5 Back-to-School Organization Tips for a Smooth School Year

As summer vacations wind down and the back-to-school season kicks into high gear, many families are already in the midst of the hustle and bustle. However, if you're looking to add a little more organization to your daily routine, whether you're a month or just a week into the school year, you've come to the right place. In this blog post, we'll share five actionable tips to help you maintain a well-organized and stress-free school year.

Run an Inservice: Set Expectations and Routines

• Don't assume your child knows where to find their school supplies for homework or where to hang their backpack. Take some time to walk through likely scenarios, like getting ready for the bus or returning home after school.
• Involve your children in these discussions. They might have valuable insights or suggestions to make the daily routine smoother.
• Routines can significantly reduce anxiety and overwhelm for both parents and children. While life can be unpredictable, having a well-defined routine in place can help you adapt more easily.

Prep and Plan the Night Before: Start Small

• Preparing for the next day in advance can save you from those hectic, last-minute scrambles in the morning. Encourage your child to set out their outfit or locate the shoes they'll need.
• Start with small steps if this is challenging. Over time, you can expand this routine to cover other aspects of your morning preparations.
• Remember, the more you do today, the smoother tomorrow will be.

Create a Command Center: Organize Important Documents

• Establish a central location, like a command center or vertical active file system, to keep important school papers, invitations, permission slips, and other documents easily accessible.
• This practice can prevent the need for diving into the depths of a backpack to find crucial papers.

Reset Regularly: Keep Clutter at Bay

• Don't wait until the end of the school year to clear out the bookbag or homework center clutter. Regular cleanouts can help maintain a sense of order and reduce stress.
• Just as clutter can overwhelm adults, it can affect children's well-being. More frequent resets will save you time and potentially prevent late library book fines.

Make Use of Phone Apps: Embrace Technology

• Technology can be a valuable ally in keeping your family organized. Explore apps that can help you manage calendars, to-do lists, and grocery shopping more efficiently.
• Stay tuned for our upcoming blog post, where we'll share some of our favorite apps for staying organized.

As we embark on another school year, remember that organization is the key to a smoother, less stressful experience. Whether you're running an inservice to establish routines, preparing for the next day in advance, creating a command center, resetting clutter regularly, or harnessing the power of phone apps, these strategies can make a world of difference in your daily life.

We'd love to hear from you: What organization strategies work best for your family, or which ones do you plan to implement this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Here's to a happy, fulfilling, and organized school year for you and your children!

Are you looking for a home organizer in New Jersey to help reclaim your home for the school year? Reach out for a free consultation to get started!

 Hello, I'm Maggie! I am the author of this blog and the owner of Chesterfield Organizing Co. I help people just like you declutter and organize their physical space so they can create the space for what matters most in all areas of their life.

As a professional organizer, it's my job to use patience and compassion, above all things, to guide you through the process of clearing the clutter, creating systems of sustainable organization, and/or helping you move with more ease. Whether you want an in-person service, organizing membership, or online service, Chesterfield Organizing Co. is here to help!