Back-to-School Organization
A Stress-Free Back-to-School Organization Process: How to Get Your Home Ready for the New School Year
The start of a new school year is always filled with excitement—and let’s face it, a little chaos. With homework, backpacks, school supplies, and extracurricular activities, it’s easy for your home to feel cluttered and disorganized. But with the right strategies, you can create an organized, functional space that helps the whole family start the school year on the right foot.
At Neatly by Kristen, we know how overwhelming back-to-school can be, especially for busy parents. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you set up an easy-to-maintain system that keeps everything in order all year long. Let’s dive into the process!
1. Set Up a Central Command Station
A family command station is the heart of a well-organized home, especially during the school year. This is where you keep track of important dates, assignments, and daily tasks.
Hang a family calendar: Use a large, easy-to-read calendar to track school events, extracurricular activities, and appointments. Color-code by family member to keep it clear.
Add a bulletin board or whiteboard: For important notes, reminders, or schedules, a board is a great way to display everything in one place.
Create a mail and paperwork system: Use labeled trays or folders to keep track of permission slips, school newsletters, and other papers so they don’t pile up.
2. Organize your Entryway
Your entryway is the first point of chaos when kids rush out the door or come home after a long day. Create a functional space to keep backpacks, shoes, and jackets in order.
Install hooks or cubbies: Set up designated spots for each child to hang their backpack and coat, making it easy for them to grab and go.
Add a shoe storage solution: Whether it’s a shoe rack or baskets, keep shoes organized and out of the way.
Create a drop zone: Have a small tray or basket where your kids can drop their school items like lunch boxes, water bottles, and important papers when they come home.
3. Streamline School Supplies
School supplies are notorious for creating clutter. With a little planning, you can organize supplies in a way that makes them easy to find and maintain.
Designate a homework caddy: Fill a portable caddy or bin with all the essentials—pencils, erasers, scissors, glue, and more. This way, your kids can bring it to wherever they’re doing homework.
Use drawer dividers: Keep small items like paper clips, sticky notes, and pens organized in designated spaces.
Label bins and drawers: Clear, labeled containers for different types of supplies make it easier for your kids to clean up after themselves.
4. Organize Homework Stations
A dedicated homework space is key to helping kids stay focused and productive. It doesn’t have to be a whole room—just a quiet, organized spot where they can concentrate.
Keep it clutter-free: Clear the desk or table of distractions, leaving only the necessary supplies.
Set up a schedule board: Use a small whiteboard or planner for each child to track their assignments and due dates.
Comfortable seating: Make sure they have a comfortable chair and good lighting to create a productive environment.
5. Create a Routine for Paperwork
Between homework, permission slips, and school announcements, paperwork can quickly get out of hand. Here’s how to keep it organized:
Daily paper checks: Make it a habit to sort through your child’s papers daily, tossing what’s unnecessary and filing what’s important.
Set up a file system: Use a simple filing cabinet or expandable folder to store long-term paperwork like report cards, medical forms, and school projects.
6. Plan for Lunches and Snacks
Meal prep is another area that can easily become stressful during the school year. By creating a simple system, you can save time and avoid the morning scramble.
Set up a snack station: Use bins or drawers to organize pre-portioned snacks, making it easy for your kids to grab them on the go.
Pre-pack lunches: The night before, have lunchboxes prepped and ready to go. Use labeled bins in the fridge and pantry to store lunch supplies in one spot.
7. Create an After-School Routine
Establishing a smooth after-school routine can keep the chaos at bay and help your kids wind down after a busy day.
Unpack and reload: Teach your kids to unpack their lunchboxes and homework when they come home, and reload their backpacks with the next day’s supplies.
Schedule downtime and homework: Create a routine that balances homework, free time, and chores so that the evening runs smoothly.
Need a Little Help? Neatly by Kristen is Here for You!
Feeling a bit overwhelmed with back-to-school organization? Neatly by Kristen specializes in creating tailored, functional spaces that make your busy life a little easier. From setting up entryway systems to organizing homework stations, we’re here to help your family start the school year off with less stress and more order.
By following these steps, you’ll be ready to conquer the back-to-school season with confidence and calm. Happy organizing!
