Clearing your classroom of clutter is essential to creating learning environments that support children’s innate play patterns and age-appropriate development. Proper storage solutions, such as shelving units and lockers, keep materials organized, tidy, and accessible.
However, finding the proper storage solution for your classroom can be challenging. What storage features are best for the early childhood classroom? How can you be sure the storage unit you choose will be a fit for your needs? What types of materials can withstand daily use in the classroom?
For more than 50 years, Kaplan has been a trusted leader in early childhood education. We provide high-quality furnishings that support the unique educational and developmental needs of young children. Our expertise helps educators create organized, inviting learning environments that foster creativity, collaboration, and exploration.
In this article, you’ll explore our top choices for classroom storage solutions, key features to consider when purchasing storage units, and ways to use classroom storage to enrich early learning.
What is the purpose of a storage unit in the early childhood classroom?
Storage units and shelving are a necessity in the early childhood classroom. They help educators create well-defined learning centers and keep educational materials and toys organized and tidy. Organized classrooms contribute to a child’s learning by assisting them in finding materials needed for play and staying focused on the task at hand. By using storage units to create a clutter-free environment, you also ensure safety, especially in classrooms with children and adults who need clear pathways for mobility.
What features should you look for when choosing storage units for your classroom?
When shopping for classroom storage units, you want to ensure that any solution you choose will function appropriately in your space. With over 50 years of early childhood experience, including how children play and learn in the classroom, Kaplan suggests you choose storage units with the following characteristics:
- Made using durable, high-quality materials that can withstand rigorous play and daily use without showing signs of wear and tear
- Easy to clean using mild soap and water
- Versatile pieces that offer more than one function in the classroom
- Accessible shelving and compartments that make it easy for all children to reach and use materials
- It looks aesthetically pleasing, contributing to the warmth and comfort of the classroom
- Open and inviting shelves and compartments that invite play and exploration
What types of Kaplan storage units are best for the early childhood classroom?
The best storage solutions for the early childhood classroom combine some, if not all, of the characteristics mentioned above. Below, we highlight a few of Kaplan’s storage solutions that will make the perfect addition to any early childhood classroom.
Carolina 5-Compartment Storage Unit
Kaplan’s popular single-sided Carolina 5-Compartment Storage Unit offers five spacious compartments for storing and organizing classroom essentials. This unit makes a great storage option for block, science, and dramatic play learning centers, and the toe-kick panel prevents small objects from being lost underneath.
Sense of Place Multipurpose Storage
Constructed from durable, easy-to-clean birch and laminate plywood, the Sense of Place Multipurpose Storage unit features eight large compartments to hold baskets, bins, and loose play materials. The warm, neutral tones create a calming classroom aesthetic, while the spacious shelves make it easy for children to interact with learning materials throughout the day.
Carolina Double-Sided Storage Island
The Carolina Double-Sided Storage Island’s multifunctional design makes it an ideal option for classrooms with limited square footage. With five compartments on either side, this unit acts as a room divider, display table, and organization system for multiple learning centers simultaneously. Sturdy casters make it easy to move and reposition this storage unit to fit the needs of your space.
Carolina 4-Section Locker
Create a welcoming classroom entryway with the Carolina 4-Section Locker. At 48” tall, this locker provides children with two sturdy hooks to hang coats and bags, plus smaller compartments above and below for other personal belongings and parent communications.
Carolina Connections Rhythm Seating
Perfect for reading nooks and other quiet classroom spaces, the Carolina Connections Rhythm Seating combines comfort and storage. The durable foam seating pad is textured to provide comfort and sensorial input and easily detaches from the wooden base for use on the floor and other classroom areas.
Carolina See-All Storage
The Carolina See-All Storage unit, with accompanying clear plastic bins, makes it easy for children to find and retrieve classroom materials. It is perfect for storing loose parts, blocks, manipulatives, and other classroom materials.
Sense of Place Shelving and Tote Storage
A beautiful take on traditional classroom storage, the Sense of Place Shelving and Tote Storage offers practical organization for classroom materials. The cubbies on either end are sized to fit Woven Storage Totes (sold separately), and the wide shelves provide storage solutions for classroom tablets, paper, loose parts, manipulatives, and more.
How do you know which storage solutions are best for your classroom?
Selecting storage solutions for early learning environments requires careful consideration of classroom layout, child needs, and long-term goals. Before purchasing storage units, evaluate the size and shape of your space to determine which units will fit without overcrowding the space. If your classroom is limited in space, this article shares design and organization tips to help you select appropriate furnishings.
With safety in mind, select storage units with rounded edges, anti-tip features, and sturdy construction that prevent accidents and ensure children are always safe while playing.
As you think about the different learning centers in your classroom that need new or replacement storage solutions, consider the materials that will fill the shelves. Choose storage units that match the needs of your learning center, such as a wardrobe-style unit for dramatic play clothing or low, open shelving for classroom blocks and natural loose parts.
Whether you are shopping for storage units or tables and chairs, always consider long-term value before investing. The best storage solutions for an early childhood environment are those made of durable, solid materials and those that include product warranties.
Which storage unit will you choose for your classroom?
An organized and tidy classroom fosters independence, encourages exploration, and improves accessibility for all children. As you shop for storage solutions for your classroom, consider key features such as durability, age-appropriate design, versatility, and size. Investing in quality will ensure your classroom remains organized and functional for years.
Kaplan Early Learning Company offers a variety of expertly crafted storage solutions that meet the unique needs of early childhood. Visit our website to browse our full selection of durable, high-quality furnishings. Are you curious about the best storage bins and baskets for your classroom? Read this article next. 
