The impacts of classroom clutter

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners reported that clutter can affect our ability to focus, anxiety levels, and even sleep. It can also make us less productive, and impact our cognition, emotions and subsequent behaviours, including our relationships with others.

Princeton University researchers found that clutter can limit a person’s ability to focus and process information, which can in turn make them less productive and more irritable. One study found that clutter can be especially distracting for students with overexcitabilities, or different learning needs.

Conversely, removing clutter from a learning environment can lead to a 25 percent increase in brainpower for both students and teachers.

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Mess and clutter can also be a health and safety risk. School bags, hats, lunchboxes and other items left on the classroom floor can get in the way when there is an emergency evacuation. Students with disabilities or mobility considerations may be significantly impacted if there are not clear pathways for them to navigate the classroom.

For teachers too, clutter can become overwhelming and can disrupt lessons and waste time, as students struggle to find laptops, book bags and stationery.

This means innovative storage solutions that offer mobility and adaptability are a must in all classrooms.

Space-saving storage solutions

Jaime Hallett from Furnware explained that storage solutions can be integrated into furniture. “Opting for soft furnishings with built-in storage provides extra space without adding more items to the room.”

Grace Misso from Resource Furniture echoed this. “The best way to incorporate mobile storage within classrooms, whilst also saving space is by utilising multi-functional furniture. For example, mobile benches with below storage are recommended. It is ideal to utilise furniture with storage solutions to provide a functional purpose such as desks or benching with incorporated storage below. This provides a more efficient use of space and consolidated footprint.”

A long, low seating tote trolley, for example, could include cushioned bench seating for students with pull out drawers underneath. Ottomans and couches can also incorporate storage, with a lift-up top for students and teachers to access items.

Lightweight bookcases and drawers on wheels will allow teachers and students to easily transport items between learning areas. This is particularly useful when moving heavy items, like a class set of books. Portable storage can also help to keep things neat, and may be useful for arts and crafts activities, maths activities that involve small pieces, or organising stationery supplies.

Teacher stations, which work as a mobile desk and storage unit, are becoming increasingly popular. Educators can quickly and easily move their desk to any area of the classroom, and still use their laptop or other device comfortably at a desk. All items remain to hand, and the teacher will not have to keep returning to their desk.

Ms Hallett said: “Utilising mobile storage solutions designed for teachers enables them to navigate the classroom freely, adapting to various teaching methods while keeping the space neat and organised. Storage units that double as teaching stations also create more room for different classroom activities.”

Keeping technology safe and secure

Mobile phone bans are now in place in all Australian state schools and many private schools. Secure storage options for phones including lockable cupboards and pouches can be installed in classroom spaces, ensuring phones remain out of use, though in site and protected from theft or loss. Some options also allow phones to charge while being stored.

Technology and personal devices are now ubiquitous in classrooms. With the prevalence of BYOD policies, it is essential to have secure storage and charging stations for these devices. Charging cupboards provide storage, charging and transport solutions all in one unit. Wall mounted and free standing options are available, and some cupboards can accommodate a range of devices, including iPads and tablets, laptops and phones.

Students also require a secure location to store bags, text books and other personal items when not in use. For younger students, bag hooks may be a good option. Hooks are cost-effective, easy to install, and keep school bags off the floor while providing students with quick and easy access. Streamlined by design, hooks will not take up valuable classroom or corridor space, and help to facilitate easy movement around your school.

For older students who may have bulky and heavy items, including sports or musical equipment, lockers may be better suited. Ms Hallett said ensuring the safety of both students and their belongings in school is crucial. “To secure student devices, various furniture options with lockable storage are available. Lockers are an excellent choice for classrooms, allowing students to lock away their personal items. However, if space is limited, alternative lockable storage solutions such as laptop cupboards, teacher units, and wall cupboards can be the best options.”

Ms Misso highlighted several advancements in modern lockers for keeping items safe. “The integration of student ID cards means that some lockers can be unlocked by students with their ID card. Advancements in smart locker technology have seen new solutions available that allow lockers to be managed by staff and booked remotely by students via a mobile app on their smartphone.

“Another development is the inclusion of charging ports within lockers,” Ms Misso said. “Charging ports have become more in demand as technology is very popular (iPads, laptops etc) in learning environments. It is important to accommodate both the technology and conventional items such as textbooks in lockers.”

Clever storage solutions, incorporating versatile furniture and the latest smart-locker technology could improve the mood and focus for everyone in your classroom.

This article was first published in the Term 4 edition of School News. Read it HERE