Back-to-school storage solutions for an organised 2025

As the summer holidays come to an end, it’s that time of year when families start gearing up for the beginning of a new academic year, filling parents with panic and students with anticipation.  

The back-to-school season in 2025 brings with it fresh opportunities along with the challenge of organising what seems like an endless supply of textbooks, stationery and overpriced school uniforms. 

Ticking off the long school supplies list is one thing — finding space for everything is another. Whether you're dealing with a Grade 1 learner's first proper school setup or helping a matric student prepare for their final year, smart storage solutions will alleviate much of the stress. 

In this blog, we'll explore clever ways to organise school supplies better as well as set up a productive study space so that you’re prepared for the new school term.  

Why efficient storage is essential for students  

A well-organised study space creates a calm environment that promotes better concentration and reduces anxiety, allowing students to focus on what truly matters: learning and growing. 

Having designated spots for school supplies means less time searching and more time studying. When books are neatly arranged, stationery is easily accessible, and projects have dedicated workspaces, students develop better time management skills and a clearer focus on their educational goals.  

These organisational habits don't just improve academic performance — they're valuable life skills that will serve students well into their future. 

Step 1: Create the ultimate study station

Transform any corner of your home into a productivity powerhouse with a well-designed study station. A carefully planned study station can mean the difference between distracted doodling and focused revision.  

Choose the right study desk  

Finding the perfect study desk is essential for creating a comfortable and productive workspace.  

First, measure your space carefully 

A desk needs at least 60cm clearance behind it for your chair, and the surface should ideally be 120cm by 60cm to fit your student essentials.  

The standard desk height ranges from 73cm to 76cm, though this should match the student’s body size. When seated, elbows should rest at 90 degrees on the desk surface, with feet flat on the floor. You can also look for adjustable options or pair your desk with an adjustable chair. 

For tight spaces, consider compact or foldable desk and chair designs to maximise the use of your limited space. 

Get desk storage  

Built-in drawers should be deep enough for A4 documents, and shelving should accommodate your textbooks. If you prefer a minimalist design, pair a simple desk with separate storage solutions. 

For technology integration, look for desks with cable management features like grommets or under-desk trays. Consider how you'll position monitors and other devices, ensuring sufficient depth for proper screen distance. 

A quality desk is an investment in your academic success. Focus on ergonomics and functionality first within your budget, then consider style. 

Got extra furniture that’s in the way or a desk that’s too big for your space but sentimental? Store it with Stor-Age now.  

Step 2: Organise stationery and supplies the right way 

Nothing wastes time like hunting for a pen during a study session. Smart stationery organisation isn't just about looking neat — it's about creating a system where every item has its place and is ready when you need it. 

Start with drawer dividers or small containers to separate items by type — pens in one section, highlighters in another, sticky notes and paper clips in their own spaces.  

Clear containers work best as students can spot what they need immediately. For items that are used daily, consider a desktop organiser that keeps frequently used items within arm's reach. Pencil cups, small plastic boxes or even recycled jars can transform into perfect holders for rulers, scissors and erasers. 

Group similar items together — for example art supplies in one zone and writing tools in another.  

Label everything clearly, especially if you're using drawers or boxes where the contents aren't visible.  

Remember to regularly clear out dried-up pens and broken items to keep your storage spaces clutter-free. 

Need boxes or supplies? Check out our box shop.  

Step 3: File away important documents  

Drowning in loose papers and old assignments? A proper filing system isn't just about being tidy — it's about finding what you need when you need it.   

Start with a basic expanding file or lever arch folder for each subject, using different colours to tell them apart quickly. Inside each folder, create sections that make sense for that subject — perhaps “Current Assignments”, “Past Tests”, “Study Notes” and “Course Information”.  

Clear plastic sleeves protect important documents, while sticky dividers make it easy to find specific sections. 

Keep your current term's work easily accessible in a desk drawer or nearby shelf and store previous terms' materials in labelled boxes.  

Set up a simple “action” folder for assignments currently being worked on — this stays on the desk where it can't be missed.  

Students should get into the habit of filing papers away as soon as they’re done with them — it takes seconds but saves hours of searching later.  

Still need space? Consider document storage.  

Step 4: Declutter before the new term 

Before the school year begins, take time for a proper clear-out of your study area. Empty every drawer and storage space completely. Sort through last year's papers and notes, keeping only what's relevant for future reference. Those old worksheets and rough notes? If you haven't needed them since your exams, it's time to let them go.  

Archive important past papers and model answers in clearly labelled storage boxes — they'll be useful for revision later.  

Check all your stationery and supplies. Test every pen, sharpen all pencils and dispose of anything that's past its best. Sort through folders and files, replacing any that are falling apart. Remove everything from your pin board or wall planner, giving yourself a blank canvas for the year ahead. Don't forget to go through your desk drawers — those spaces where random bits and pieces tend to accumulate. 

This thorough clear-out gives you the chance to assess what storage solutions worked last year and what needs changing.  

Storage solutions for books and extra supplies 

Still no space for all those back-to-school supplies? Here are some smart storage solutions that you can try.  

Utilise shelves and vertical space 

• Invest in shelving units to neatly organise books and school supplies. 

• Take advantage of vertical space with stackable storage options and wall-mounted shelves. 

Maximising small spaces 

• Invest in multifunctional furniture like desks with built-in storage. 

• Use under-bed storage or compact containers to keep items accessible but out of the way. 

Opt for seasonal storage 

• Pack seasonal supplies into clearly labelled boxes for easy identification. 

• Store off-season items in a designated corner or consider external storage options. 

Use self storage for overflow 

• Self storage is ideal for items that don’t fit at home, especially during transitions like going back to school. 

• Keep your living space clutter-free by storing rarely used or overflow items in a secure facility. 

Organise your year ahead with Stor-Age 

Starting the academic year with organised storage solutions isn't just about having a tidy space — it's about creating a foundation for success. This is where Stor-Age comes in, offering flexible storage solutions that grow with your needs.  

Whether you're looking to store last year's textbooks, excess stationery supplies or sports gear between seasons, our secure units provide the perfect extension to your home storage system. 

Contact us today for self storage for students!