I really think I want a 2-3 drawer file cabinet to keep by my desk for all my teacher books/test and quiz books. I just don't want them always out. I swear I have at least 5-6 teacher books per kid! That is insane... How do you all store that? I want it out of the way but with in reach..kwim?
I have a two-shelf bookcase next to my desk for stuff I don't need immediately, and on top of it and on top of my desk I have those metal periodical-holders (sometimes called tidi-files) with test booklets and TMs and such in them. It's really too much and I need to find a way to pare down, but.... I also have a 4-drawer filing cabinet behind me, and another 2-shelf bookshelf thingy (used to be part of an etagere, but I took it apart into two pieces that I use separately). Most of the time, there's a stack at least a foot or two high on the floor too! I think I'm the wrong person to respond to this!!! LOL
I have limited space where live. In the back cloest are all the books for 2nd-4th grade reusable texts. Spaced out between my children's bookshelves are the readers/books I want read for this summer and next school year. I have a hutch with space undneath that has all curriculum I am not currently using but will in the next year. On the bookshelf next to the hutch has the curricula that we are currently using or will be using this fall. One shelf is mostly TMs. I do take them into the bedroom at night to prepare for next day when we are activitly doing school. Now I have TMs on my dresser for next school year.
I have one "current" bookshelf, with four shelves on it. The top one is mine, and each of my three kids have one shelf to keep their stuff on. I actually need to go and remove last year's books and put on this year's. Have you considered combining some classes, so you're not teaching one subject from three or four different books?
http://gapeachhomeschool.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/sany1519.jpg See that 4 drawer cabinet? The top drawer has hanging folders with worksheets and such in them. Every other drawer is full of books!!!! LOL
I think i really need a small file cabinet - I am using glorified crates right now and they just aren't working the way I want/need. I wish file cabinets weren't so expensive tho . . . Any ideas (outside of garage sales, I've been hitting those with no luck) on how to get them?
You can also buy plastic containers (like you store clothes in, only smaller) with lids at office stores. They are sized for files to fit in them. Also, there's a ridge at the top for hanging files to fit on. I use one of those for my Sunday School stuff.
We went to IKEA and bought a book case that is divided into cubes, they have several sizes. I used a label maker to label each cube (science books, early readers, music....) and bought some bins to slide in some of the cubes so I can put stuff in there that is just messy to look at. It works very well and keeps us pretty well organized.
I use Magazine Storage Boxes from IKEA....each one has a box with the teacher materials in it so that I can grab it easily. They are CHEAP and they work great. I sit them on top of one of our book cases.
This is what I use, too, however, mine aren't fro IKEA, mine are from a church member that brings me everything. LOL They work great and are my favorite things I have found to use.
Do you have Freecycle in your area? I see small file cabinets often on Freecycle here. I have been wanting a big four drawer metal file cabinet and saw someone offering one on Freecycle and went to pick it up. It need to be cleaned inside and out but it was so worth it.
That's our 'system' Each child has a set of drawers so they can get thier own work/activities out. It gives the some control....they like it
Check if your state has "State Surplus Sales" .... you can get all kinds of things dirt cheep! (Desks? chairs? file cabinettes? Bookcases?) Freecycle, craigslist, yardsales, flea markets, etc. Walmart had a nice small filebox that was about $10. It could hold about 10 thin files and was availible in different colors. (Along with other desk/office organizing boxes) My son bought one, not for files, but because it has handles cut in it.....made a perfect way for him to put away all his small papers without having to open and close a box. I bought a three pack of cardboard office storage boxes for around $8. I am using one right now as a place to keep all our info/records on hubbie's injury. Hanging files fit perfectly on the sides. It does make the lid a little difficult to put on and take off, and since I'm in it so much, I just leave it off. I even covered the box in pretty contact paper!
I only find free dirt and free palm trees (you dig them out!) in my area. thanks for all the ideas tho!
I use a large armoire. It is huge and holds everything from school supplies, books, to most of my crafts. I LOVE IT!
