Less Morning Mayhem, More Peace: Back to School Organization for Real Life
The back-to-school season is full of excitement, fresh starts—and let’s be honest, a little chaos. Between the forms to sign, backpacks to unload, and ever-changing clothing needs, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before the first bell even rings. But with a few strategic organizing systems in place, your home can run smoother, mornings can feel calmer, and your kids can thrive in a space that supports them.
Here’s how we help families get organized for the school year—and how you can do the same:
Tame the Paper Trail
School papers seem to multiply overnight. Permission slips, homework, art projects, report cards—you name it. The key is creating a system with clear categories and a simple routine.
Sign it or store it: Designate a small inbox or bin for “Action Needed” papers. This is where forms go until they’re signed and returned.
Long-term storage: Use labeled multipurpose bins to save meaningful work or report cards by child and school year. We love the Small Multipurpose Bins from The Container Store ($5.99—and sometimes on sale!). Add a zippered pouch inside to keep smaller items like awards or class photos contained. A 21-pack on Amazon is just $14.65 and will last for years.
2. Get Real About Clothing
The start of a new school year is the perfect time to declutter your kids’ wardrobes. But before you can edit, you need to see everything they own. We always recommend pulling out all their clothes before sorting.
Set up a “Too Small” bin right in the closet so outgrown items have a home the moment they don’t fit. A handled Medium Bin from The Container Store works perfectly ($4.99).
Seasonal rotation is a must for kids with smaller closets. Store off-season clothing in under-bed bins or high closet shelves so their everyday items are easy to access.
3. Create a Drop Zone
Without a designated space for shoes, jackets, and backpacks, your entryway can quickly become a disaster zone. Whether it’s a full mudroom or a small corner by the door, every family needs a drop zone.
We helped one of our clients transform her mudroom into a calm, functional landing space, all within a few hours of decluttering and then organizing.
We used Target’s felt bins (large size, $25) to corral each child’s belongings so nothing gets lost in the shuffle.
Pro tip: Assign each child a bin and label it. Hooks for backpacks and a tray or basket for shoes can make all the difference.
