Back-to-School Organization: Prep Supplies, Homework Stations & Family Routines
The back-to-school season always sneaks up faster than we expect—and for busy parents, August can feel like the calm before the chaos. Depending where you are in the country, your kids are either starting school NOW or you have a couple more weeks to prep. Either way, a few simple resets around the house can help ease the transition from summer mode to school-ready without scrambling the night before.
This week, I’m sharing 5 practical ways to get your home—and your mind ready for a smooth start to the school year. Whether your upcoming school year includes managing preschool drop-offs or middle school homework battles, these small changes will help your family shift gears with less stress and more structure.
1. Organize School Supplies (and Know What to Keep in Backstock)
Start by gathering everything you already have—pencils, crayons, glue sticks, notebooks, and more. You might be surprised how many extras are lurking in drawers, backpacks, or last year’s bins. If you didn’t edit your supply after school let out for the summer, now’s your chance. Toss any broken or dried out items (pens, crayons, markers) and anything that will not be used in the upcoming year.
Create one central spot (a desk drawer, a rolling cart, or behind a closet door!) for all school supplies. Use small containers or drawer organizers to separate categories.
Stock up on basics while back-to-school sales are on. Staples like dry-erase markers, folders, and printer paper always come in handy—even mid-year.
Pro tip: Keep extras tucked away (in labeled bins in a closet) and only restock your main supply zone as needed to avoid clutter.
2. Refresh Desks or Homework Stations
Whether your child works at a dedicated desk, the kitchen table, or a corner of the living room, now’s the time to reset that space.
Clear out old papers, dried-out markers, or broken tech
Add good lighting, comfortable seating, and noise-reducing tools if needed
Keep supplies close but contained—think drawer organizers, desktop caddies, or rolling carts
If your child is younger, consider keeping a checklist board or visual routine nearby to help build independence. For the tween in your life, a weekly planner is a great way to foster executive functioning skills, such as scheduling and time management.
3. Create (or Revisit) Your Family Command Center
If you’ve been meaning to start a command center, this is your moment! And if you already have one, now’s the time for a refresh.
A family command center is the brain of the household—it keeps everyone informed, on time, and (mostly) in sync.
Ideas to include:
A wall calendar or digital sync station
A spot for permission slips and school forms
An inbox for important papers
Charging station for devices
Meal plan or grocery list board
Make sure it’s in a high-traffic area where the whole family can engage with it daily.
4. Set Up a Home for Backpacks and Lunchboxes
After-school chaos is real. Having a clear place for backpacks and lunchboxes keeps clutter at bay and makes mornings smoother.
Use hooks near the entryway for backpacks (low enough for kids to hang on their own)
Add a shelf, bin, or lower cabinet for lunchboxes and water bottles
Keep a clean-up caddy nearby with sanitizing wipes and dish cloths for quick wipe-downs
Pro tip: Consider a "reset routine" where kids empty their bags and lunchboxes right when they get home.
5. Do a Seasonal Closet Swap or Uniform Prep
Take 30 minutes to review your kids’ clothing for the upcoming season.
Pull out items that are too small, too summery, or never worn
Check if uniforms or school-appropriate clothes still fit
Prep one “go-to” outfit the night before school starts to avoid day-one delays or drama
Organize drawers and closets so your child can easily see and access their school clothes. If mornings are hectic, consider labeling the inside of drawers bins or using a weekly outfit planner.
Final Thought
Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean back to chaos. With a few small resets around the house, you’ll create a home that supports your family’s routines and gives everyone a smoother, more confident start to the new year.
Need help organizing your entryway, homework zone, or command center? I’d love to help. Reach out for a consultation and let’s get your space—and your systems—ready for the school year ahead.
