clearing out the clutter
Happy New Year! A new year brings with it a sense of renewal—a fresh start, a clear calendar, and the perfect opportunity to reset our learning environments. At Eventus Education, we believe deeply in the power of organized, calm classrooms to shape strong learning experiences for young children. When a space is clutter-free, children are more focused, teachers feel more grounded, and the entire school climate shifts toward peace, purpose, and productivity.
January is the ideal moment to take a thoughtful look around our classrooms and common areas, ask ourselves what is serving children well, and let go of anything that no longer does. Clean, orderly spaces aren’t just aesthetically pleasing—they support better engagement, safer movement, smoother transitions, and calmer emotional regulation for young learners.
Below are some simple but powerful ways to start the year with clarity and intention.
Embrace the Power of Purging
It can be hard to throw things away—especially in early childhood classrooms where every item feels like it might be useful “one day.” But clutter competes for attention, and children often struggle to focus when too many materials crowd the environment.
This month, challenge yourself to:
Remove broken toys, outdated materials, and duplicates.
Donate gently used but unused items to community partners or other classrooms.
Recycle old papers, scribble-filled notebooks, and worn-out décor.
Let go of anything that isn’t actively supporting your curriculum or daily routines.
Decluttering isn’t about doing more—it’s about making room for what truly matters.
Organize with Intentionality
Once unnecessary items are cleared away, what remains should be purposeful and easy to access. Consider:
Clear bins with labels (including picture labels for pre-readers).
Defined learning centers that have only the materials needed for that area.
Shelves with open space, allowing visual breathing room and easier cleanup.
Rotating materials instead of displaying everything at once.
A well-organized classroom reduces stress for children and adults alike, and it fosters independence because children know where items belong.
Create Calm Through Design
Order brings tranquility. A visually calm classroom helps young children regulate their emotions, settle into play, and stay engaged longer.
Focus on:
Simple displays that highlight children’s work without overcrowding
Natural materials that ground the environment
Consistent classroom layouts that support predictable routines
A calm space communicates: You’re safe, you’re welcomed, and you belong here.
Build Routines That Maintain Order
Decluttering isn’t a one-time activity—it’s a habit. To keep the momentum going:
Set aside 10 minutes each Friday for a “quick sweep” cleanup.
Teach children how to clean up with singable routines and visual cues.
Schedule monthly mini-purges to keep materials fresh and relevant.
Make organization a team commitment—not just a teacher task.
The more consistently you maintain your system, the easier it becomes.
Model the Joy of Letting Go
Children learn from what they see. When adults demonstrate pride in a tidy environment, children internalize those values too. Celebrate the beauty of a clean shelf, an organized art center, or a clutter-free classroom library. Share with children why we take care of our learning space—and watch them rise to the expectation.
As we begin a new year at Eventus Education, let’s commit to classrooms that feel open, intentional, and alive with possibility. Cleaning the clutter is more than a task—it’s a way to honor our students, our craft, and the learning that happens every single day.
Here’s to a fresh January, a clear classroom, and a calm, focused year ahead. Let’s make 2026 our most organized year yet!