It’s that time of year again! Ready or not, here come the mile-long school supply lists, the movie-themed lunch boxes, and the inevitable mountain of paperwork. Are you prepared?
Sending the kids back to school is often a bit of a blessing and a curse. While we miss the summer fun, having the kids out of the house gives us the perfect window to spruce up their space. By creating maintainable systems now, you can keep your home running smoothly all year long.
Here are our 7 favorite back-to-school organization tips to help you transition from summer break to the classroom grind with ease.
1. Create a “Command Center” File System
Between field trip forms, permission slips, and graded class projects, the paper trail can be overwhelming. Don’t let them pile up on the kitchen island! Create an organized file system in your home office or kitchen nook. We highly recommend a dedicated “Inbox” for items you need to review and an “Outbox” for signed slips ready to return to school.
2. Streamline Your Entryway
Your entryway is the first line of defense against household chaos. A solid system here means less stress when you’re running out the door. We love using labeled bins and designated hooks to give backpacks, sports equipment, and library books a permanent home.
3. Organize Your Kids’ Art Before It Accumulates
New school years mean new masterpieces! Prep your home for the incoming wave of creativity with our signature art storage system. We are huge fans of using ArtKive to preserve those precious memories digitally so you can keep the physical clutter to a minimum.
4. Create a Dedicated Homework Station
Kids are much more motivated, and significantly less distracted, when they have a space of their own. Create a fun, dedicated space with few distractions. Giving kids an “office” shows them that their schoolwork is a priority. Keep the area stocked with the essentials so they aren’t hunting for a pencil or highlighter mid-assignment.
5. Store “Back-up” Supplies
Nothing kills the momentum of a school project like realizing you’re out of glue sticks. Use sectioned trays, canvas bins, and baskets from The Container Store to keep extra supplies in order. Having a “back-stock” bin for pens, paper, and art supplies ensures you aren’t making a late-night run to the store.
6. Purge and Organize Closets
Before the first bell rings, go through your little ones’ closets and purge anything that no longer fits. Once the “too-small” clothes are gone, you can organize what’s left so that picking out morning outfits is a breeze. A hanging organizer is a great addition for separating daily outfits or storing sweaters as the Texas weather finally starts to cool down.
7. Create “Mom-Approved” Snack Zones
We know the “I’m hungry!” chorus starts the second kids walk through the door. Beat them to the punch by organizing your pantry with clear plastic bins. Create a designated “Snack Zone” filled with mom-approved, healthy options that the kids can grab themselves without making a mess of the whole pantry.
Get a Head Start on the Semester
The secret to a stress-free school year isn’t being perfect; it’s having a plan. When you take the time to set up these systems in July or August, you’re giving your whole family the gift of an organized September.
Our team can take the stress and planning tasks off your plate and get your whole family ready for the school year with our professional organizing services. We’re all moms and know the struggle. We also know what works to keep families sane year-round. Get in touch with our team today.
