The beginning of the school year is a crazy and chaotic time for most families. Whether it’s facing crowded shopping malls for back-to-school clothes, double-checking you’ve bought all the necessary supplies, or trying to establish a morning routine that works for everyone— sending kids back to school requires careful planning and coordination.
If you’re a parent who’s been secretly dreading September, I’m here to tell you going back to school doesn’t have to feel like a cyclone has upended your entire life.
There are systems and strategies you can use to simplify this busy time of year!
My Top 5 Back to School Organization Tips
1. Set Up a School School Supply Drawer
As a seasoned back-to-school organizer, I can confidently say setting up a school supply drawer is an absolute game-changer. Think of it as a magical portal that holds everything your child needs – from colorful markers to trusty rulers and glue sticks ready for creative masterpieces.
And the best part? No more last minute trips to department stores when your child has a school project due. They’ll know exactly where to find everything they need. No assistance required!
If you really want to ramp up your drawer organization, I recommend using drawer trays like these to keep pens, pencils, highlighters, scissors, and other supplies nearly categorized.
2. Create a Family Calendar
Never underestimate the transformative power of a clear and well-structured calendar. If you want to master back to school organization, it’s an absolute must-have! From school events and extracurricular activities to parent-teacher conferences and important deadlines, a family calendar eliminates forgetfulness and double bookings— keeping everyone on the same page at all times.
My advice? Assign a unique color to each family member to easily distinguish their events and activities on the calendar. It’s a simple visual cue that makes identifying individual schedules at a glance so much easier!
It’s also helpful to hold regular family meetings to discuss upcoming events and commitments together. It promotes open communication and ensures everyone is aware of each other’s schedules.
3. Use Wall Hooks to Hold Backpacks
A lot of parents make an effort to get organized for back to school, only to have clutter and chaos return as the weeks go by. This is where having a dedicated drop-zone can be a life saver!
Not only does it prevent your kids from leaving their backpacks, sports equipment, and other items all over the house, but it teaches them tidiness and responsibility. Let your children know their backpacks are to be hung every day after school and before you know it, they’ll be doing it without a second thought.
No more last-minute hunting for backpacks on Monday mornings or tripping over them in the hallway!
4. Establish a “Night Before” Routine
Evenings are an opportunity to set your kids up for a smooth and stress-free morning— a major must if you want them to perform well as students. Whether it’s picking out their clothes for the next day, packing their own lunches, or making sure important documents are in their backpack where they won’t be forgotten, teaching your children to prepare for tomorrow is a lesson that pays off in spades.
I recommend involving the whole family in your night before routine by assigning age-appropriate tasks to each family member. Many hands make light work, after all, and everyone has their own unique strengths.
5. Maintain a Stocked Car Caddy
This is one of my favorite back to school organization tips! It’s perfect for avoiding those last-minute “uh oh, I forgot” moments. You can keep a portable caddy in your trunk stocked with essential items like snacks, hair clips, feminine products, glue sticks, pens, post-it notes, and more.
Want to be extra prepared? Add a duffle bag with extra socks, gym shorts, water bottles, sneakers, etc.
Trust me, you’ll be so glad you did it when your child looks at you with that tell-tale panicked expression on their face.
How an Organized Back to School Routine Benefits Your Child
1. Less Anxiety
With a consistent daily schedule, your child(ren) can know what to expect, minimizing uncertainty and reducing feelings of unease. This is often a great comfort for growing kids who are experiencing a lot of change in their lives, whether it’s going to a new school, participating in an extracurricular for the first time, or having to navigate unexpected challenges at home (i.e. divorce, moving to a different house, or the introduction of a new baby sibling).
2. Improved Academic Performance
Routines help children develop discipline and time management skills, which are vital for maintaining focus and retaining information. It helps them develop structured study habits while also establishing a sense of balance. Your child will know the difference between play time and study time, and will benefit from giving their full, undivided attention to each when it’s the appropriate time to do so.
3. Healthy Emotional Development
An organized space cultivates a sense of control and accomplishment, empowering your kids to take charge of their surroundings and actions. As they grow and face life’s challenges, these early habits of routine and organization become invaluable tools for managing stress and building resilience. Your children will feel capable of restoring order to their own lives!
Feeling the Stress of Back to School? We Can Help
As a parent of two littles myself, I understand the juggling act you face as September approaches. But as a professional home organizer I’m here to tell you there’s a way to avoid the overwhelm!
There are intuitive organizational systems that suit your family’s needs and with a little help, you can enjoy smoother routines, more efficient spaces, and enhanced quality time with the people you love most.
Are you ready to make this school year your most organized and peaceful one yet?
Reach out today and let’s conquer the chaos together!
Or, if you’d like to do this yourself using our 47 page Declutter & Organize Workbook, click HERE to purchase and get started!
