So you have a new locker assignment, your own space that's all yours.
Even your little brother can't get to.
Awesome, until you open it up and you realize you have some work to do.
Here's how to decorate your locker.
You go to your locker several times a day.
Sure it's there to hold your stuff, but it can also be your own special space to
express yourself amidst the mundane rigmarole that is middle school.
But where to begin?
The easiest approach: start by hanging up pictures of you and your friends.
Or take it a step further by choosing artwork and colors you like.
You can be greeted by little buddies, get punk, or get inspired.
You can embrace your culture or mix it up and
try a little of everything—seems a little obvious, right?
Well in this class, there are no wrong answers.
Your locker is a representation of you.
So put up whatever makes you happy.
And if that sounds like too much pressure,
well then start browsing around online for inspo.
Check out cool closet or diorama designs,
since they're sort of similar to a locker space.
Scope out your favorite artists color schemes and patterns.
If you're really a planner,
you can even do a practice round by designing it in a 3D computer program.
Before you break ground, let's talk about the built in limitations of a locker.
It's small, it might be like a taste of sweet freedom but
you're not decorating your first apartment here.
It's functional, meaning you want it to actually hold and organize your stuff so
you can easily get to it.
It's impermanent, meaning you won't have it forever and
you'll have to clean it out eventually.
And obviously, your locker's in a school, so
you want it to be okay if a teacher needs to look inside for some reason.
Once you've envisioned your design, it's time to assemble your toolkit.
Here are some quick do's and don'ts for creating your dream locker.
Don't use fire hazards like lights, dangling yarn, or felt fabrics.
Do hang things up.
Posters, artwork, and photos are great.
Especially if they're laminated for protection.
Fabrics made from polyester and
nylon can light up the space without being a fire hazard.
Put up a mirror, or pictures of your friends, or
your favorite inspirational quote.
But make sure you only use removable adhesives like magnets, poster putty and
command strips.
You'll thank us when it's time to clean up shop at the end of the year.
One other note on adhesives, our favorite trick is to buy a strip of magnetic tape.
It basically turns anything into an instant magnet making your locker décor
totally customizable and easy to swap out.
Don't paint or draw directly on surfaces.
You will get in trouble and it's just not worth it.
Do: random practice round on a metal surface at home.
Nothing worse than lugging that oversized magnetic mirror from Etsy all the way to
school only to realize it's too heavy to stay up.
Don't put things you really want to see on the inside of the locker.
It's dark in there and will be filled up with books and coats soon enough.
Now the inside of the door, that's your prime real estate.
So do focus most of your energy there.
Don't pick a project that will require uninterrupted hours of focus such as full
on wallpapering.
You won't have time for that in the few minutes you get between classes.
Dare to dream but keep this particular project manageable.
Do keep it safe and easy to clean.
Don't bother adding a bunch of barriers and space hogs.
Extra shelving might seem like a brilliant idea, but
unless you're a neat freak, in which case we salute you, that locker will be
piled up with junk before you know it—you'll appreciate the extra space.
And of course, do take your time.
Rome wasn't built in a day and genius should never be rushed.
And if it never quite gets there...well, there's always next year.
Thanks for watching this episode of How To Middle School.
See you next time for more tips and tricks!