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How to make an organisational toolbox for teachers and students

Image of completed teacher toolbox

Overview

Getting organised for the upcoming school year has never been easier. Create a back-to-school teacher toolbox by upcycling an office organiser into a fun storage solution for the home or classroom. Here are the step-by-step instructions.

Steps

1Sand the sides of the organiser

Remove the drawers from the organiser and lightly sand the top, bottom and sides with the sanding pad. This will help the spray paint stick to the organiser’s surface.
Green Bunnings hammer
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses and mask, for example) and follow the product’s instructions.

2Spray paint the organiser

Find a well-ventilated space and place the organiser on a drop sheet or cardboard to protect any nearby surfaces. Make sure you set the organiser on raised props so that it’s not touching the ground. (This will prevent anything from sticking to it once you paint it.)

Shake the spray can well and apply a light coat of spray paint to the top and sides of the organiser, keeping the spray can moving so the paint doesn’t run. Remember to spray the inside, as well. Once the organiser is dry to the touch, turn it around and spray paint the back. Leave to dry before applying a second and third coat as needed.

If you’re looking for a simple way to incorporate a theme or pattern, apply contact adhesive.

Green Bunnings hammer
Pro tip: A large cardboard box makes for a handy spray booth.

3Make the labels

We’ve created three drawer label designs for you to print and use, or if you’re feeling creative, create some yourself using coloured paper, marker pens, stickers or anything else that comes to mind!

Green Bunnings hammer
Pro tip: If you’re designing the labels yourself, map out your organisation before you get creative so that you know what’s going where. You might come up with a back-to-school theme or colour palette.

4Get organised

Put the drawers back in your new teacher toolbox and begin organising! 

5Keep going!

Now that you’re on an organisational roll, why not try this D.I.Y. wire mesh memo board for your home office?

 

Photo credit: @miss_atkinson

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.