Getting Kids Organized for Back-To-School

It’s that time of year again! Time to get everybody organized for a stress-free school year by planning, preparing, and getting ready to get back into your school-year routine. 

Here are nine ways to get your children in organization mode for back to school:

Transfer the skill set. If they are old enough, it’s time to transfer the organizational skill set during this pre-school season. Start them young and talk to them about creating organized systems and how to maintain them. If you don’t have the skill set, bring in a professional to help. 

Give them structure. Most children love structure. Structure keeps them organized. Living in an organized, structured home versus a chaotic, disorganized home will help them focus and become less distracted. They may be craving structure and organization. Have a conversation with them about creating structure. 

Declutter. It’s time to declutter their spaces. When was the last time you went through their books, toys, clothes, and papers? If it’s been more than a year, it’s time to declutter. You won’t believe what they may have outgrown in a year, and I’m not just talking about clothes. They may be more ready to get rid of things than you think. Sometimes children are more eager to let go of things than their parents. It’s an exciting process so get them involved in it.

Paper management. Have a system to control paper that arrives in the home. Everybody functions differently so not every system is created equal. The key is to create a simple system that can be maintained throughout the year. Decluttering this system at the end of each semester or school year is also crucial. Don’t forget to keep a memorabilia container to store all the important and meaningful items that accumulate throughout the year. 

Organize bathrooms. Why organize the bathroom? It’s so everybody can become more efficient during their morning routine. Create working organized systems in the bathroom to decrease time spent in the bathroom. Declutter, categorize, itemize, and contain everything to make mornings easier. 

Organize bedrooms. It’s so important for your children to have an organized bedroom. Start with decluttering this space and then work with them to organize it according to how they function, not the way you function. Talk to them and ask them questions. You will be surprised that they have answers to the questions. They know how they want to function and creating those systems around how they function will give them motivation to maintain that organization. 

Homework space. Talk to your children about how they want to function this year with their homework. Do they want a quiet desk space in their room away from the distractions in the kitchen? Wherever they choose to function, set them up with all the supplies they will need to be successful. Categorize and itemize their school supplies and create systems for them to easily maintain.

Give them a calendar. Have them keep a calendar on their desk to keep track of important dates. Sports, dances, doctor’s appointments, test dates, and other important appointments should be kept on their calendar. It’s a great time to get them started in keeping track of where they have to be and how they can prepare for upcoming events.

Morning routines. Make morning routines easy on you. You’ll be able to spend more time in the morning at the breakfast table. Plan and prepare lunches and backpacks the evening before. Plan outfits for the week. Having an organized home will help make morning routines easier.

Have a conversation with your family and plan to get organized for this upcoming school year. Once you get organized in the home and reduce the clutter and chaos, you’ll be able to live a less chaotic and simpler life.