The school season is now upon us, which means it’s time to make sure that not only are you and/or your children are ready, but also your home. 

It’s important to make sure you have all the necessary supplies, but buying extra items and storing them in your home isn’t always necessary. These extra supplies often sit unused throughout the year and are eventually forgotten, so only buy what is necessary, and take stock of the items you already have before you do.  

Once you have all of the essential school supplies, you’ll need a place to store it all – backpacks, lunch kits, water bottles, homework, textbooks, etc. To make your home and your family more organized, set up a designated area for school work and prevent these items from creating clutter in other areas of your home. [INSERT TWEET THIS LINK] 

• Hang backpacks up and add individual white boards and file folders or bins to keep each child organized. The white boards can be used to keep track of homework, tests, and assignment deadlines, as well as any due dates for forms and permission slips. The folders and bins can be used to store textbooks, homework, water bottles, and other school supplies so they are in easy reach each morning before leaving. 

• A portable homework station or caddy can also be useful if there isn’t space for a permanent area. Use a caddy or a portable tray that can hold school supplies, and set up a mini whiteboard or calendar on the fridge or another area that is easily accessible so important dates and tasks can be seen. 

• Over the door shoe organizers or wall/door mounted file folders can also be used to store homework and important papers and supplies. Not only will you maximize on storage space, but you can keep the items out of sight over the weekends and holidays when they aren’t being used. Objects can also be organized based on priority or organized by person. 

• School lunch items can also have a designated bin or area in a pantry. This will help you keep track of what you have available and will also prevent others from using them up outside of school lunch. Food and supplies like Tupperware containers, utensils, and lunch kits themselves can all be kept in one area to save time and increase efficiency when it comes to packing lunches.