School’s Almost Out: 5 Steps to Help you Declutter Kids’ Papers, Artwork & Supplies

If your dining table is currently buried under glittery art projects, permission slips, and a backpack that seems to have no bottom—you are not alone. As a fellow mom, I know the end-of-school chaos all too well. Every year, it feels like the papers and supplies multiply when I’m not looking.

Let’s clear the clutter together—guilt-free. These are the exact steps I use in my own home to reset before summer (yes, even the broken crayons and macaroni art get dealt with). You’ll feel lighter, I promise.

1. Start With the Papers (But Let’s Be Real—You Can’t Keep It All)

Spread it all out and pour yourself a coffee (or wine—no judgment). Go through the notebooks, random worksheets, and mystery drawings. You don’t …I repeat, don’t … need to keep everything.

What I do keep:

• Report cards or progress notes

• One or two writing samples that really show growth

• Anything that makes me stop and smile

Mom Tip: I use one folder per kid, per school year. If it starts to overflow, I know it’s time to let something go. These folders can be stored in a file box or accordion-style folder across multiple years (or one box per child)

2. The Artwork Avalanche: Keep a Few, Digitize the Rest

Yes, it’s sweet. Yes, it’s colorful. Yes, it’s everywhere. My kids’ art is precious, but I learned the hard way that I can’t keep every single scribble.  

Here’s what works:

• Throughout the year, try to name and date the artwork (e.g. Emma, October 2024) so that you who made what and when!

• Involve your kids in the process! Let them help pick 5–10 favorites from the year

• Take pictures of everything else (I use Artkive)

• Pick one special piece to frame each year—it becomes a fun tradition!

Favorite find:  Dynamic Frames that make swapping art in and out super easy.

3. Supplies: Don’t Just Toss It All in a Bin for “Next Year”

If you’re anything like me, you’ve got at least three pencil cases full of dry markers and mystery erasers.

Now is the time to:

• Test markers and toss the duds

• Save what still works in one “school-ready” bin

• Donate the extras or things you know you won’t use

I keep a labeled art cart in our closet so I don’t have to re-buy everything in September (learned that lesson the expensive way!). Since it’s on wheels, it can easily be pulled out of the closet for crafting time and put back when done!

4. Make a Memory Box That Doesn’t Turn Into a Storage Monster

Dedicate one box per kid, per school year. That’s my rule. Inside this box goes:

• A sweet note from a teacher

• A photo from the first or last day

• A drawing or piece of writing that truly captures the year

Keep it simple. If everything’s special, nothing stands out.  For storage, these boxes are great for keeping kids' schoolwork and crafts organized.  They stack nicely as well! 

5. Let Your Kids Help—No, Seriously!

Even little kids can help pick their “top 5” projects. Not only does it cut down the clutter, but it also teaches them to value progress over volume. Plus, it can turn into a sweet end-of-year ritual together.

Remember … You can do this!

Decluttering at the end of the school year might not sound fun—but trust me, it feels SO good once it’s done. You’ll thank yourself in the fall when you're not digging through a mountain of last year’s stuff.

And if it still feels like too much? That’s okay. I offer hands-on help to get your space—and your sanity—back on track. Reach out to learn more at kristen@neatlybykristen.com