This back-to-school organizational tip is fashionably late because most kids have been back to school already for well over a month here in SoCal. But wait! There’s a reason! Sometimes it’s hard to know how to organize depending on what kind of schedules and classes your kids have this school year. Sometimes teachers have different requirements and it takes about a month to identify what your particular needs are in relation to organizing your home base. Here’s some tips to help you get up to speed and organize more with a clear purpose and goal! Hope it’s a great school year for all our kids!
DC Moms | Aug 20, 2024
As summer fades and that crisp fall air arrives, back-to-school season is officially here! This time of year can bring a mix of excitement and stress. Whether you’re balancing work, managing the household or both, transitioning from lazy summer days to school routines can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—I’ve got your back! With a little planning and a few organizing tips, you can make this shift smoother for everyone. Let’s dive into some easy back-to-school organization tips and a handy checklist to help you get ready for the upcoming Fall season.
1. Create a Drop Zone for School Essentials
One of the best ways to keep your home organized and your mornings stress-free is by setting up a drop zone. This is the central hub where all school-related items are kept; therefore, nothing gets lost in the daily shuffle.
What You’ll Need:
- Hooks or cubbies for backpacks and coats.
- A wall calendar or whiteboard to track important dates.
- Baskets or bins for shoes, lunchboxes, and other essentials.
- A dedicated spot for important papers and school forms.
Pro Tip:
Label everything so each item has its own spot. It’s a great way to stay organized and helps kids learn to put their things where they belong. Set up a drop zone near the entryway or kitchen, and you’ll have everything you need in one spot. This makes the morning rush smoother and a lot less chaotic!
2. Set Up a Homework Station with All the Necessary Supplies
Having a dedicated homework station can make after-school routines much smoother. When kids know exactly where to go to do their homework, it helps them transition from playtime to study time without (as much) resistance.
What You’ll Need:
- A desk or table in a quiet, well-lit area.
- Storage solutions like pencil holders, bins, and trays to keep supplies organized.
- A bulletin board or wall organizer to display schedules, assignments, and artwork.
- Comfortable seating to ensure kids can focus on their tasks without distractions.
Another Idea:
I’ve seen some moms use a homework cart on wheels, and I thought that was an interesting idea! Here’s an example from @lifewithlainee to give you some inspiration.
3. Easy Snack Organization
With busy mornings and hectic afternoons, having snacks ready to go can be a lifesaver. By organizing your pantry and fridge, you can make it easy for your kids to grab their own snacks, giving you one less thing to worry about.
What You’ll Need:
- Clear bins or baskets labeled with snack options. I love these!
- A dedicated shelf in the fridge or pantry at kid height for easy access. I can vouch this works for a kid as young as two.
Pro Tip:
Decant your kids’ favorite snacks into clear containers. It not only saves a ton of space, but it also makes it super easy to see when you’re running low on stock.
Back-to-School Organization Checklist:
I’m a total list maker—I can’t help myself! If you’re like me and love a good checklist, here’s one that covers all the essentials for easy back-to-school organization:
- Check Fall Clothing & Shoe Sizes: Go through your kids’ fall clothes to ensure they fit. Make a list of any items that need to be purchased or replaced.
- Organize School Supplies: Check the school supply list and stock up on essentials like notebooks, pencils, backpacks, and lunchboxes. Consider labeling everything with your child’s name.
- Calendar & Schedule: Update your family calendar with school start dates, extracurricular activities, and important events.
- First Day Boards/Printouts: Get first-day boards or printouts ready for those all-important first-day pictures.
- Restock your Medicine Cabinet: We all know it’s just a matter of time before a virus comes around, so why not make things easier on ourselves? Now is the perfect time to stock up on supplies, and while you’re at it, don’t forget to grab masks and hand sanitizer.
- Bedtime Routine: Start transitioning to a school-year bedtime routine to make mornings easier.
- Morning Routine: Establish a morning routine, including a healthy breakfast and time to get ready without rushing. I bought sliding chore charts off Etsy that my kids can easily follow and feel empowered checking things off the list.
- Back-to-School Talk: Talk to your kids about how they’re feeling about going back to school, especially if it’s a new school or grade. Discuss any concerns or excitement they have about the new school year and address any anxieties.
- Update Contact Information: Ensure the school has your most current contact information, including emergency contacts.
- After-School Plans: Confirm after-school care arrangements or set up a plan for after-school activities.
- Transportation Plans: Verify bus routes or carpool arrangements and ensure your kids know the plan.
Final Thoughts
As we get ready for the new season, give these back-to-school organization tips and checklists a try. Do you have any go-to tricks for staying organized during this hectic time? Drop them in the comments below! And don’t forget to visit DC Moms for more handy tips and resources. Happy (almost) Fall, moms—we’ve got this!
