10 Home Organization Tips for the Back-to-School Season

As the back-to-school season begins, many families find themselves juggling busy schedules, school supplies, after-school activities and endless to-do lists. A little home organization can go a long way in making the transition smoother for everyone. Here are 10 easy hacks to help you stay organized and stress-free this fall:

1. Create a Drop Zone in the Entryway

Set up a designated space by the front door with hooks, baskets or cubbies for backpacks, shoes and jackets. This keeps clutter contained and ensures kids know exactly where to put their things when they get home.

2. Use a Family Command Center

Hang a large calendar, bulletin board, or whiteboard in a central area of the house to track school events, activities, chores and appointments. Add a section for reminders, meal plans and to-do lists so the whole family stays on the same page.

3. Color-Code Everything

Assign each child a color for folders, bins and even lunchboxes. This makes it easy to quickly identify whose items are whose, cutting down on mix-ups and morning chaos.

4. Stock a Homework Station

Create a dedicated spot for homework with all the supplies—pencils, paper, scissors, rulers—ready to go. Having a go-to space helps kids focus and reduces the scramble to find what they need.

5. Rotate Seasonal Gear

Keep only what’s needed for the current season in your entryway or mudroom. Store summer gear like sandals and baseball gloves elsewhere to make room for fall jackets, boots, and backpacks.

6. Streamline School Lunch Prep

Set up a lunch-making station in your kitchen or pantry with bins for snacks, sandwich bags and reusable containers. Prepping grab-and-go items on Sunday makes weekday mornings run much smoother.

7. Create a Paperwork System

Use a filing box or wall organizer with folders for each child to manage permission slips, school newsletters and important forms. Sorting papers right away prevents them from piling up on counters.

8. Set Up a Charging Station

Designate one spot for charging tablets, phones and laptops overnight. This prevents misplaced devices and ensures everyone is powered up and ready for the day.

9. Declutter Closets and Drawers

Go through kids’ clothes before the school year starts. Donate or store items they’ve outgrown and organize what’s left so getting dressed in the morning is quick and easy.

10. Build in Routines

Organization isn’t just about stuff—it’s also about habits. Establish morning and evening routines (packing bags at night, laying out clothes, reviewing the calendar) to keep everyone on track.

Good luck with the new school year!