Get Ahead of the Game by Organizing These Key Areas Before School
It’s back-to-school time, and getting into a routine is probably something you are looking forward to after a free summer of fun.
But let’s be honest, the morning battles are not fun for anyone.
Getting the kids out the door can be hectic, and sometimes you lose your cool because of the hundred times you have told someone to get ready or dealing with the mom, “Where’s my ___?” However, I wanna share some key systems you can set up in one weekend and feel the difference by Monday you can do this in 15 minutes.
*This post contains affiliate links and I am an affiliate with Amazon and Target. This means that if you click-through and make a purchase I receive a small commission (at no cost to you). I only write and endorse products I personally use, love and what I find helpful in being an awesome mom. For more details, Click here
Dropzone/Supply Area
Quick win: Create one spot by your main door where backpacks, shoes, school laptops and sports gear will live. One hook per child + one bin for shoes= fewer “Mom where’s my __?” moments.
If you already have mudroom great. If not, no problem your drop zone can be as simple as:
- 3 hooks on a wall
- 1 shoe bin
- 1 basket for library books, sports gear etc.
Another idea is a pull drawer system like the image below: This system is from IKEA
- Assign each child a pullout bin
- Label each bin with childs name
- 3 hooks on the wall near by for hanging things
Why this works:
A dropzone is a system, not just a space. When kids know exactly where their stuff belongs, mornings run smoothier and you teach them to be responsible for their own things.
Take notice though that I called it a system. You see, systems and routines are the very backbone of a streamlined home. If you are looking for more systems and routines, check out the category systems and routines here.
Don’t forget to evovle your dropzone as your child ages up and their sports change.
How to set it up in 15 minutes:
- Pick your location – by main door or garage door
- Assign space per person – a hook, cubby or basket
- Add storage for gear – shelfs or vertical storage
- Label it – names, colors so even littles get it, numbers work too
- Set a rule – show everyone where their stuff goes and everyday follow the rule to build routine
Paper & Documents station
Quick win: Setp up a one spot where all paper lands when it comes into the home before it takes over your counter.
Papers pile up fast-three days of papers can feel like a mountain. When you give paper a place to go the moment it enters your home the clutter and (overwhelm) disappear.
How to set this up in 10 minutes or less
- Choose your location
- Choose your hub – file organizer, basket, wall mount sorter
- Label 3 main sections:
- Action
- File
- Toss/Recycle
- Add kid specific folders – for school papers, art, schedules etc
- Do a daily sort as a routine – recycle papers immeditalty, put action papers in the file, file once a week
Why this works
At any given time you know where permission slips, coupons, and schedules are. Your counters and tables will stop doubling as a paper grave yard.
Pro tip: When you grab your daily mail emtpy the junk mail outside in your recyle bin so it never enters the home.
Lunch station/Snack station
Quick win: Create a grab and go station for lunch making and snacks so kids can help them selves and mornings move faster.
When snacks are easy to see and reach kids can take over the task of prepping and it saves you time.
How to set this up in 15 minutes
- Pick your spot – pantry shelf, lower cabinet, or sections in the fridge
- Use bins or baskets – one for snacks, one for lunch making items
- Pre-portion snacks – put items in small containers or reuseable bags
- Stock lunch tools – lunch boxes, reuseable utensils, thermoses
- Rotate weekly – swap out snack options to avoid food fatique, expired food etc
Pro tip: Avoid the bulk buys on snack items and restock the area on your weekly grocery run
The Vtop pullout drawers is one of my favorite tools to use for snacks.
Why this works:
We have found success in having these areas because the kids can learn how to pack their lunches and know exactly where to grab snack fun in an easy-to-reach area.
It’s part of what I call fostering your kid’s independence.
Beverage Station
If space/time permits, you could include a small beverage station with water bottlesand other refreshing drinks your family enjoys.
Kids’ closets/clothes
As kids grow they no longer allow you to dress them and they start to have their own style. Making getting dressed easier in the morning with these simple systems.
Quick win: Organizing clothes in the closet by color so kids can find exactly what they are looking for and use the file fold method inside of drawers so kids can get dressed without digging through the drawers and making a mess.
There is also the bin method but this can take longer to look for items unless you get dress the night before.
I use a capsule wardrobe for my kiddos to keep things super simple.
Why this works: On those special days when kids need to wear a certain color it is easy to find. Kids are visual and color coordination can help them stay more organized. Saves you time.
How to set this up in 15 minutes:
1. Declutter:
Before you start organizing, go through the closet and declutter. Remove items that no longer fit, are out of season, or are no longer used. This will create more space for the items that your child currently uses and needs.
2. Replace the decluttered clothing with new clothing
3. Pull out any broken hangers
4.Color-code – orgnaize by type or color for quick scanning
5. Prep-ahead pullout tommorrw’s outfit the night before
Family Calendar
Quick win: Put every school, sport, family event in one calendar and make a visual aid
How to set this up in 15 minutes:
- Choose your main calendar – digtal (Google calendar) or paper
- Open up the Google Calendar and sit down and input all the important dates.
- Set reminders
- Make it visual-post a weekly visual calendar where everyone can see it
- Review weekly- Sunday reset routine is the best way to update the calendar for the following week
- School Calendar
- Extra-curricular activities
- Church activities
- Sports activities
- Any other special dates
Having a visual calendar for the kids to see helps them to prepare for the week. My son can read now, but the youngest can’t yet. However, she can see things each day and will ask what they sa,y and will use the visual aid to count down days and look forward to what is happening for the week.
I hope you found this post helpful in getting you ready for the new school year. I have a few other ideas that might help with school prep and back-to-school season.
- Creating an after-school routine that supports the whole family
- Ease back-to-school stress with these 15 Super Easy Ways
- How to decide what school papers to keep and how to create a keepsake system
Preparing for the upcoming school year involves more than just purchasing supplies and choosing the perfect backpack. It’s about creating an environment that fosters productivity, smooth-running days, and a sense of calm amidst the hustle and bustle. By focusing on key areas of the organization before school starts, you set yourself and your children up for success.
Starting with the physical space, decluttering and arranging drop-zone areas can significantly reduce hectic mornings.
Time management is another critical aspect of successful preparation. Establishing routines, scheduling, and utilizing tools like planners or digital calendars can help keep everyone on track.
Digital organization is paramount in today’s digital age. Sorting through files and organizing documents, ensuring that everything you need is readily accessible. This reduces stress and prevents last-minute scrambles to locate essential resources.
Remember, the effort invested in these areas before school starts pays off in the form of reduced stress, enhanced productivity, and a more positive experience for all involved. So, roll up your sleeves, dive into the planning process, and get ready to make the most of the school year ahead!
Which one of these do you need to create?