4 Things Every Homeschool Mom Needs to Know About Her Homeschool Space

Published:
September 2, 2019

Abby Banks

Contributor:
Abby Banks

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Whether you’re a new homeschool mom or a seasoned veteran, here are 4 things you need to know about your homeschool space.

Whether you're a new homeschool mom or seasoned veteran, here are 4 things you need to know about your homeschool space

You Don’t Need a Homeschool Room

I know that looking on Pinterest can sometimes make you think that every family out there has a large, IKEA-decorated homeschool room. But if your house doesn’t have enough space to dedicate a whole room to homeschool supplies, don’t fall into the FOMO trap! It’s not essential.

In our 12 years of homeschooling, we’ve done it all – homeschool room in the basement, bedroom-turned-homeschool-room, and the kitchen table method. 

What works for your family may change as you move through different seasons of homeschooling.

When the kids were younger and we had lots of manipulatives and school-related paraphernalia, a separate room was helpful, even though we still gathered at the kitchen table most days.

Now that I have mostly high schoolers, they like to work in their rooms or at their desks, checking in periodically for support and guidance. I don’t have to dedicate a separate room anymore for homeschooling.

So, homeschool room or not, your space is really about the relationships that are formed there and the love of learning that is nurtured there.

Decluttering is Essential

Your homeschool space is more manageable when you regularly declutter!

Some of us naturally jump on the Konmari bandwagon, and some of us get there kicking and screaming.

Just know that if you’re in the latter group, some of your frustration over your space may be that you have too much stuff. 

Enlist the kids (especially teenagers) to help in the decluttering process. Because decluttering is not only essential for a peaceful space, it’s also a helpful life skill.

Make It Work for You

Whether you’re all gathered around the kitchen table doing school today, or tucked away neatly in a homeschool room, the key is to make it work for you.

Your homeschool space won’t look or function like your friend’s space – because your kids, your homeschool style, your budget, and your personality is unique!

If you’re a square peg, don’t try to force yourself (or your homeschool) into a round hole. It will lead to much frustration.

Use Clever Storage

IKEA furniture seems to be all the rage these days in homeschool spaces. And I sure can see why. It’s functional and beautiful. And if you have it and it works for you – great!

But it’s not required for homeschool storage. You can totally make due with pieces you have, or use spaces in creative ways.

We’ve hidden notebooks and supplies in dining room hutches, cubbies, closets, baskets, rolling carts, or cabinetry. 

If you love to see the posters, charts, and learning supplies in the open, then go for it.

If you love to hide them away when not in use, then go for it.

You do you, not only with homeschooling styles and philosophies, but also with your homeschool space. 

One of my favorite ways to find cheap storage is to thrift items. An ugly set of drawers can look amazing with a new coat of paint and it can also hide a bunch of stuff! Old crates, bins, and baskets can also corral the homeschool supplies and books.

So, whether you have a tidy homeschool room, homeschool on the couch, or live full-time in an RV, you have an amazing homeschool space! Because the space is not the end-all. It’s the relationships that are built there, the love of learning that blooms there, and the amazing day-to-day we get to share with our kids.

The Amazing Homeschool Spaces contest is here! Do you want to see 3 real-life homeschool families and how they make their space work for them? Head on over to 4onemore.com to see the entries and to vote for a winner!Check out 3 real life homeschool families and how they make their spaces work for them!