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Getting Your House Back-to-School Ready: Minimizing Mess and Clutter This Fall

Mika Heinze • August 15, 2023

Streamlining Spaces for Success: Practical Strategies to Ease Back into the School Season


As the summer comes to an end, it's time to shift gears and prepare for the back-to-school season. With the hustle and bustle of school routines, it's essential to have a well-organized and clutter-free home to make the transition smoother for everyone. In this blog post, we'll share practical tips to help you get your house back-to-school ready while minimizing mess and clutter.


1. Declutter First: Before diving into any organizing tasks, start by decluttering your space. Go through each room and get rid of items that are no longer needed or used. Encourage your kids to go through their belongings as well. Donate, sell, or discard anything that's no longer useful. A clutter-free environment sets the foundation for an organized home.


2. Designate Homework Zones: Create dedicated homework zones to encourage focused studying. This can be a specific corner in the living room or a well-lit area in the bedrooms. Stock these zones with essential school supplies like pens, paper, calculators, and a clock to help your kids manage their time effectively.


3. Establish a Routine: Develop a daily routine that includes time for homework, chores, and relaxation. Having a structured schedule can help prevent last-minute panic and mess. Make sure your kids understand the importance of cleaning up after themselves once they're done with their tasks.


4. Utilize Storage Solutions: Invest in storage solutions that cater to your family's needs. Baskets, bins, shelves, and storage ottomans are great for organizing items such as books, school supplies, shoes, and backpacks. Clear plastic containers can help you quickly identify what's inside, making it easier to access items when needed.


5. Lunch Prep Station: Create a designated area in your kitchen for lunch preparation. Stock it with lunchboxes, reusable containers, and healthy snacks. This eliminates the morning rush and minimizes the mess in the kitchen.


6. Daily Cleaning Habits: Encourage everyone in the family to develop daily cleaning habits. Teach kids to make their beds, put away toys, and wash their dishes after meals. Set a timer for quick 15-minute cleaning sessions to tackle specific tasks like wiping down countertops or tidying up the living room.


7. Implement a No-Shoes Policy: Consider implementing a no-shoes policy indoors to prevent dirt and debris from being tracked throughout the house. Have a designated area near the entrance for shoes, so they don't clutter up the living spaces.


8. Regular Purging: Make it a habit to declutter and purge items on a regular basis. Every few months, go through your belongings and get rid of things that have accumulated. This prevents clutter from building up over time.


9. Involve the Whole Family: Getting your house back-to-school ready is a team effort. Involve your kids in the organization process and make it a fun activity. Assign age-appropriate tasks and reward everyone's efforts with a special treat or outing.


10. Stay Consistent: The key to maintaining an organized and clutter-free home is consistency. Encourage everyone to stick to the established routines and habits. Regularly assess the organization systems and make adjustments as needed.


Getting your house back-to-school ready doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following these tips and involving the whole family, you can create a welcoming and organized environment that supports a successful school year!



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