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August is here, and back-to-school time is right around the corner! While it’s important to spend the last few weeks of summer soaking up all of the joy that the season has to offer, setting aside some time to also tackle a few key organization projects will set you and your family up for success this fall. Here, local DMV area organizers share the back-to-school tasks that they’d recommend checking off your list during the month of August.
Set up a drop zone
Alexandria Brouard, the founder of Cozy Home Studios, shares the importance of creating a drop zone right by your front door. “It’s such an essential space because it’s the first and last area you see each day, when you’re rushing out in the morning or coming home with tired kids and backpacks in tow,” she says. “Keeping it organized helps cut down on stress and makes busy school days a breeze.” Not sure what this area should include? “Use labeled bins, hooks at kid-friendly heights, and a small tray for important school forms,” says Jenya Tucker, the founder of Minimize & Organize. Dealing with larger items? “For older kids who have sports equipment or musical instruments, dedicate an out-of-the-way space for these items if they are carried back and forth to school,” offers Joy Hodges, the founder of Sort Joy.
Taking some time now to get your everyday storage in order will truly pay off once schedules get more hectic.
As Tucker reflects, “This small project creates daily efficiency and helps reduce morning stress.”
Create a Homework Station
No, your kids likely won’t be thrilled about the return of homework, but having a designated area at which to sit and work will make settling into a routine after school a bit easier. “Whether it’s a full desk setup or a basket of supplies that lives on the kitchen table, having a consistent, clutter-free spot makes all the difference for after-school focus and routines,” Brouard says.
Go Through Clothes
Your kids will likely need a few new basics prior to the start of the school year, but before you go shopping, take a look at what no longer fits or suits your children and donate these items to make room for incoming purchases, suggests Malaika Lubega, the founder of Huza Home Harmony. If you come across old uniforms, donate those back to your child’s school, she adds; they may be able to match them with students in need.
Think about any organizational tools you would like to buy for your kids’ closets, too. “Adding bins or drawer dividers can make it easier for kids to dress themselves and keep things tidy, setting a tone of independence for the school year,” Tucker says.
Since kids often have a difficult time parting ways with things they own, work out a system to make this task more fun. “Offer your kids a small reward for completing this project with you —maybe a snow cone or even some new shoes for school,” says Amy Bloomer, the founder of Let Your Space Bloom.
Sort Through Backpacks
Lubega also recommends going through your child’s backpack now if you didn’t do so already at the end of the school year. “Toss out broken pencils, worn erasers, dried-out glue sticks, pens, and markers,” she says. If folders, pencil cases, and the like are still in good condition, reuse them rather than buying these again when you go school supplies shopping. “You don’t always have to replace everything, and kids don’t need brand new everything at the beginning of each school year,” Lubega explains.
Refresh Your Snack Area
Kids come home from school hungry, and you’ll want to make it easy for them to access their afternoon snacks as needed. Di Ter Avest, the founder of Di is Organized, recommends creating a snack zone in your fridge or pantry. “Use clear bins or baskets to separate items like granola bars, fruit cups, or crackers,” she says. “This little system builds independence and makes it easier to say ‘yes’ to snacks with less mess and stress.”
Another task you can complete closer to the first day of school is prepping some ready-to-grab fresh foods for kids to munch on when they come home, no rinsing needed. “Pre-cut and containerize fruits and veggies, and store them in clear labelled bins as well, including the date they were prepped,” suggests Lauren Siperstein, the founder of Organizing by Lauren.
Label Kids’ Belongings
Kids of all ages are prone to losing items at school, but a label maker will help make it easier for their belongings to make their way back to their desk or locker. Backpacks, water bottles, lunch containers, pencil cases—if it’s going to school, put a name on it. “Use a label maker or pre-printed name stickers to make it quick and easy,” Ter Avest says. “This one tiny task can save you a lot of money and frustration throughout the school year.”
Set Up a Calendar
Busy families are juggling tons of activities, practices, parties, appointments, and more all school year long. Ter Avest recommends buying a large calendar and hanging it in the kitchen or hallway. “Color-code each family member for easy readability,” she says. “You can pair it with a weekly planner or digital app if your family is tech-friendly. Having a visual schedule helps kids learn time management and keeps everyone in the loop.”
Make a Plan for Storing Papers
Kids will bring home all kinds of art projects and other papers over the course of the school year, and having a storage system in place before classes kick off is never a bad idea. “It can be as easy as a large bin that you throw the save-worthy pieces in at the end of the week or month, or a filing system with folders for art, report cards, etc.,” says Jaime Hecht, the founder of Aunt Jaime Organizes. “Don’t overthink it! If your art bin starts to get full, maybe it’s time for an edit.”
Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelance writer, originally from Bethesda, MD. She contributes to a number of national design and lifestyle publications like Architectural Digest, Apartment Therapy, MyDomaine, the Washington Post, and more. Sarah also works with designers to help them style spaces for photo shoots. Find more shelfies on her Instagram page, @sarahlyon9
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