QUICK TIPS for back-to-school organization

Back-To-School Routines To Keep You Sane

📚 Create a Morning Launch Pad: Designate a specific spot near the door for backpacks, shoes, and any other essentials your kids need to grab on their way out. This "launch pad" saves you from the morning scramble and ensures nothing gets left behind. To make it even more effective, set a routine where the kids pack up everything they need the night before—homework, gym clothes, and any permission slips—so mornings are smooth sailing.

📚 Set Up a Homework Station: Establish a dedicated spot for homework, whether it's a corner of the kitchen or a desk in their room. A consistent place helps kids focus and keeps school supplies organized and easy to find. Stock the station with all the essentials—pencils, erasers, paper, chargers, and maybe even some snacks—so there’s no need to interrupt study time to hunt down supplies. Consider adding a timer to help them manage their time effectively and break tasks into manageable chunks.

📚 Meal Plan for the Week: Back-to-school season can easily disrupt dinner routines, so take control by planning meals ahead of time. Start by planning simple, quick-to-prepare dinners that don’t require much fuss. For busy nights, consider making large batches of family favorites on the weekend that can be easily reheated during the week. If mornings are hectic, prep breakfast and lunch the night before, too. This approach not only saves time but also reduces the stress of figuring out what to cook every night.

📚 Unpack Immediately: As soon as the kids get home, make it a habit for them to unpack their backpacks right away. Designate a specific place for papers—like a tray, folder, or wall organizer—so you can easily review them later. This prevents the dreaded buildup of crumpled assignments and forgotten permission slips, and keeps you in the loop with what’s happening at school. Plus, it teaches the kids responsibility and helps maintain an organized home. There are so many great options from The Container Store!