5 Essential Areas to Organize for a Smooth Back-to-School Transition

/ Simplify with Sheeba/

With back to school season just around the corner, it's the perfect time to get your home working for you for a smoother school year.

A little work now will help save you time (and your sanity!) and will allow your household to run like a well oiled machine just in time for the school season.

1. The Entryway

The space that easily becomes a catch-all for backpacks, jackets, shoes, etc.

Set up designated hooks or cubbies for these items to avoid morning chaos. A shelf or basket for keys, sunglasses, and other essentials ensures nothing gets lost in the shuffle.

*Pro organizer tips:

  • Label hooks or cubbies with each family member’s name.

  • Install a wall-mounted organizer with pockets for sorting mail and important documents.

  • Rotate seasonal items. Entry ways are usually small spaces, made to fit just the current season’s gear. Consider swapping out seasonal items like winter hats vs summer caps or winter mufflers vs summer scarves so that you’re always storing the current items.

2. Homework Station

Having a designated homework spot can help your kids focus better and get their assignments done faster. Choose a quiet corner in the house and stock it with all the essentials—i.e. pencils, paper, and a calculator. Make sure the area is well-lit and has a comfy chair, so they’re not distracted by discomfort.

*Pro organizer tips:

  • Use drawer organizers to keep supplies tidy.

  • Keep a charging station nearby for electronic devices with labelled wires to help avoid confusion.

  • Consider adding a bulletin board or corkboard for notes, reminders, and schedules.

3. Closets and Clothing

Back-to-school often means a fresh wardrobe, so it’s a great time to declutter and organize your child’s closet. Sort through old clothes, donate what doesn’t fit anymore, and make space for new school outfits. Organize clothes by type or season so it’s easy to find what they need each morning

*Pro organizer tips:

  • Have a dedicated bin for outgrown clothes handy, and while you’re at it a bin for items that your child still needs to grow into.

  • Label drawers or bins for different clothing categories (e.g., socks, T-shirts, uniforms).

  • Rotate seasonal clothing to the front of the closet as needed.

4. Meal Planning and Lunch Prep Area

Mornings are hectic enough without having to scramble to pack lunches. Set up a designated spot in your kitchen for lunch prep and snack storage. Keep it stocked with lunchboxes, reusable containers, and easy-to-grab snacks. Planning meals for the week ahead of time can also save you a ton of stress.

*Pro organizer tips:

  • Use clear bins or baskets to organize snacks and lunch supplies.

  • Prep non-perishable items the night before to save time in the morning.

  • Post a weekly meal plan on the fridge to keep things on track.

5. Calendar and Family Command Center

Juggling everyone’s schedule can feel like a full-time job, so a family command center is a lifesaver. A shared calendar keeps track of everyone’s activities, while a spot for incoming mail and school forms helps keep important papers from getting lost.

*Pro organizer tips:

  • Use colour-coded markers or stickers for each family member’s activities.

  • Place your command center in a high-traffic area like the kitchen, hallway, or near the entryway where everyone passes by frequently.

  • Have a designated folder with labels or pockets for each family member, type of document (e.g., “To Sign,” “Bills,” “School Papers”), or by urgency (e.g., “Urgent,” “To Do”).

Organizing these five key areas before the school year starts can set your family up for a smooth and successful transition. The goal is to set up systems that are simple to maintain, so everyone in the family can pitch in and keep things running smoothly. With a little bit of prep, you’ll be ready to tackle the new school year without all the stress and chaos.