order of your classes—just remember to set everything back in order before the day ends.
    • Try color-coding your books and materials to make things even easier. Designate a color for each class, and pick supplies that match or place a color-coded sticker on the spine.
    • Organize your textbooks and binders with the spines facing out. This way, you can easily identify everything.[4]
    • Consider labeling the spines of your books and binders if they’re blank. Use a label maker or permanent marker to write out the name of each class.
9

Use a miniature trash can to throw away small items.

10

Make it a habit to regularly clean out your locker.

Expert Q&A
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  • Question
    How should I stack things in my locker?
    Kathi Burns, CPO®
    Kathi Burns, CPO®
    Board Certified Professional Organizer
    Kathi Burns is a board certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Organized and Energized!, her consulting business with a mission to empower people to master their environment and personal image by assisting them in taking control, making change and organizing their lives. Kathi has over 17 years of organizing experience and her work has been featured on Better Homes and Gardens, NBC News, Good Morning America, and Entrepreneur. She has a BS in Communication from Ohio University.
    Kathi Burns, CPO®
    Board Certified Professional Organizer
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Lockers are naturally vertical most of the time, so arranging things vertically is probably going to be the most efficient way to go. So, don't lay things horizontally in your locker and stack them that way; lean them up on their sides and use each shelf and section to store a separate row of items.
  • Question
    How often should I clean out my locker?
    Kathi Burns, CPO®
    Kathi Burns, CPO®
    Board Certified Professional Organizer
    Kathi Burns is a board certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Organized and Energized!, her consulting business with a mission to empower people to master their environment and personal image by assisting them in taking control, making change and organizing their lives. Kathi has over 17 years of organizing experience and her work has been featured on Better Homes and Gardens, NBC News, Good Morning America, and Entrepreneur. She has a BS in Communication from Ohio University.
    Kathi Burns, CPO®
    Board Certified Professional Organizer
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Spend 5-10 minutes a day re-organizing, throwing out trash, and putting things where they belong. It really shouldn't be a monumental task to just take a few minutes to put things in their place every day, and this will keep you from needing to do any kind of massive purge or re-organization every month.
  • Question
    How can I personalize my locker if it's small?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this staff-researched answer.

    Consider adding a locker shelf or hanging file folder of your favorite color. This is a great way to add a personal touch while also maximizing your space.
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About This Article

Kathi Burns, CPO®
Co-authored by:
Board Certified Professional Organizer
This article was co-authored by Kathi Burns, CPO® and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Kathi Burns is a board certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Organized and Energized!, her consulting business with a mission to empower people to master their environment and personal image by assisting them in taking control, making change and organizing their lives. Kathi has over 17 years of organizing experience and her work has been featured on Better Homes and Gardens, NBC News, Good Morning America, and Entrepreneur. She has a BS in Communication from Ohio University. This article has been viewed 331,527 times.
13 votes - 40%
Co-authors: 140
Updated: October 25, 2022
Views: 331,527
Categories: Lockers
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