Many parents face the overwhelming task of sorting through their children's school items. From workbooks and textbooks to uniforms and art projects, it can be challenging to decide what to keep, what to toss, and what to repurpose. To help you navigate this process, we’ve put together a guide.
School Workbooks
Do you need to keep them? Workbooks and other school-related documents generally don’t need to be kept long-term unless specifically required by your child’s school. The Department of Education doesn’t mandate keeping them, but holding onto them for one year may be wise in case questions arise regarding the content covered or academic progress.
For how long?
Keep workbooks from the most recent school year until the new academic year begins.
Recycle or discard older workbooks responsibly by donating blank pages to schools or community projects for reuse.
School Textbooks
Sell or store?
Sell second-hand: If your child won’t need the textbooks, sell them through through online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and local second-hand whatsapp groups.
Reuse: If you have younger children entering the same grade in the next year or two, store the textbooks carefully to save costs later.
Storage tips:
Store textbooks in a cool, dry place to prevent damage from humidity and pests.
Use airtight plastic containers or vacuum-sealed bags to keep them safe from fishmoths and cockroaches.
School Art Projects
Art projects hold sentimental value, but they can quickly pile up. Here are a few creative ways to manage them:
Scan and digitize: Photograph or scan your child’s artwork and compile them into a digital album or coffee table book. This way, you’ll preserve the memories without needing to store bulky paper creations.
Store the favorites: Keep a small selection of standout pieces. Use acid-free folders or portfolios to protect them from pests and discoloration.
Avoid pests: Store physical art in plastic containers with tight lids and include silica gel packs to keep moisture at bay. Regularly inspect stored items for signs of fishmoths or cockroaches.
School Clothes
Keep, sell, or donate?
For younger siblings: Keep uniforms in good condition if you have younger children who will attend the same school. Wash and store them in vacuum-sealed bags to keep them fresh and pest-free.
Sell second-hand: If your child has outgrown their uniform, sell it through your school’s second-hand uniform shop or local community groups. Use the funds to purchase new items like shoes or stationery.
Donate: Consider donating uniforms to the school’s second-hand shop or families in need. This can help other parents afford uniforms and reduce waste.
Final Thoughts
Managing school items doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By adopting a practical approach to storing, repurposing, or discarding school items, you can reduce clutter and save money. Plus, by donating or selling items, you’ll also help other families in your community.
Need extra storage for seasonal school gear or bulky items? Alumina Storage Park in Richards Bay offers safe, secure, and affordable self-storage solutions to help you stay organized year-round, contact us!
Let’s make the back-to-school season easier and more efficient!