Homeschooling grew gradually from 1999 to 2019 and remained steady at around 3.3%. However, with the forced school closings and remote learning brought on by the pandemic, homeschooling skyrocketed. Households homeschooling their children have grown from 5.5% to 11.1% between the Spring and Fall of 2020 and this growth continues at unprecedented rates.
Whatever the reasons, if you’re on the fence about homeschooling your children, we have some suggestions to help you create an attractive and productive space for both you and your children. The first thing you need to do is explore your self storage options. You’ll need to design a designated homeschool area, and you’ll need a place for the overflow. My Storage Plus has the right type and size of self storage unit for your needs and your budget.
Set Up a Clutter-Free Homeschool Space with Self Storage
Designate a Space
Finding a space for your homeschool classroom means that some of your belongings will have to be displaced. If you’re planning to use a spare room that is full of excess furniture or non-essential items, you’ll need a place for storage. Even if you’re using a corner of your kitchen or dining room, you’ll probably need to move a few things to get the space organized for classroom supplies. Your solution is a convenient, secure self storage unit. You may even need to store extra or rarely used school supplies. Don’t worry. You’ll have no trouble finding the perfect unit for all of these items.
Arrange Your Homeschool Classroom
Setting up a homeschool classroom might seem like a daunting task. To begin with, don’t try to mimic a classroom. Homeschooling is much different than that. Focus on a healthy learning environment that isn’t cluttered with useless paraphernalia. You’re going to have fewer students and your space needs to be organized so that your students can concentrate and focus on the tasks at hand. You need a designated space that will help your children transition into and out of an academic setting and their personal lives.
Keep Everyone Comfortable
From desks to tables to bookcases to rolling carts, there are countless furniture options for homeschooling. You’ll want to invest in sturdy desks or maybe a computer table with plenty of room for a laptop, books, and other supplies. If you have a child that needs help with organization, look at desks with drawers, shelving, and hutches.
Comfortable seating options are crucial, especially for fidgety younger children. Adjustable chairs are a good investment. Variable heights and reclining angles provide extra comfort and can be adjusted while kids are growing. Rolling chairs and stools provide quick and easy movement around their workstation, and wobble chairs help improve concentration for younger children.
Your Space Should be Visually Pleasing
Aesthetics are important. The colors in your homeschool space should be pleasing and calming so that your students enjoy their time within these walls. Paint a wall with chalkboard paint and/or feature a wall to display academic assignments and artwork. Use seasonal and holiday themes for your classroom, and let the students help with some simple decorations. The priority is to keep it uncomplicated and uncluttered.
Add Labeled Bins and Make Use of Vertical Space
Each child needs his or her own bin to teach them organization and reign in pencils, crayons, and other school essentials. Label each bin and set them up in a cubby organizer. Another good option is to make use of wall space with floating shelves to hold small crates, pencil sharpeners, writing paper, and the endless array of school supplies that every child needs.
Don’t Forget Technology
This isn’t Little House on the Prairie. Today’s students are digital natives. They’ve never known life without laptops, cell phones, and tablets. Technology is constantly advancing, and it’s your job to teach your students how to use it effectively. A Smart Board is expensive but a great addition to your homeschool space. You may be able to find a good deal at smart board for homeschool.
Self Storage to the Rescue
You’ve already stored your excess belongings so that you can design a productive, inviting homeschool space. To keep it that way, use your self storage space as a repository for the items you use only a couple of times each month as well as your seasonal items. Summer is another time that your self storage unit will come in handy. You can store the school supplies and use the homeschool room as a playroom for the younger children.
However you plan your space, keep it productive, mentally stimulating, and comfortable for yourself and your students.
