Baby wipe containers work well for storing items in your closet, on you shelves, or even on a table. Use them for tape, staples, paper clips, post-it notes, rubber bands, etc. They also stack well, especially Chubs brand. Put a label on the end that faces out so you know what is in each container. You can use them for teacher items as well as student items. Use them to store colored pencils, markers, highlighters, scissors, etc. for your students.

Ziploc baggies are great for just about any little thing you want to store, such as "tickets," treats bought in bulk, homework coupons, etc. You can also use them to draw out names.

Use a hardware/tackle box that you can get at Wal-Mart or K-Mart in the hardware department. They have all different sized drawers that pull out in front, and the front is clear so you can see what is in each drawer. Fill the drawers with band aids, safety pins, paper clips, staples, rubber bands, etc. You will always know where everything is, all nice and neat in its little drawer. You can keep this on a table or in a filing cabinet.

Keep math manipulatives and other small materials in clear shoeboxes with labels. To keep counters ready at any time, keep 20 in black film canisters in the boxes. They work so much better than Ziploc bags and are free from film developers.

Use a shoebox to store calendar cut-outs. Put each shape in a Ziploc bag. When you take down the old month's cut-outs, you can easily put them away and get out the new ones.

Film canisters work well for other items besides counters. They can also be used for paper clips, thumb tacks, modeling clay, spreadable glue, glitter, etc. Don't forget to label them.

Purchase a small set of plastic drawers the size of a sheet of paper. You can find these at Wal-Mart, K-Mart, or Target. Keep this beside the door on a table. In the top drawer keep extra pencils, your whistle, an elevator key and other things you need in a hurry or the kids always want as soon as they come in. In the second drawer keep extra class lists for checking off all kinds of things, your locker list, fire drill roster, extra hall pass forms, soda money for you, etc. (If you have a problem with students taking things, you won't to put hall pass forms and money in here.) Keep the third drawer empty. Use it for notes students give you as they enter the room, such as notes from home, late notes, etc. Take them out later when you have time to respond or file them.