Get Ready: Essential Tips from a Home Organizer for Back-to-School Preparation
As I write this, it is 90 degrees with 76% humidity. My AC is in full operation, and so are my ceiling fans. The weather and my calendar confirm that it’s definitely still summer, yet it’s become very clear that fall is very, very close. You can’t even use Target as the barometer of that since it puts school supplies on shelves in early July.
But as summer fades and we get closer to the back-to-school season, the once leisurely pace of life gives way to a flurry of activities, supplies, and schedules. This transition can often lead to feelings of overwhelm and chaos as you juggle new routines and responsibilities.
Fortunately, you have me! Planning and organization allow you to transform your home from a mess into a well-ordered haven. Here’s a guide from your friendly professional home organizer on tackling the clutter and preparing your home for the new school year.
Create a Dedicated Homework Station
One of the most effective ways to combat chaos and help your child focus is by setting up a dedicated homework station. Find a calm area away from the home’s hustle and bustle. Good lighting and a comfortable chair are essential.
· Organizing supplies is my favorite thing to do! Sort pencils, notebooks, and other essentials using bins, trays, or drawer organizers, and then be sure to label each one. This prevents mess from accumulating and ensures that everything is easy to find. Pro tip: Shop your home for organizing pieces; you likely already have options!
· Take inventory of what you have left over from last year before you start back-to-school shopping. Please don’t head to Target until you’ve taken this important step!
· Regularly check and tidy the supply area to prevent it from becoming a source of overwhelm.
· Establish a regular time for homework and encourage your child to use this space consistently. This helps minimize the chaos of figuring out where to work each day.
Streamline Your Morning Routine
Mornings are chaotic as everyone scrambles to get out the door. Simplifying your morning routine can significantly reduce stress. Here are some tips to improve your situation:
· Designate Storage: Create a designated spot near the door for backpacks, lunchboxes, and school supplies. Use hooks, cubbies, or a small organizer to keep these items in place. If you think your kids won’t use this area, remember that they are required to do this at school, so get them used to being disciplined at home as well.
· Plan Outfits: Lay out clothes for the week ahead or use a weekly clothing organizer. This reduces the morning mess of searching for matching pieces and speeds up the dressing process. My boys loved doing this when they were in elementary school, and yes, I did the same thing as a kid!
· Prep Breakfast: Set up a breakfast station with quick, healthy options like granola bars and fruit. This will help avoid the morning rush to prepare meals, keep the kitchen organized, and give you a few extra minutes to drink your coffee!
Set Up a Family Command Center
This tip can be a game-changer in managing the chaos of schedules and tasks. It serves as a centralized spot for tracking important dates and responsibilities. I have seen this make a huge difference in many homes!
· Select a spot everyone in the family frequently passes by, such as the kitchen or hallway.
· Include a large calendar for family activities, a whiteboard or chalkboard for notes, and a bulletin board for important papers. This will help keep everyone informed and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed by missed deadlines or appointments.
· Encourage all family members to check the command center regularly. This will help keep everyone on track and minimize last-minute scrambling.
Organizing After-School Activities
Managing after-school activities can add another layer of complexity. Like parents need more things to manage! However, getting and staying organized can reduce the chaos and make transitions smoother.
· Keep a detailed schedule of extracurricular activities, including locations and times. This can be part of your family command center or a separate calendar.
· Ensure that all necessary gear and supplies are organized and ready. Store sports equipment, musical instruments, and other items in bins or a designated area. Don’t forget to label it all!
· Set up a snack station with healthy options for kids to grab when they get home. This will keep the kitchen area tidy and hopefully help avoid the mess of scattered snack wrappers and dishes.
Declutter Common Areas
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again - a clean and organized home environment sets a positive tone and reduces overwhelming feelings. It’s science! Regularly declutter and tidy up common areas to keep the mess at bay.
· Implement a daily tidying routine to keep common areas free from clutter. Involve the whole family in this process. I promise it can be done: give kids ownership and responsibility early on.
· Schedule a weekly deep cleaning session to address areas that need extra attention, such as floors and countertops.
· You knew this one was coming; periodically assess and declutter common spaces to prevent accumulating unnecessary items and maintain order.
Conclusion
Getting your home organized before school starts can significantly reduce feelings of chaos and overwhelm. You'll create a more manageable and peaceful atmosphere by setting up dedicated spaces for homework and study, streamlining morning routines, and maintaining an organized environment. Embrace the back-to-school season with a well-organized home and enjoy a smoother transition into the academic year. With these tips, you’ll transform the mess into a calm, efficient space supporting learning and daily life.
If this is just too much to manage at your home, don’t be hard on yourself. Consider hiring a professional home organizer (HI!) who can get this all in place. It’s like magic, and is a wonderful investment in a calmer, more harmonious home and family!