6 Tips on Organizing Your Home for a Smooth Back-to-School Year

By Danit Schusterman – COLlive

As the back-to-school season approaches, the hustle and bustle of early mornings and busy afternoons can quickly become overwhelming.

To help parents navigate this transition with ease, I sat down with Yael Brummel, a professional home organizer from The Happy Home Organizer.

Yael shared valuable insights on how to organize your fridge, pantry, entryway, and more to ensure a smoother back-to-school experience for both parents and children.

1. Organizing the Fridge and Pantry for Easy Access to Snacks and Lunches

One of the keys to a successful school routine is having a well-organized fridge and pantry. Yael recommends creating a designated bin in the fridge for school snacks, which should always be stocked with easily accessible items. To streamline the morning routine, keep items like water bottles, snacks, and lunch ingredients together in the same location. For instance, if your child needs a straw with their applesauce, place the straws right next to the applesauce in the snack bin. This approach not only saves time but also encourages independence among kids who can assemble their own lunches. To further simplify the process, arrange items that are commonly used together close to each other in your kitchen, just like how supermarkets group related items on shelves.

2. Establishing an Efficient Landing Spot for Backpacks and Homework

To prevent morning chaos and ensure that kids have a designated place for their belongings, Yael recommends setting up a “mud-room” or drop zone near the entrance your family uses most. This can be a closet or an area with hooks at a child-friendly height for backpacks and coats. Simple storage solutions like the IKEA 4-cubby unit can hold backpacks and shoes, maintaining order in high-traffic areas. Regular maintenance is essential; weekly tidying ensures that items are returned to their designated spots, and seasonal adjustments keep the space organized and relevant.

3. Streamlining Homework and Paper Management

To keep school-related items organized, Yael suggests designating a specific basket or bin for homework and important papers. This can be located in the kitchen or another convenient area. Younger kids may benefit from visual cues, like pictures demonstrating the steps to take when they come home. For older kids, encourage them to place their homework or papers in the designated bin as they hang up their backpacks. Regularly review the contents of this area, deciding what to keep and what to discard, particularly with the influx of school projects and papers.

4. Making School Clothes Easily Accessible

Preparation the night before is key to a seamless morning routine. Yael advises checking the weather forecast and setting out appropriate clothes the night before. If possible, encourage your kids to take out the clothing they’ll need for the next day. This helps minimize the rush in the morning and ensures everything is readily available. Additionally, if desired, you can have the kids dress after breakfast to avoid potential messes.

5. Using Visual Aids to Keep Kids Informed

For kids who thrive on structure and knowing what to expect, creating a weekly calendar with pictures of upcoming events can be immensely helpful. For yourself, you can attach each child’s school calendar to the inside of a kitchen cabinet to keep it discreet yet easily accessible. Checking in with each child’s calendar weekly can keep you in the loop of what is happening and help you plan your week accordingly. This approach keeps everyone informed without cluttering up your walls.

6. Adapting and Tweaking Systems as Needed

‘No system is set in stone,’ says Yael, ‘Adjustments are necessary as the school year progresses and family dynamics change. What works well at the start of the year may need tweaking a few months down the line. By staying flexible and receptive to your family’s needs, you can create a home environment that promotes harmony and efficiency.’

A well-organized home is the cornerstone of a successful back-to-school season. By implementing Yael Brummel’s expert tips, parents can create streamlined routines, independent kids, and a peaceful household, setting the stage for a smooth and productive academic year.

For a free 15 minute consultation with Yael, call 718-290-4023. She can also be found on instagram @thehappyhome.organizer