As the lazy days of summer come to an end, parents everywhere are feeling that familiar back-to-school buzz. Between shopping for supplies, adjusting sleep schedules, and mentally preparing for new routines, this is the perfect time to set your kids up for a successful school year—starting with a clutter-free, organized home.
The Rose City Professional Organizing Team believes that an organized space supports an organized mind. And for kids especially, a tidy, functional home environment can make a world of difference in their academic success, independence, and confidence.
Here’s your September guide to decluttering and organizing kids’ spaces to ensure a smooth, stress-free start to the school year.
1. Start With a Room Reset: Decluttering Kids’ Bedrooms
Before new routines begin, take a few hours to tackle bedroom clutter. You don’t need to turn the space into a minimalist showroom—but simplifying and organizing now can prevent chaos later.
A tidy, calm space helps kids relax, sleep better, and feel more in control—setting them up for success each day.
Tips for a Successful Bedroom Declutter:
- Work Together: Involve your child. Ask what items they’ve outgrown or no longer use.
- Purge With Purpose: Create “Keep,” “Donate,” and “Trash” piles. Be realistic about what actually gets used.
- Rotate Toys: Keep a few favorites accessible and store the rest. Rotate them every few months to keep things fresh.
- Contain the Clutter: Use labeled bins or cubbies to group similar items—books, Legos, dolls, etc.
2. Reset the Closet & Dresser: Simplify Mornings
Nothing adds to morning chaos like a messy closet or missing socks. A streamlined wardrobe helps kids get ready independently and quickly.
Consider creating a mini “Morning Station” with a mirror, hairbrush, and accessories to reduce trips across the house during busy mornings.
Closet & Dresser Organization Tips:
- Purge Outgrown Items: Donate or store clothes that no longer fit or are out of season.
- Plan Outfits: Pre-select outfits for the week. Use labeled hangers for each day.
- Label Drawers: For younger kids, use words or picture labels to show where everything belongs.
- Use Vertical Space: Install hooks for backpacks, jackets, or hats.
3. Create an Organized Homework Station
A dedicated area for schoolwork (separate from toys and screens) helps kids transition into learning mode. Whether it’s a desk in their room or a quiet kitchen nook, the goal is to minimize distractions and keep essentials at their fingertips.
Encourage your kids to tidy their homework station each night to start the next day fresh and focused.
Homework Station Must-Haves:
- Supplies at Hand: Stock with pencils, erasers, rulers, glue sticks, scissors, etc.
- Proper Lighting: Natural light is ideal, but a good desk lamp works too.
- Paper Organization: Use trays or folders to separate homework, permission slips, and school notices.
- Tech Accessories: For kids using tablets or laptops, create a tech caddy with chargers and headphones.
4. Design a Functional Entryway or Drop Zone
The front entry is often the epicenter of clutter—but it doesn’t have to be. A well-organized drop zone makes coming and going smoother for everyone.
Entryway Drop Zone Ideas:
- Hooks at Kid Height: For backpacks, jackets, and lunch bags.
- Cubbies or Baskets: Assign one per child to hold shoes, sports gear, or seasonal items.
- Family Command Center: Use a wall calendar or whiteboard to track activities, appointments, and reminders.
- Charging Station: Set up a dedicated spot for charging school devices overnight.
Bonus tip: Add a folder or bin labeled “For Parents” so kids have a spot to drop off notes, permission slips, or forms.
5. Streamline Meal Prep & Lunchbox Organization
Meal planning can make your school week infinitely easier—and healthier too. With a little prep, you can avoid last-minute lunchbox scrambles and weeknight dinner stress.
Create a drawer or cabinet that holds all your lunch supplies—containers, thermoses, napkins, and utensils—for streamlined packing.
Smart Meal Prep Habits:
- Plan Ahead: Choose your dinners and lunch options for the week, and grocery shop with a plan.
- Pre-Chop & Portion: Prepare fruits, veggies, and snacks in advance.
- Lunchbox Station: Dedicate a fridge shelf or pantry bin to grab-and-go lunch items.
- Kid Involvement: Let kids help prep and pack their own lunches the night before.
6. Build Back-to-School Routines Early
Even the most organized systems need routines to work. Starting a few weeks early gives kids time to adjust before the school-year rush begins.
Use a visual checklist (great for younger kids!) to guide morning and evening routines without constant reminders.
Routines That Support Success:
- Consistent Bedtimes & Wake-Ups: Gradually shift schedules to match school hours.
- Evening Prep: Make laying out clothes, packing lunches, and loading backpacks part of the nighttime routine.
- Daily Homework Time: Choose a consistent window after school to help kids develop productive habits.
Need Help Getting Organized for the School Year?
September is more than just a new school year—it’s a chance to reset your home and your routines.
Whether you’re tackling just one small zone or doing a full family reset, the key is progress, not perfection. Each labeled bin, each routine established, is a step closer to a smoother, more successful school year.
At Rose City Professional Organizing, we believe a well-organized home helps reduce stress, increase focus, and create space for what matters most. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply don’t have time to tackle everything before the first day of school, we’re here to help!
Rose City Professional Organizing specializes in:
- Kids’ room resets
- Closet organization
- Entryway drop zones
- Homework stations
- Family command centers
- Whole-home back-to-school prep
Let us do the heavy lifting so your family can start the year off calm, confident, and clutter-free.
Contact us today for a free home assessment & let’s make this the most organized school year yet!