New Home, New School Year: Home Organization Ideas
Summer has come to an end and the school year is underway. It’s not always an easy transition back to a schedule, but there are ways you can better prepare yourself – and your home – for the rest of the year. Try a couple of these tips to make hectic mornings and busy after-school schedules a little more manageable in your new Ernest home.
Our Top Back-to-School Tips!
1. Make A Central Hub
This area will be the core for organizing after-school activities, sports, etc. Use whiteboards or chalkboards for easy revisions and color code by family members for easier organization. Locate it in a common space that everyone can easily see and be reminded of what’s going on for the week.
BONUS TIP: Despite so many things being digital, there are certain files that you’ll need to keep organized and easily accessible. Figure out the best way to categorize important papers like birth certificates and medical records in a way that’s easy to remember and access when needed.
2. Create Grab & Go Food Stations
Growing kids need lots of brain food. Clear the fridge and pantry of expired items and stock up on breakfast, lunch, and snack items. Creating accessible go-to areas in the kitchen and pantry will have your kids fully prepared for a day of learning.
Plus, hungry kids will come home knowing exactly where to go! You can also designate a lunch making station that allows your kids to choose their favorite lunch foods and get involved with the prep.
3. Prep for Fast Meals
Especially in the first couple weeks of the school year, pre-made meals are a lifesaver as you get back into a routine. Plan meals before the week starts. Go to the grocery store for everything you need. Make meals and store them in the freezer. You’ll thank yourself later.
BONUS TIP: A simple treat may be all it takes to make a tough assignment and stressful test seem not so bad. Keep candies, post-its, and other little surprises on hand to stick in backpacks and lunchboxes when they have a big day ahead. Nothing like an afternoon sweet or pick-me-up note to get them through the day!
4. Organize Homework Spaces
When it comes time for homework and studying, setting aside a distraction-free space with all their needed supplies is important to keep your kids focused. (Especially as they get older.) This could be a desk in their bedrooms, a study room, a bonus room, or anywhere you can keep everything they need. With everything easily accessible, your kids will be able to keep up with their homework.
BONUS TIP: Stock up on extra school supplies. Pencils, pens, and other supplies will go missing, get used up, or break throughout the year. Plan ahead and make sure your home is fully equipped with the essentials when that time comes.
5. Get Closets Arranged
Get your kids involved in the prepping process by having them help you organize their closets. This is a perfect opportunity to clear out any clothes and shoes that they don’t wear, are worn out, or just don’t fit anymore. Have them help fold and place remaining items neatly into organized drawers with labels.
You can also designate an area to lay out their chosen school outfits the night before. No more running around for a missing sock or their favorite t-shirt minutes before the bus comes in the morning.
6. Set Up the Entryway/Mudroom
Having a cluttered entryway or mudroom can make the transitions to and from school chaotic. Make the transition a bit easier by setting up this area as the drop zone for backpacks, outer layers, shoes, umbrellas, sports gear, and anything else needed before heading out the door.
Once they get home, kids can have somewhere to set their belongings and take a quick break before homework time.
Contact Ernest Homes to Find Your New Home
The start of another school year doesn’t have to be a struggle if you take advantage of a couple of these home organization tips. Your kids may not be ready to let go of summer and go back to school, but at least your house will be!
Now that we’ve covered a few ways to prep your home, you can be confident you’ll all enjoy a successful school year. If you want to implement these ideas but haven’t found the right home yet, head to Ernest Homes. We have several communities and available homes that are sure to meet the needs of your family. Connect with us to learn more!
