Back-to-School Home Organization Tips for Moms

With the kids back in school, it’s the perfect time to rejuvenate our living spaces and incorporate some efficient home organization tricks. Let’s get our homes organized, calm, and school-ready with these handy tips:

• Drop Zone Creation: Designate a spot near your entrance for backpacks, shoes, and jackets. Adding hooks, a shoe rack, or a bench can help keep everything in its place.
• Homework Station: Create a designated space for your kids to do their homework. Ensure it’s stocked with necessary supplies: pencils, erasers, and paper. A clear workspace encourages focus and productivity.
• Lunchbox Prep Area: Save morning time by having a section of your kitchen dedicated to lunchbox assembly. Store non-perishable snacks in baskets, and keep a section of the fridge reserved for cold items.
• Decluttering: Embrace the ‘one in, one out’ rule. When new school supplies or clothes come in, make it a habit to donate or toss out older items.
• Paper Control: Invest in a filing system for school papers and artwork. Display the best ones, but regularly sort and store the keepers.
• Family Calendar: Establish a centralized calendar where all school events, practices, and important dates are visible. You might opt for a traditional wall calendar or a digital version everyone can access.
• Routine Charts: Visual aids can assist younger kids in remembering daily tasks like brushing teeth or packing their backpacks. Consider a chart with stickers as a reward system!
• Clothing Organization: Prepare school outfits for the week every Sunday. Utilizing hanging organizers or labeled bins can make weekday mornings a breeze.
• Seasonal Swap: Living in Long Beach means we experience varied weather. Keep only the current season’s clothing accessible and store off-season attire in bins.
• Tech-Free Zones: To encourage concentration, make certain areas of the house tech-free during homework time. This reduces distractions and ensures tasks are completed faster.
• Emergency Kit: With occasional earthquakes in Long Beach, it’s prudent to have an emergency kit handy. Include first-aid items, non-perishable food, bottled water, and copies of important documents.
• Toys & Play Area: Keep toys in check by introducing storage bins and teaching kids to put one set of toys away before bringing out another. This not only keeps your home tidy but also instills responsibility in them.

Lastly, remember that the aim isn’t perfection but a functional, harmonious living space. Every family’s needs are unique, so feel free to adapt these tips to what works best for your household. Happy organizing, moms!