3 Schools in 3 Years- Moving Schools & Being a New Teacher Part 2

This is the second post of my "3 Schools in 3 Years" series. After you have (mentally / emotionally) processed that you are moving schools or classrooms it is time to get down to the process of packing.
Here are my top 10 tips for packing up your room in preparation for moving.

1. Share with your students that you are moving. I told my students that I was moving schools because I was feeling stressed and on edge- I knew I wasn't being the more "present" teacher I could be and wanted to share what was going on in my life to my 5th graders. I also want my students to know how they can contact me next school year and not be shocked when if they come to visit in the future and can't find me. 
2. Start early. I began packing with 3 weeks left in the school year. I started by packing things that students couldn't see- such as curriculum I was done teaching or teacher books. If you start the process early you won't feel overwhelmed at the very end of the year. 
3. Make a to-do list. I made a classroom cleanup to do list and posted it in my room. It helps me to visually see what has to be done and there is no better feelings than crossing items off!
4. Ask your students to help you. I asked my students to volunteer to help me check off items on the to-do list and offered candy and classroom economy money as "payment". On my to-do list I made sure to have plenty of things that kids could help with - like packing books, cleaning whiteboards, or counting textbooks. I teach 5th grade so my kids are old enough to help with many clean up items. 
5. Purge. As you are packing up your room get rid of stuff that you didn't use that year and don't plan on using in the future. I am a sucker for the dollar teacher stuff at BTS time- I didn't use most of what I bought so I left extras in the staff room for colleagues to grab. You can also give away stuff to kids or use it as prizes for your class economy.
6. Label boxes with your name and brief description of what is inside each box. 
7. Take pictures of what your classroom looks like before you start packing. Taking pictures of your current set up can give you ideas for next year. I also take pictures of all my anchor charts or student work that I want to do again the nest year.
8. Create a take home box. Take home any items that you would be sad to lose in the chaos of moving. You should also take home PD books you want to read over the summer and curriculum you want to organize/use for planning. 
9. Create a list of all the boxes you are packing. You can create a digital spreadsheet or document with the number of boxes you are packing and whats inside each box to make sure you got everything when you get to your new room. 
10. Create a "Back To School Binder" or box. Creating a back to school box or binder with first day materials will save you time and stress at the start of a new year. I love BTS bingo, getting to know you games, and who am I activities to be easily accessible for the first day back. 

I hope that this list of tips helps you pack up your room with the least amount of stress possible! Good luck packing!