Why the Christmas Break Is the Perfect Time for an Overhaul

As classrooms and offices gear up to close their doors for the Christmas holidays, there’s no better moment to step back, take stock, and reimagine how your workspace can work harder for you. The festive break is one of the rare times when rooms are empty, schedules are paused, and you can give your environment the attention it deserves β€” ready for a fresh, organised start to the new year.

At COF, we’ve helped transform countless spaces of every size, from cosy stockrooms to bustling classrooms, and we know firsthand just how much difference smart organisation can make. Whether you’re tackling clutter, upgrading storage, or optimising layout, here are some practical tips to make your space more functional, inspiring, and efficient.

πŸ“š 1. Start with a Clear Out

Before adding anything new, remove everything that’s old, broken, unused, or no longer needed.

  • In classrooms, sort through art supplies, learning materials, and books.

  • In offices, file away paperwork, recycle outdated documents, and responsibly dispose of obsolete tech.

A deep clean clears mental β€” and physical β€” space for better organisation.

πŸ—‚οΈ 2. Rethink Your Storage Layout

Once the space is clear, look at how your items actually need to be used. Are your most frequently accessed items stored at easy height? Are you wasting vertical space?

This is where well-designed shelving, mobile tray units, or fitted storage (like the one in our most recent project!) can completely transform a room.

Features to consider:
βœ” Accessible shelving
βœ” Lockable cupboards
βœ” Colour-coded trays
βœ” Modular units you can reconfigure over time

πŸͺ‘ 3. Choose Furniture That Supports Productivity

The right furniture isn’t just about aesthetics β€” it directly affects comfort, workflow, and wellbeing.

  • In offices, ergonomic chairs, footrests, and height-adjustable desks make everyday work easier.

  • In classrooms, sturdy desks and colourful storage units help maintain structure and support learning.

Over the Christmas break, replacing old or damaged furniture avoids disruption during term-time or working hours.

🧭 4.Maximise Small or Awkward Spaces

Not every space is a spacious boardroom or open-plan classroom. Small rooms β€” like the recent storage installation we completed β€” often hold huge potential with the right approach.

Think about:
β€’ Built-in shelving
β€’ Tall storage units
β€’ Narrow or corner-fitting designs
β€’ Sliding doors to save space

No space is too small to optimise.

πŸ”„ 5. Create Zones for Different Activities

Dividing a space into clear zones helps both offices and classrooms work more smoothly.

  • Meeting zones

  • Quiet work areas

  • Resource stations

  • Coat & bag storage

  • Breakout corners

When everyone knows where items belong, tidiness becomes effortless.

✨ 6. Use the Christmas Break to Reset

The festive shutdown is the perfect opportunity to:

πŸŽ„ Deep clean
πŸŽ„ Move furniture
πŸŽ„ Install new storage
πŸŽ„ Complete small refurb projects
πŸŽ„ Update worn-out seating
πŸŽ„ Reorganise cupboards and shelving

Your staff β€” or students β€” will return to a fresh, calm, and well-organised space ready for the year ahead.


🎁 Ready to Transform Your Space?

Whether it’s a classroom that needs better storage, an office overdue for an ergonomic refresh, or a small stockroom crying out for a makeover, COF is here to help bring your vision to life.

Start the new year with a space that works smarter, looks better, and stays organised.

πŸ‘‰ Browse our furniture range
πŸ“ Visit our showroom on Kirkstall Road, Leeds
πŸ“ž Or call us to chat about what you need!