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.
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!
The Easiest Way To Organize Your Kids School Work
SUPPLIES –
- plastic file box
- hanging file folders
- printer + paper
- Word or paint computer program
DIRECTIONS –
- 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.
- Print off your tabs and name labels.
- Add your hanging file folders and label them with each grade.
- Start adding all those school papers!
This post was originally published in 2013, but was updated in 2018 with new images.
shauna says
Oh I like this…I am still looking for a great system for school stuff and this might be it!
Laurie Turk says
OMGosh those are so darling!
Grandma says
What a cute idea. I LOVE those boxes!
mom2triplets04 says
This is adorable. I am going out to find those boxes. Thanks for sharing.
Allyson/HBMomof2 says
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.)
[email protected] says
This is such a great idea! I am totally doing this.
Amy Watson says
Love this! Could I have directions please on how to put the filing boxes together thanks? I am going to make these for gifts:)
Steph from Somewhat Simple says
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?
Sheena says
Cute. Cute. Cute.
Megan says
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!
Jennifer says
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
Steph from Somewhat Simple says
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!
Jennifer says
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
Laura says
This is adorable. I am going out to find those boxes. Thanks for sharing.
Jan says
The postings on your site are always excellent.