Get Ahead of the School Rush
The Professional Organizer’s Survival Guide
As summer wraps up and school is back on the horizon, it’s time to get the brewing chaos of extracurriculars, schedules, and supplies organized and under control. We all know how quickly the storm hits, making it absolutely paramount to get ahead of it with systems that will not only help your kids thrive but help you keep your sanity in the meantime. 🥲
From setting up a central spot for all your family’s schedules, having dedicated lunch packing stations, and getting kids involved in the daily routines, these strategies will help you master the art of staying organized so you can kick off the school year right. This is the ultimate back-to-school guide!
Family Command Center
Think of the family command center as your home’s HQ for everything school-related. This central hub keeps everyone informed and on the same page. Pick a high-traffic area like the kitchen or entryway.
Combine a calendar, bulletin board and/or whiteboard. Use the calendar to track school events, extracurriculars, and family activities. The bulletin board is perfect for important reminders, invitations, etc., and the whiteboard works great for daily to-dos and quick notes.
You can add hooks for keys, a tray for mail, and a slot for school papers: whatever your crew needs! Color-code the calendar for each family member to keep things clear and organized. Of course, digital calendars are great, but we find that for families with varied ages, a physical calendar can be irreplaceable in setting them up for expectations for the week.
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Efficient Lunchbox and Water Bottle Storage
Keeping your kitchen organized is key to quick lunch packing. Dedicate a lower cabinet or drawer for lunchboxes and water bottles, using dividers or bins to keep things tidy. Place a drying rack near the sink for washed items to ensure they’re dry and ready to go by morning. Store items at kid-friendly heights to encourage independence and label lunch boxes and bottles with your child’s name to prevent mix-ups.
Water Bottle Storage:
Tupperware + Lunchbox Storage:
Wraps, Foils + Bag Storage:
Streamline Morning Routines
Streamlining morning routines is a game-changer because a smooth morning sets the tone for a great day. Pack lunches, lay out clothes, and organize backpacks the night before to reduce morning chaos and ensure nothing gets forgotten. Create a visual morning routine checklist for your kids, including tasks like brushing teeth, making the bed, and packing lunch. For younger kids, use fun visuals. Have a specific spot for everything – shoes by the door, backpacks on hooks, and lunchboxes in a dedicated cabinet.
Every house is different with what area makes the most sense to be the zone for these items. Common areas can range from an entryway, garage, mudroom or laundry room. We always recommend an area that is functional for both the kids and yourself.
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Create Effective Drop Zones
The key to streamlining those morning routines lies in the drop zone that is set up. Effective drop zones keep entryways clutter-free and ensure everyone’s items are in their place. Install hooks at child-friendly heights for backpacks and jackets and use cubbies or baskets underneath for shoes and smaller items. Personalize each spot with the child/ family members name.
Use a shoe rack, bench with storage, or a simple shoe mat and designate spots for each family member to keep things organized. Have a basket for each child for items that need to go to school and another for items that need attention, like homework or permission slips.
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Maintain Consistency and Flexibility
Maintaining consistency and flexibility is essential. Consistent routines reduce stress, but flexibility allows you to adapt to unexpected changes. Hold weekly family meetings to review schedules, plan for the week, and address any issues.
This keeps everyone informed and involved. Be open to tweaking your organization systems. If something isn’t working, change it and go with the flow of where life is taking you. The goal is to find what works best for your family.
Bring the Kids into the Mix
Make getting organized a family affair by getting the kids involved! Transform tasks into fun, interactive activities. For younger kids, let them pick out their outfits or help pack their lunch, while older kids can take charge of organizing their own school supplies and managing their schedules. Turn chores into games—use a timer for a “clean-up challenge” or set up a reward system with stickers and small prizes to keep things exciting.
One of my favorite tricks from the classroom is to play a fun song and give the challenge to complete a clean up task before the song ends. When kids are engaged and see the fun side of organizing, they’re more likely to stay on top of their tasks and feel like they’re part of the team.
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Let’s Do This!
You’re now all set to conquer the back-to-school rush with style and ease! By setting up simple systems and getting the whole family involved, you’ll keep things running smoothly and reduce the stress of the transition.
Just stay flexible, keep it practical, and remember that staying organized can be tough sometimes – but I promise, setting up systems to fall back on is always worth it and makes it so much easier! Here’s to a great start to the school year—wishing you and your family a smooth and stress-free journey ahead!
