As summer winds down and the back-to-school season approaches, it’s the perfect time to get your home in order. A little organization now can set the stage for a smoother, more stress-free school year. Here are three tasks to tackle before the kids go back to school.

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1. Organize a Closet

A well-organized closet can make mornings easier and help everyone start the day on the right foot. Whether it’s the kids’ bedroom closets, a coat closet, or a shared family closet, spending a little time on this task will pay off all year long. In Homekeeping Society we’re working together on Closets (the Monthly Focus in the Clean Mama Routine) this month – join us!

Steps to Organize a Closet:

  1. Empty the Closet: Take everything out and give the closet a good cleaning. Wipe down shelves, vacuum the floor, and dust any corners.
  2. Sort and Declutter: Go through all the items and decide what to keep, donate, or toss. Be honest about what’s no longer needed or outgrown.
  3. Categorize: Group similar items together – shirts, pants, school uniforms, and accessories. Use bins or baskets to keep smaller items organized.
  4. Label: Clearly label shelves, bins, or drawers to make it easy for everyone to find and put away items. 
  5. Plan Outfits: Consider creating a weekly outfit plan. Use a hanging organizer with slots for each day of the week to save time during busy mornings. I grabbed this one for my youngest to pre-select outfits for the week. 


Tip: Get the kids involved in the process. They’re more likely to maintain an organized closet if they’ve had a hand in organizing it.

2. Plan Out the First Week of School’s Meals

A little meal planning can go a long way in making the first week of school stress-free and smooth. 

Steps to Plan Out the First Week of School’s Meals:

  1. Create a Favorites List: Sit down with your family and plan out at least dinners for the first week.
  2. Make a Shopping List: Based on your menu, create a detailed shopping list. Don’t forget to include items for school lunches and after-school snacks.
  3. Batch Cook and Prep: Prepare meals in advance where possible. Cook and freeze dinners, chop vegetables, and portion out snacks to save time during the busy week.
  4. Organize the Pantry and Fridge: Ensure your pantry and fridge are organized and stocked with everything you need. 
  5. Prepare Lunches the Night Before: Pack school lunches the night before to save time and prevent chaos in the morning.

Weekly Menu Planner Notepad

Tip: Use a meal planning app or calendar to keep track of your menu and shopping list.

3. Create a Homework Station

Having a designated homework station can help kids stay focused and make after-school routines smoother. Here’s how to set one up:

Steps to Create a Homework Station:

  1. Choose a Location: Pick a quiet, well-lit area where kids can work without distractions. It could be a corner of the kitchen, a desk in their room, or a nook in the living room.
  2. Stock Supplies: Gather all the necessary supplies – pencils, pens, paper, rulers, and calculators. Keep them in easy-to-access containers. Take advantage of the back to school sales to stock up.
  3. Organize Materials: Use folders or binders to keep school papers and assignments organized. Label them by subject or priority.
  4. Minimize Distractions: Make sure the area is free from distractions like toys, TV, or loud noises.
  5. Personalize: Let your kids decorate their homework station to make it a space they enjoy spending time in.

Tip: Establish a routine where kids start their homework at the same time each day to build good habits.

By tackling these three tasks before the kids go back to school, you’ll set your family up for a more organized and stress-free school year. A little preparation now can make a big difference in the months ahead. Happy organizing!