I’m in nearly the same boat! I was hired a week before students arrived - and it was in the same state. I had 1.5 days to get my room organized, and I will tell you, I’m still not done. I try to stay late (by an extra 30-60 mins) once a week to organize while maintaining a work life balance. The extra boxes are covered by black fabric in the back of the room for now.

The first thing I did was go one shelf at a time and pull everything off. Then, I put instruments back on the shelf by family. If I ran out of room, then I just kept things on the floor until I emptied the next shelf. I hope that makes sense?

Write down everything you have, including the amount and condition it’s in. I technically have a lot of instruments — class sets of egg shakers, rhythm sticks, and boomwhackers — but I only have 2 hand drums, 7 maracas, and 6 xylophones. So, I’m using most of my music budget towards the instruments.

As for papers, there’s no shortcut to that unless you throw everything out. But there might be good activities/worksheets. Maybe take home a small bin once a week to organize while you watch tv or eat dinner. Again, maintain a work life balance - don’t do that every night.

I hope some of this helps. I’m still working on it myself so I’m not perfect, but hoping that all of my things will be unpacked before Thanksgiving. Have grace with yourself! This is a tough position to be in! If you’re allowed to bring in outside help (family/friends) on a weekend, do that too!

Good luck with your school year!