Classroom DIY: Teacher Toolbox

When I got rid of my teacher desk, I needed a place to put all of my stuff. The staples, sticky notes, push pins, and paper clips needed a new home, and a bunch of random plastic cups were not going to cut it. I seriously thought of using cups…or those tin pails at least. Don’t judge me, I thought it was cute and convenient at the time.

While perusing the internet, I saw these awesome contraptions with drawers and such. The cool people were calling them teacher toolboxes. Apparently their original purpose is to house tools for handymen and handywomen.

Now, I’m not one to jump on the bandwagon and join every new teacher trend that lights up Instagram.

I did jump on the teacher toolbox bandwagon, though, because I really needed something for storage. This was a useful bandwagon item, yo. Not only that, I figured I could make my own colorful labels to go with it.

I’m sharing the step-by-step directions to totally DIY a teacher toolbox.

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MATERIALS

22 Drawer Storage Cabinet
Valspar Color Radiance Paint + Primer Spray Paint (I used Pool Party but there are tons of others)
Teacher toolbox labels
One large, flattened cardboard box or flat surface
Scissors
Clear tape

DIRECTIONS

Remove all 22 drawers. You are doing this so you won’t get spray paint on them.

In a well ventilated area, lay your toolbox on the piece of cardboard or flat surface of your choice, and spray paint the front and back. Try to spray as evenly as you can.

Let the toolbox dry for 30 minutes to an hour or more. The longer it can dry, the better. I let my toolbox dry outside and it was dry in about 30 minutes. While you’re letting the toolbox dry, grab the labels that I created from my Teachers Pay Teachers store. I’ve included all of the labels that you see here, PLUS I added an editable file.

Print and cut out the toolbox labels. I laminated my labels with my can’t-live-without-it laminator. I wanted to laminate the labels for extra durability. Determine which labels you want to use and where you would like to place them in the toolbox. Smaller items like paper clips will need a small drawer, while bigger items like markers will need a bigger drawer. Once decided, attach the labels to the front of each drawer. I attached my labels using good old-fashioned clear tape.

Place the plastic drawers back into your dry toolbox, then put all of your supplies into the toolbox. Voila! Now you have a stylish addition to your classroom that also neatly stores all of your important stuff.

Creating this teacher toolbox requires just a few items, but it is so useful for a teacher in the classroom. I wish I had it my classroom years ago. I’ve seen teachers create one for their students, too! I’m really contemplating doing the same. What do you think? Do you think a teacher toolbox will help you stay organized.

• CALLING ALL FIRST AND SECOND GRADE TEACHERS! Join me and a great group of other fabulous 1st and 2nd grade teachers in my Facebook group, Taming First & Second Grade. We have great discussions and you can gain some much needed inspiration.
• I’ll also be posting this blog topic on my Instagram and Facebook page.
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