It’s back-to-school season! It’s that magical time of year when the smell of freshly sharpened pencils fills the air, and the cries of “Where’s my backpack?” ring out across the house. Whether you’re a parent sending your kids off or a student preparing to dive back into homework, a little organization can go a long way in making the school year run smoothly. Let’s talk about some easy, back-to-school organization tips to get you organized for success.
1. The Homework Station: A Kid’s Own Productivity Zone
Whether your child is in kindergarten or high school, having a designated homework area can work wonders. Choose a space that’s free from distractions (sorry, no TV in the background!) and stock it with essentials—pens, pencils, paper, and erasers. Don’t forget to incorporate organizers like bins, compartment holders, or drawer inserts to keep all the essentials organized!
Pro Tip: Let your child help you organize their space. They’re more likely to use it if they feel a sense of ownership. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in a life lesson on the importance of staying organized.
2. Master the Morning Routine
Mornings are hard. You’re half-awake, trying to get everyone out the door, and someone always forgets something. The key? Preparation the night before! Lay out clothes, pack lunches, and make sure backpacks are ready to grab and go.
Organizing Hack: Create a “launch pad” by the door—a space for backpacks, shoes, and anything else that needs to go with them in the morning. As professional organizers, we love to add wall hooks for backpacks/purses and shoe cabinets (with doors) to stash grab-and-go essentials.
3. Color-Coded Calendars for the Win
With extracurricular activities, homework deadlines, and school events piling up, it’s easy for things to slip through the cracks. A large family calendar is a must. Color-coding each family member’s activities will help everyone stay on the same page—and keep you from showing up at the wrong soccer field.
Bonus Tip: Make the calendar fun! Let the kids pick their colors. The more involved they are in the process, the more likely they are to keep track of their own schedules. (In theory, anyway.)
4. Declutter Those School Supplies
It’s tempting to buy all the cute, sparkly notebooks and colorful pens during back-to-school shopping, but remember: less is more. Start by taking inventory of what you already have. Declutter those leftover supplies from last year that are lurking in drawers and bins, and only buy what’s necessary.
Pro Tip: Use small bins or drawer dividers to keep everything in its place. Labeling things might feel a bit extra, but you’ll be so happy when you can actually find the scissors during a last-minute project panic.
5. Tackle the Paper Pileup
One of the most frustrating things about the school year is the mountain of papers that comes home in your child’s backpack. Permission slips, art projects, and progress reports all seem to merge into one unmanageable mess. Set up an “inbox” system where kids (and teachers, through them) can drop papers as soon as they come home.
Quick Fix: Review and clear the inbox weekly. File important papers, hang up the special artwork, and recycle the rest. Bonus: this keeps your fridge and countertop from becoming a cluttered art gallery.
6. Meal Planning for the Week
Between sports, homework, and that pesky thing called work, dinnertime can feel chaotic. Take some stress out of the evening by planning your meals ahead of time. Even if it’s just a rough outline, having a plan in place can keep you from resorting to the dreaded, “What do you want for dinner?” conversation.
Time Saver: Prep ingredients for meals on Sunday so you can just toss them together during the week. Upgrade your plastic Tupperware to glass storage containers that are space saving, easy to see through and stackable. Make finding prepped ingredients or meals that much easier!
7. Organize Closets and Dressers for Easy Mornings
A well-organized closet or dresser can turn a hectic morning into a smooth one. Divide your kids’ clothing into "zones" so they know exactly where to find what they need—no more digging through piles! For example, you could have a closet section for school clothes, another for sports gear, and a drawer for socks and undies. Keep frequently used items within easy reach.
Pro Tip: Pre-plan outfits for the week by creating a “Monday to Friday” section or using hanging organizers with labeled days. You’ll eliminate the “I have nothing to wear!” meltdowns, and getting dressed becomes as simple as grab-and-go. It’s a time-saver for both kids and parents!
With a little organization, you can ease into the school year with fewer headaches and more smiles. These simple tips will help you get ahead of the game and keep everyone in your family on track.
Good luck—and may your mornings be chaos-free!
Don’t have time to tackle this list? Book your free 15-minute phone consultation with The Detailed Life. We’re here to help you get organized and set up for success for the remainder of the school year!
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