Back to School: 9 Organization Tips for a Smooth Transition
I love being a mom, working as a real estate broker, and creating organized spaces. As a busy mom of an energetic 8 year old, back to school season always reminds me of the importance of routines and defined plans.
Now that it's August, take a moment to reflect on the demands of the upcoming school year. Identify some challenges and formulate a practical plan to help your family navigate through it. Your goal should be to improve daily routines, reduce stress, foster independence and promote a balanced lifestyle.
HOW? As a visual person, I find it helpful to write everything out and create a simple roadmap or diagram. It doesn't have to be fancy—just something to help visualize all the moving pieces in the days to come.
Next, take inventory, order, and restock your school supplies, fall clothing, footwear, and daily essentials (from hygiene products to lunch gear). Getting a head start will help you declutter, replenish what you need before the crowds, and free up time to enjoy the rest of summer.
BONUS TIP: Go through your supplies to make sure everything is in order and that you have what you need. Use clear bins and labels to keep items like pencils, markers, glue sticks, and notebooks organized.
Here are some of my other favorite back to school organization tips that have worked wonders for our family:
Establish a Routine: First and foremost, we establish a routine. Our daughter absolutely needs a clear plan and the steps to execute them. At the start of the school year, we:
Have a set bedtime and wake-up time with clear steps outlining what’s needed to get ready for bed and in the morning.
Disconnect from technology and read a book in bed before we turn off the lights.
Plan and organize daily outfits for the week on Sunday. We check the weather forecast and put together five different outfits with everything needed on separate hangers, using colorful clothing dividers to separate the outfits by the day. You can also use a hanging organizer with compartments for each day of the week. Planning my daughter’s outfits ahead allows her to feel independent and helps her get ready each morning without any fuss.
BONUS TIP: Start adjusting your bedtime routine two weeks before school starts.
Create a Command Center: The heart of our home is our kitchen, so naturally, it’s also our command center. On the fridge, we have four dedicated wipe boards to keep track of the school calendar, daily extracurricular activities, the monthly lunch menu, and important reminders. This way, everyone knows what’s happening and when, reducing last-minute scrambles.
BONUS TIP: Despite our best efforts, there are always unexpected hiccups. Maintaining a positive attitude will help you navigate these challenges.
Have a Designated Place for Daily Gear: In our mudroom, we have a basket for dirty sweaters and jackets and another for stinky socks. There's also a 4-foot shelving unit with multiple clear bins for clean sweaters, socks, hats, and gloves, making it easier for our daughter to grab what she needs in the morning. Additionally, we have hooks at her level for jackets and her book bag, as well as a shelf for her shoes.
Set Up a Homework Station: Creating a dedicated homework station has been a game-changer for us. We've set up a quiet, clutter-free area in our dining room with all the necessary supplies to help our daughter focus on her work without distractions. The open space also allows us to sit and help her whenever she needs us.
Prepare Snacks and Lunches the Night Before: Packing snacks and planning lunches the night before has saved us a ton of time and stress in the mornings. My daughter loves to help with this, and it’s a great opportunity to teach her about healthy eating choices. In our pantry, we place her snacks in clear bins on a shelf she can reach. We also have multiple bento boxes, water bottles, and at least two lunch bags to ensure we have everything we need for the next day. Having multiples is especially handy for those late work nights when we just can’t get everything washed, dried, and ready for the morning.
BONUS TIP: Find joy in the little victories.
Encourage Independence: Teaching our daughter to be independent with her school tasks has been incredibly beneficial. Simple tasks like packing her own snack, laying out her clothes, and starting her homework at the designated time give her a sense of responsibility and make our mornings and evenings much smoother.
Make It Fun: Finally, make organizing fun! Use colorful labels, fun storage bins, and encourage your kiddo to get creative with their space. To keep up the momentum during the school year, use little rewards for both yourself and your child to stay organized.
BONUS TIP: Set up a sticker chart where your child earns a sticker for each week they keep their space tidy, leading to a small prize like a new book or an extra playdate. For yourself, treat yourself to a favorite coffee or a relaxing bath after a successful week of maintaining an organized space.
Hope you’re energized and ready to create an organized and harmonious home. Transitioning back to school doesn’t have to be stressful. Create a plan and execute it one step at a time. Be creative, use a splash of color, and have fun! Cheers to a successful school year!
Looking to make Northern Westchester your home? Or need a little help to get your home show-ready to sell? Let’s connect and find the perfect solutions for you!
