How to Organize Kid’s School Work

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School is starting soon and it’s time to think about how to organize kids’ school work. This file box is the easiest and simplest solution ever!

Here are a few more organization ideas we think you’ll love – Craft Supply Organization, Printable Budget Envelopes, How to Organize Manuals and Warranties, How to Organize Toys, How to Organize a Utility Closet (and make it pretty!), and Organizing your 72 Hour Kit.

plastic file box on a white counter next to a plant

School Work File Box

This organizational idea is an absolute favorite of mine. I can’t take the credit for it because I first saw this idea from my sister in law and decided to start using with my children. It is a system we have been using for 9 years now, and it is keeps everything in one place!  It’s a simple and easy way to organize all of the school papers you want to keep forever!

TIPS –

  • While you could definitely use a milk carton crate or those cardboard bank boxes, I love the idea of something that will keep papers protected from any water or rodent damage. #HeavenForbid
  • Our school interview printables would be the perfect addition to each year’s file!
file folders organizing school work

The Easiest Way To Organize Your Kids School Work

SUPPLIES – 

  • plastic file box
  • hanging file folders
  • printer + paper
  • Word or paint computer program

DIRECTIONS – 

  1. First, make your labels. Using a word or paint program, type out all the grades and make a name label for the front. I added a simple black lined box to Mason’s label – I love how clean, simple, and beautiful it turned out! The font I used is called Montserrat.
  2. Print off your tabs and name labels.
  3. Add your hanging file folders and label them with each grade.
  4. Start adding all those school papers!
long image of a plastic file box

This post was originally published in 2013, but was updated in 2018 with new images.

15 Comments

  1. I am almost weeping with joy! I have a Kindergartner and am having trouble managing what I want to keep. I will now limit it to the best and put it in a file. This is such a great idea and simple enough for me to do! I actually have 3 of these boxes in the garage right now. Can't wait to do this tomorrow. Thank you for this. (My hubby just said thanks too.)

  2. Love this! Could I have directions please on how to put the filing boxes together thanks? I am going to make these for gifts:)

    1. I’m not sure what you mean- you buy the boxes already assembled and just add your own ribbon then fill it with hanging file folders- one for each year. Does that make more sense?

  3. That is such a great idea! My son is only six and I already have a bunch of papers and pictures that need to be organized. This would be perfect. Thanks!

  4. I absolutely love this! My daughter is going into second grade and my son is entering Kindergarten. I have pretty much kept all of their school/preschool papers. I know I need to cut back and organize them and this looks like it will be a great way to do just that. I found the file boxes and some cute ribbon, however I cannot find cute/large font vinyl lettering. I have looked at Hobby Lobby, Michaels and Walmart. I cannot find what I am looking for. I am not a crafty person, so maybe I am looking at the wrong places. Can you tell me where you got the cute vinyl lettering.

    Thanks! Jennifer

    1. Hi Jennifer, thanks for the compliment!
      I actually made the letters with my vinyl machine. If you know of anyone with a cricket or silhouette they can make them for you very easily. The other thing you could do is print them off in a cute font and color on your computer and then cut them out and glue them to the box. I am surprised to hear that Michaels and Hobby Lobby don’t carry them though- I’ve never looked for them but I could’ve sworn people said they carry these types of letters. Good luck in your search!

      1. Thank you for the info Steph! I had a feeling they were made on a cricket or silhouette since I did not find them in the store. Michaels and Hobby Lobby did have some, just not the size, font or color that I wanted. I guess I am too picky! LOL

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