Top 10 Back to School Organizing Tips for the Whole Family

With the right items you can transform chaos into calm

By Professional Organizer, Kim Salisbury

It’s that time of year again, friends. Back-to-school! Around this time, I usually get flooded with questions about the best tips for back to school organization, back to school organization hacks, and overall how to get organized before the school year starts. This year, I wanted to emphasize the importance of involving the whole family in what can be a busy —sometimes messy, back to school season.

As most of my followers know, I’m big on keeping daily life stress-free, so these tips are tailored to helping you achieve a calm back to school season.

1. Establish a Routine Early

For Kids: Be sure to set a bedtime routine a few weeks before school starts so that the first day of school isn’t a big shock.

For Parents: Develop a sustainable morning routine that includes time for breakfast, packing lunches, and getting out the door on time. Emphasis on sustainable so that it carries on well past the first week.

2. Organize School Supplies

For Kids: Pick out and set-up a homework station. Commit to only doing homework and projects there. Make sure to stock your station with all the supplies you’ll need.

For Parents: Take note of what is needed and shop for school supplies accordingly. Remember, teachers sometimes like to request items on the first day so plan on heading to the store the first week.

3. Create and Make Use of a Shared Calendar

For the Whole Family: Make use of a shared calendar where everyone can see what everyone is up to. This will minimize double booking, frantic “where are you” texts, and a stressed out mom rushing through traffic.

4. Embrace Meal Planning

For Parents: Browse recipes and prep meals on the weekend to avoid hectic weekday evenings.

For Kids: Get involved! Tag along with parents to pick out healthy snacks and help with lunch prep in the mornings.

5. Declutter and Organize Kids’ Rooms

For Kids: Take a look at what clothes, toys, and books are no longer wanted. Make some room for brand new items!

For Parents: Assist in the process, help them sort what can be donated or disposed of. Consider donating to an organization like the Sacramento Childrens Home

6. Plan Your Transportation

For Kids: Brainstorm and practice the route to school. Whether it’s biking, walking, bus, or carpool.

For Parents: Assist in organizing a carpool schedule, guiding them on the route, or coming up with alternative plans.

7. Review and Update Family Rules and Expectations

For the Whole Family: Be sure to have a concrete understanding on the house rules such as screen time, homework hours, and weekly chores to make sure everyone is on the same page.

8. Plan for After School Extracurriculars

For Kids: Choose a few activities that generate excitement and make sure not to overcommit.

For Parents: Review schedules to make sure there’s no overlap and that there’s still time for homework as well as family and down time.

9. Wellness and Mental Health Check

For the Whole Family: Check in with each other to make sure any anxieties are talked about. Be open about anything that may be a potential stressor or worry. Brainstorm strategies that would help reduce these negative emotions.