Back-to-school season already!? In our house, it’s a bittersweet time. Our Minnesotan summer was filled with pool days, nature crafts, and field trips, but the break seemed to fly by. Thankfully, my family thrives on routines, so I’m not too disappointed now that it’s time for fresh backpacks and shiny school supplies.  

A new school year also means a new schedule to juggle and the daunting task of keeping everything organized. But don’t worry. We’ve got your back with five easy ways to streamline your life and make the summer-to-school transition a whole lot smoother.

1. Designate homework stations.

Getting organized can reduce stress for the whole household, and having clear—and clean—spaces specifically for kids to focus on their homework makes after-school time much less chaotic and more productive. This spot could be a desk in their bedroom, a corner of the kitchen table, or even a portable desk so they can study anywhere in the house. 

Avoid wasting time later by stocking the space with all their school essentials so you don’t have to hear, “Mom! I need an eraser!” Think pencils, paper, calculators, highlighters, and any other supplies they might need. Having a designated space helps kids mentally shift into “homework mode” and promotes routine-building for the future. 

2. Use checklists for routines.

When was the last time you had a smooth morning getting out the door? Can’t recall one either? Eliminate the hectic morning rush with a checklist—your new secret weapon. Involve your kids in creating their own personalized checklists. Include essential to-dos like brushing teeth, eating breakfast, getting dressed, and doing their hair.    

Extend this approach to your evenings for a relaxing wind-down routine. Prepare as much as possible for the next day, and make sure your kids are involved in this, too. Ask them to pack their lunches and backpacks, lay out their clothes for the next day, and list their other bedtime tasks. 

Daily routines can sometimes feel like a chore, so be sure to add some preferred activities. Blast upbeat music in the morning, go for an after-dinner family walk, or do anything else they enjoy. These visual reminders help kids stay on track and hopefully give you a little break since they’ll need less prompting to do “all the things.” And remember, establishing a solid routine takes time, so don’t expect everything to go perfectly right away. 

3. Share a family calendar.

I don’t know about you, but I rely heavily on my Google calendar. My color-coded system keeps me on top of bills and all our family activities. Each month, I transfer family-focused events to a magnetic fridge calendar so everyone has a clear visual of what’s happening. 

Sharing a central family calendar, whether it’s digital or physical, is a household hack you’ll definitely appreciate. Say goodbye to the constant “What are we doing next weekend?” questions—just remind them to “check the calendar,” and they’ll soon develop the habit of doing it independently. To minimize double-booking or missed activities, a quick weekly family meeting to review the upcoming schedule can help everyone stay on the same page.  

4. Pick outfits for the week.

Sunday evenings are perfect for outfit planning, saving time and stress during the morning rush. Involving your kids in choosing their clothes for each school day gives them a sense of independence and control over their choices. 

If you have space, lay out the outfits or use a hanging organizer with labeled compartments for each day. Teach them to check the weather and dress appropriately, especially once the leaves start changing.

5. Prep and plan your food.

Driving kids to and from weeknight activities can make family dinners challenging, but a little planning goes a long way. Create a weekly meal plan that includes easy, kid-friendly options your family will actually eat. Set aside weekend time to prep meals or even cook some in advance. Invest in good food storage containers and label food clearly.

Don’t forget the snacks! Reusable bags, bento boxes, and other small containers are great for organizing everyone’s weekly snacks, even the grownups! This planning eliminates last-minute packing and frantic morning scrambles. Consider involving your kids in the planning and prepping process—it can be a fun activity for the whole family. 

What back-to-school organization habit are you starting this year? 

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