I recently just wrapped up a really fun project for one of Julia Gabriel’s kindergartens in Shanghai and I’m so excited to share the results.

I wanted to create this short study for you to use as a learning tool and an opportunity to discover fresh ideas to inspire you on your own organization journey.

Although this was a big project, involving many different spaces and a lot of supplies, the methods I implemented will work just as well in smaller spaces.

The Challenge

My mission’s focus was to design and implement an organization system that maximizes efficiency, functionality and brings harmony to an otherwise chaotic space.

As there was previously no clear order or obvious “homes” for items, teachers were having a hard time identifying the items they needed. They found themselves stuck in front of the shelves trying to visually locate items and feeling overwhelmed with the visual clutter staring back at them.

The teachers also noted that the clutter caused extra cleaning time and that they hoped the space could somehow be transformed into a relaxing, comfortable area where they could spend time in.

Strategizing

I was ready & determined to deliver the kindergarten with the space they deserved! One that is inviting, conducive to creativity & learning and best of all, clutter-free.

My strategy to achieve this consisted of 3 steps:

1. Create easily identifiable zones for materials
2. Color code and simply to create visual harmony
3. Create dedicated spaces to cater to Chinese & English materials

Implementing

SUPPLIES ROOM

With the strategy handy, I knew I had my work cut out for me. I started in the supplies room by first reorganizing materials in new containers and putting like-in-like bins.

I planned to use a mix of clear/ opaque containers, so I took photos of the contents in the opaque bins and labeled the front with both Chinese and english text. I like using opaque bins for items that are small and numerous (such as socks) because it cuts the visual clutter which reduces visual overwhelm & fatigue. While I continued to create zones in my head, I temporarily used post-its to hold my thoughts together.

I had to repeat the process for both English & Chinese supplies, making it easy for everyone in the school to identify the items inside with ease.

Finally, I reorganized a paper drawer to look like a rainbow divided into A4 size paper / A5 paper to provide easy access for teachers to find for art projects. This turned out to be my favorite part of the project as the rainbow visuals were stimulating and fun!

HALLWAY STORAGE

The hallways storage space served to store the classroom pre-materials so I wanted to implement a fun idea for the teachers. I created a “raw bar” that contained all the necessary raw supplies they use to educate children.

I achieved this by decanting all of the ingredients from plastic bags into glass containers, reducing clutter and instantly making the entire shelf look more visually appealing. For a fun, interactive touch I even added a metal scoop to each jar.

To finish, I labeled all jars and bins according to the teacher’s needs / location.

FINAL RESULT

I must say, I get really excited to see the end result of a project and hope that my work continues to spark joy within the community.

I’m proud to say that the complete redesign of the Julia Gabriel’s kindergarten hallway storage space now boasts an efficient organization system for a clutter-free, harmonious space.

Are you looking to implement a new organization system in your workplace, home or kindergarden? Here’s some tips & tricks to save for later

TIPS AND HACKS

• Always start by clearing everything off the rack
• Create zones and dedicate separate areas for:
• Cleaning supplies
• Stationary
• Arts & crafts (or other)
• Sort and put like-in-like bins
• Use semi-transparent bins for stationary and arts and crafts
• Use large opaque bins that contains larger quantities of the same things (ie. socks, gifts, paper plates, bowls etc). Take a photo and label on the outside
• Purchase a paper drawer cabinet. Remove all plastic packaging for all papers and sort in a rainbow format. The visual harmony is impeccable & highly recommended
• Once you have a clear format of organization, the staff will be able to maintain and do inventory management in a much more organized way

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MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW US FOR MORE GOOD IDEAS

Instagram | Facebook | Little Red Book | Wechat

You can also contact me or subscribe to my newsletter here.