It’s back to school time and life gets hectic again. Want to do things differently this year to cut out some of the time wasters and stress? Here are five back to school organization ideas that will help you keep your home organized and running smoothly.
1. Create a functional entry space to store (and hide) gear
Take control of clutter and chaos right at the entrance of your home, by creating an entry that catches everyone (and everything) before they get inside too far. Designate an area with a bench or seat for removing dirty shoes and other outdoor gear such as rain boots, jackets and umbrellas.
Add plenty of hooks to hang backpacks and jackets. Place labelled or color-coded baskets under the bench for each family member’s smaller items. Getting everyone in the habit of leaving all their stuff in their assigned spot will make leaving the house the next morning a little smoother.
2. Create a designated kid’s breakfast and snack station
So you’ve managed to get the kids to be tidier by putting their things away somewhere they can find them again. But now they’re starving and the chaos moves to the kitchen. Why not designate a spot in the kitchen for their after-school snacks, morning breakfast and lunches?
Depending on the size of your kitchen, it can be as simple as the lower drawer of a cabinet to a full-on pantry or cabinet section complete with a mini fridge for drinks. If possible, choose a spot that isn’t in the way when you’re cooking or washing up. Keep bowls, utensils and lunch boxes in a lower area that’s easy for younger kids to reach. And keep it stocked with their favourite healthy cereals, snacks and drinks.
3. Set up a kitchen homework spot
The kitchen is the heart of the home and also a great area to set up a small homework spot. And you can make sure homework is getting done while you prepare dinner!
4. Get your laundry room sorted
School clothes, towels and sports uniforms pile up fast throughout the week. Organize your laundry space with dirty laundry baskets labelled into darks, colours, lights and an emergency basket for items that are extra dirty and need immediate attention.
Ask everyone to throw their dirty laundry into baskets to save you time having to search under the bed or in gym bags for items that need washing. Save yourself even more time by placing clean items in designated baskets that each child can take back to their room and put away.
5. Set up an operations command centre
Keep your family running like a well-oiled machine by organizing a command centre complete with a calendar, bulletin board, chalk or dry erase board for to-do lists and a place to catch paperwork or mail.
Courtesy Freshome.com