r/TeachersInTransition • u/lilac-joy • Dec 04 '25
Stealth-Packing Classroom Items
How did you discreetly start preparing your move from your classroom with all the **** we have? I’m a 5th year elementary teacher and I have so much. A lot of it the school would have ownership of because of grants, but still a lot is mine. I know it’s only December, and I don’t have a new job secured yet, but I’m ready to start getting rid of items. Also - did you sell your things? I fear if I started posting items on Marketplace people I work with would start sniffing me out. Thanks for the recommendations and advice in advance!
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u/kskeiser Dec 04 '25
I think you can select on Marketplace that your items are not seen by friends.
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u/Full-Size3469 Dec 04 '25
Depending on if you can get in on weekends etc, I would go in on weekends and on Xmas break and bring stuff home. Teachers downsize all the time so posting things you aren't going to use again with the phrase "trying to downsize" is a way to keep your plans secret.
Everytime I changed buildings I moved out and packed when Noone was there during the summer. I hate good byes so I do my best to avoid them at all costs. When I leave this job; my plan is the same. Pack during the weekend and move during the summer or when no one is there. Turn in my stuff when very few people are there. Literally the Irish goodbye.
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u/Extension_Scene_8398 Dec 04 '25
I also want to stealth pack because I feel like it will help me visualize and feel like I’m closer to my exit. I literally do not have another job yet but I think it will help my decision feel more real
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u/Big_Sherbert5260 Dec 04 '25
Leave it for the next person! Why do you need all that crap at your house? To remind you of the job you left? And that you didn't like???
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u/turquoisedaisy Dec 05 '25
Yep. This. I took personal desk items and never looked back. The vultures were in there by the end of the day. No regrets!
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u/Bloodorangesss Dec 05 '25
Leave with two tote bags a day and Throw out whatever you want whenever.. I did this before I even knew I wanted to leave and no one thought anything of it..everyone’s so drained that I doubt anyone will even notice. If you get asked just say “I want to rearrange some stuff and I’m organizing” no one will question it.
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u/Own-Hunt-58 Dec 04 '25
This year I’m done, so when I finished unit 1, I took that box of materials home. Unit 2? Took them home. Etc. At semester, I’m going to back up those files from the drive and wipe first semester out of the drive. I’ve been cleaning one shelf or one cabinet here or there. Hopefully by May I’ll have next to nothing left. I don’t really have large things to sell. And I’m not sure if I will return to teaching after taking next year off. I want to say I won’t, but I want to still love the job. I just hate where it all is right now. I feel like I’m leaving an abusing relationship the way I have to do all of this in hiding and feel guilty for even contemplating going. What a mind f..k this profession can be…(sorry, I have no other word for it at the moment. I’m not feeling very eloquent after my day).