With the hustle of school starting, fall sports, and trying to soak up the last notes of 70-degree weather, back-to-school organization is key to keeping your home running smoothly. As a blended family of 7, it takes some tips and tricks to find a system that keeps things running smoothly from daycare to football games.
From early morning rushes to getting homework done, a little bit of home organization can go a long way in helping your family stay on track. Here are some simple tips to improve your back-to-school home organization and create a functional, clutter-free space for the school year.
Organize a Drop Zone for Backpacks and Shoes
One of the most common causes of morning chaos is missing items like backpacks, shoes, and jackets. Solve this problem by designating a “drop zone” for the back-to-school home organization near the front door or entryway. Install hooks for backpacks, and provide bins or cubbies for shoes, jackets, and sports gear. This ensures everything has a place, and nothing gets lost in the morning rush.
Keeping this area neat, your family will save time and teach kids to stay organized. Plus, it prevents items from cluttering your living room or kitchen, making your home feel tidier.
Set Up a Homework Station
Another crucial step in back-to-school home organization is creating a dedicated homework station. This could be a small desk in a quiet corner or even a repurposed space at the kitchen table. Stock the area with school supplies like pencils, paper, and scissors so your kids have everything they need to get their work done efficiently.
When kids have a clean, organized space for homework, they’re more likely to focus and complete their tasks without distraction. Keep the area clutter-free and limit distractions like toys or electronics for a productive homework session.
You can also have supplies kits using TV trays to allow for homework on the couch or to keep certain supplies for certain children. My middle schooler loves art, so his high-quality markers need to be nice and far from the toddlers. Using designated TV tray bins also allows independence to take care of their supplies, otherwise, they will get eaten by the dogs.
Organize the Kitchen for Easy Lunch Prep
Back-to-school home organization extends to the kitchen, especially when it comes to packing lunches. Dedicate a section of your pantry or fridge to school lunch essentials. Use clear bins or containers to keep snacks, sandwich supplies, and water bottles organized and easily accessible.
Prepare as much as you can the night before to avoid rushed mornings. By organizing your kitchen for back-to-school, you’ll make it easier to whip up healthy lunches without the added stress, saving you time and energy each day.
Some essentials could be:
- Cheese and Crackers
- Fruit and Veggies
- Sandwiches
- Yogurt and Granola
Or anything that can be easily thrown in a Ziploc and taken on the bus.
Create a Family Command Center
A family command center is a game-changer for back-to-school home organization. This is a centralized spot for your family calendar, important school papers, permission slips, and a daily or weekly schedule. Having everything in one place helps everyone stay informed about upcoming events and appointments.
Use a whiteboard or a corkboard to keep track of assignments, after-school activities, and chores. This helps ensure that nothing gets forgotten, making life easier for both parents and kids. If you are more techy, Google Calendar can be your best friend. I have all my children under different calendars and use their distinct colors to see all our events in the calendar. This helps not only me but any house helpers or employees see when I am going to be available. I also use it to plan special days to take my kids out for some personal fun time.
Declutter Kids’ Rooms and Closets
Before the school year begins, take some time to declutter and reorganize your kids’ rooms and closets. Go through their clothes and donate anything they’ve outgrown. Organize their closets with labeled bins for clothes, shoes, and accessories to help streamline morning outfit choices.
Incorporating smart storage solutions in their rooms can make a huge difference in back-to-school home organization. Not only will it help you maintain a clutter-free home, but it will also make getting ready each morning much easier.
Stick to a Routine
Finally, no amount of back-to-school home organization will be effective without a good routine. Set a consistent schedule for mornings, afternoons, and evenings to create a sense of stability. In the morning, ensure that everyone has time to get dressed, eat breakfast, and gather their belongings before heading out the door.
A solid routine will help keep things running smoothly, reduce stress, and make your home feel more organized overall.
Back-to-School Home Organization for a Smoother School Year
Incorporating these back-to-school home organization tips into your daily routine, you’ll create a more functional, stress-free environment for your family. From organizing a drop zone to setting up a homework station, small changes can have a big impact on how smoothly your home runs during the school year.
If you need help maintaining an organized and clean home this school year, don’t hesitate to book one of our professional cleaning services. We’ll take care of the mess, so you can focus on what matters most—your family.
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