For me, back to school is like my New Years. A time for everything to start fresh and anew, a chance to set some “resolutions,” if you will, as a family, and a chance to get organized!
Getting organized for back to school is the ground work for a successful transition back and start to the new year. Here are some organizational ideas to help get your new school year started off right!
Homework Station
This year my oldest is in 3rd grade, and that means more homework than we’ve had before! I decided to make a central homework/office/art area in our house that is ground zero for all things homework and also creative. Our computers are located in this room as are all the supplies our kids need to complete homework assignments. Having a separate room for homework has been working great for our family, but a designated homework space could be anywhere! Each kid has a large bulletin board that makes it easy to put up assignments and reminders of things that need to get done. I also loved these desks from Land of Nod that allow each kid to have their own little storage in the desk for things they are working on.
School Supply/Art Cart
Inside our homework room I purchased this cart from Home Decorators Collection. Since I have my crafting supplies and paper in the room with the kids’ supplies, I liked having a spot to keep things they know they are allowed to use. It’s stocked with printer paper, construction paper, lined notebook paper, pens, pencils, glue, scissors, markers, crayons, etc. If it is NOT on the art cart, they know they must ASK to use it. This has helped big time in saving my pricier crafting papers and glitter from being wasted. Plus it’s on wheels, and I can roll it right up to where they need it.
Backpack Station
In our homework room we hung hooks for the kids backpacks and each kid has a basket for lunch boxes and other things they might need for school (library books). The kids can finish their homework and slip it back into their backpack. They also know this is where I better find their backpacks after school and NOT in my car!
Mommy Mission Control
Our homework room is also my office. I have all my crafting supplies, bills, etc. that I have to take care of. I love this organizational system from Pottery Barn. I’ve had it for almost six years, and is by far the best organizational system I have ever had! I purchased two calendar boards so that we can have a look at the current month and the next. It’s also nice for my husband to be able to take a look at it and see what we have on tap in the coming weeks.
Lunch Packing Station
In our kitchen we have a cabinet that is reserved for all things lunch! I keep all lunch Tupperware, disposable utensils, thermos and other related lunch stuff in this cabinet. This eases morning lunch making when everything you need is in one place! Check out my “6 Items to Liven up your Kids Lunch” for some of my favorite lunch accessories and Rachel’s “More than just PB&J” for some great school lunch ideas.
Hair Drawer
A few years ago, I cleaned out an entire drawer in our kitchen (conveniently located right above my lunch packing station) and devoted it purely to the daily grind of getting ready. The hunt for brushes and hair ties is no more. Not only has this helped with getting ready in the morning, but also with getting ready to play outside and for after school activities. Now, while my daughters have their breakfast, I can brush their hair and pull it back with no fighting, no drama, and no search for a dang brush!!!
What to Wear
Thankfully, my oldest daughter has grown out of her impossible phase of not wanting to get dressed in the morning and then not agreeing on what to wear. But, having the clothes set out the night before still makes the morning chore getting dressed so much easier! (Especially if you have a moody almost tween who woke up on the wrong side of the bed!) I love this closet organizer from One Step Ahead, to help organize and prepare what to wear for the week!!
Wow. Organization envy over here!
Thanks for the inspiration! I would love to know where you found the baskets in your backpack station.
They were from Land of Nod!