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Back-to-school season is here! Whether you’re waving goodbye to a kindergartner or helping a college freshman get settled, a little home prep can go a long way in making mornings smoother and evenings less stressful. Here are five simple, doable ways to get your space (and your routine) ready for the new school year.
1. Create a Command Center
Choose a spot near your entryway, kitchen, or another high-traffic area to serve as the “hub” for your family’s daily comings and goings.
What to include: hooks for backpacks, a tray for keys, slots for mail and permission slips, and a calendar for upcoming events.
Pro tip: Add a dry-erase board for reminders, meal planning, or quick notes to each other.
2. Refresh Homework Zones
Homework is easier when kids have a ready-to-go space for it. Clear off desks, dining tables, or even a small corner and stock it with the essentials: pencils, paper, chargers, and more.
Pro tip: Keep supplies in a portable bin or caddy so the “study spot” can move as needed.
3. Streamline Morning Routines
Those “what do I wear?” moments can derail even the best morning schedule. Organize closets, rotate out clothes that don’t fit, and consider a weekly outfit station.
Pro tip: Use labeled bins, shelves, or hooks so kids (and grown-ups) can grab and go.
4. Stock the Snack Zone
After-school hunger is real. Make it easy for kids to help themselves by setting up snack baskets in the pantry or fridge. Include a mix of grab-and-go items like fruit, granola bars, and cheese sticks.
Pro tip: Let kids help choose the snacks — they’ll be more likely to eat them.
5. Ease the Evening Transition
School mornings start the night before. Create a wind-down routine that signals it’s time to slow down: dim the lights, turn off electronics, and lay out clothes or prep lunches for the next day.
Pro tip: Even 15 minutes of prep can make mornings feel calmer and more in control.
Bottom Line
Getting organized before the first bell rings doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A few simple systems can help your family start the year feeling prepared — and maybe even looking forward to those early mornings.
