The start of a new school year can be both exciting and overwhelming for families. It’s a time filled with new routines, busy schedules, and a flurry of activities. Having an organized home can significantly reduce stress and enhance productivity for everyone in the household. At Northpointe Bank, we understand the importance of creating a harmonious living environment. That’s why we’ve compiled these five tips to help parents get their homes ready for the upcoming school year.

Create a Family Calendar

One of the most effective ways to keep everyone on track is by maintaining a family calendar. This can be digital, physical, or a combination of both.

Digital Calendars: Utilize apps like Google Calendar™ calendaring application or Cozi® to share schedules and set reminders for important dates such as school events, extracurricular activities, and appointments.

Physical Calendars: Place a wall calendar or a whiteboard in a central location, like the kitchen, where everyone can see it. Use different colors for each family member to easily identify their activities.

By keeping track of daily and weekly schedules, you can prevent overlaps and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.

Establish Homework Stations

The entryway is often the first point of contact when coming home, and it can quickly become cluttered with shoes, backpacks, and outerwear. Here’s how to set up a functional and tidy entryway:

Hooks and Cubbies: Install hooks for hanging coats and backpacks. Use cubbies or baskets for storing shoes and other small items.

Bench with Storage: A bench with built-in storage provides a convenient spot to sit while putting on shoes and offers additional space to store items out of sight.

Labeled Bins: Assign each family member a labeled bin or basket for their belongings to encourage responsibility and keep things organized.

A well-organized entryway helps everyone find what they need quickly and keeps clutter at bay.

Declutter and Donate

Starting the school year with a clean slate can be incredibly refreshing. Take some time to declutter and donate items that are no longer needed.

Clothes: Go through wardrobes and drawers to sort out clothes that no longer fit or are rarely worn. Donate them to local charities or thrift stores.

Toys and Games: Sort through toys and games, discarding broken items and donating those that are in good condition but no longer used.

School Supplies: Check last year’s school supplies and get rid of anything that is damaged or unnecessary. This also gives you a clear idea of what needs to be purchased for the new year.

Decluttering reduces chaos and creates more space for new activities and seasonal items.

Maintain Systems

Keeping your home organized throughout the school year requires consistent effort. Here are some strategies to maintain the systems you’ve put in place:

Weekly Check-ins: Schedule a weekly family meeting to review upcoming events, adjust the calendar, and address any organizational issues.

Routine Clean-ups: Set aside time each day or week for quick clean-ups. Encourage everyone to spend a few minutes tidying up their designated areas.

Adjust as Needed: Be flexible and willing to adjust your organization systems as the school year progresses and needs change.

By maintaining these systems, you can ensure a smoother and more organized school year for everyone.

Conclusion

An organized home can make a world of difference as you and your family transition into the new school year. By creating a family calendar, streamlining entryway storage, establishing homework stations, decluttering, and maintaining your systems, you’ll set the stage for a successful and stress-free academic year.

Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead!

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