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10 Tips for the Most Organized School Year EVER!

August 24, 2018 by Jennifer Dawn Oliver Shelton

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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Get the school year off to a fantastic start with these 10 back-to-school organizing tips! From quality labels for your kids’ belongings to tricks to tackling the paper clutter, these tips will get you prepped and prepared for your more organized school year. Doesn’t it feel great to know you’re about to be the most organized mom on the block?

This post is sponsored, so extra thanks for reading and sharing.

customized labels for school supplies

Hi, I’m Jennifer, homeschooling mother of three, blogger at The Life of Jennifer Dawn, and contributor here at 5 Minutes for Mom. As a former public school teacher and current homeschool mom, the back-to-school season is one of my favorite times of the year. This time of year–more than January–motivates me to get organized and set purposeful goals for myself and my family. And I must admit that all the freshly sharpened pencils and brand new boxes of crayons make my heart sing.

Yes, the start of a new school year is an exciting time. I know it can also be a super busy time and a little stressful as you try to figure out how to help your child succeed. One of the best ways to stay on your A-game during this hectic time of year is simply by getting organized.

If getting organized this school year is a goal you have for your family, you’re going to want to grab a cup of coffee (or tea), get cozy, and continue reading. Today we’re covering several mom hacks and tips that will help you get organized for the start of a brand new school year.

10 Tips for an Organized School Year

  1. Label everything!
     
    Labeling your children’s belongings saves time and money by sparing you the expense of having to replace the items if they end up lost during the school year.

    label school supplies

    This is one of the simplest ways to get the school year off to an organized start–especially when you have Stick 2 Me to help. Stick 2 Me makes labeling your child’s school supplies and belongings a super easy task with their customized labels for kids.
     
    And just look at how cute they are with their fun and unique illustrated designs…

    fun labels for kids

     
    By clicking through a few easy steps on the Stick 2 Me website, you can have a pack of 216 labels customized with your child’s name and favorite design on its way to you in no time at all.

    It gets even better than that! These customizable labels are also waterproof, washable, and UV resistant. They are of the highest quality and much thicker than other labels I’ve used. They’re even able to go into the microwave and dishwasher. Wow! It’s doesn’t get much more durable than that. With a pack of the Stick 2 Me labels, you really can label EVERYTHING–shoes, clothing, water bottles, and more. These sticker will last the entire school year!

    labeled notebooks

    organized shoes

    I even used the Stick 2 Me labels to put my daughter’s name on her dance gear. She’s at her dance studio a few times each week. As she and all of the dancers change outfits or slip out of their ballet slippers and into their tap shoes for their next class, she’ll never have any doubt on which slippers are hers out of the pile.

    labeled ballet slippers

     

  2. Set up a lunch packing station.
     
    Designate a cabinet or rolling cart in the kitchen as the lunch packing station. Stock it with food containers, utensils, napkins, non-perishables, and anything else you use to pack your kids’ lunches.

    lunch packing assembly cart

    This is a great place to keep lunchboxes. And don’t forget to include note cards and pens to write out encouraging notes to slip inside the kids’ lunchboxes. Making lunches can be one of the most overwhelming tasks for moms… so this is a key step towards your organized school year.

    lunch packing supplies
    You can even keep a money jar in your lunch packing station for the days when the kids will be buying a lunch instead of packing one.
     

  3. Keep snack baskets handy.
     
    Have a snack basket in the pantry for non-perishable snacks and one in the refrigerator for perishable snacks. Fill both baskets with plenty of healthy foods. This is a quick and easy way for the kids to grab an after-school snack for themselves.
     
    It’s especially convenient if they need to snag a quick snack as they head out the door for soccer practice, dance class, or other activities.
     
  4. Create a homework station.
     
    Set up a seating area in a quiet part of the home. Stock it with writing utensils, paper, and extra school supplies. A space that’s inviting and cozy will entice your child to sit and finish their homework before heading out to play. Keep it well lit, especially for older kids who need to sit there longer and learn how to take notes from a textbook. Your organized school year will be easier to achieve if your children have an organized homework area.

    homework station
     

  5. Establish a routine.
     
    Putting a routine in place can cut down on stress and keep the whole family on track. No more rushing around in the mornings calling out directions and struggling to get everyone dressed and ready. With a clear routine in place, everyone will know what to do next.

    off to school
     
    A morning routine makes getting out the door on those busy school mornings much less hectic. Post a visual of the steps the kids are expected to follow on the refrigerator so they’ll know exactly what’s expected of them. The morning routine should include tasks such as eating breakfast, getting dressed, brushing teeth, gathering belongings, and putting on shoes.
     
    You’ll want to have an after-school routine in place too. This will make homework time, dinnertime, and even bedtime run much more smoothly. Great news! We have a fun printable for you to get on track with an after-school routine!
     

  6. Have a plan!
     
    Set up a command station with a family calendar, menu plan, grocery list, and chore chart. This is a great way for the whole family to stay informed and on the same page.

    family command station

     
    A clear plan posted for all to see helps keep the whole family organized. And chore charts give everyone a role in keeping the home clean and organized.
     

  7. Set out clothes out for the week.
     
    As you are folding the laundry and putting it away each week, set out the clothes each child will need for the school week. Keep these outfits separated from other clothes in a closet organizer labeled Monday-Friday.
     
    Toss in bows and socks so your child will have everything they need to get ready each morning.
     
  8. Tame the paper clutter.
     
    I’m sure every mama can attest to how quickly the papers can pile up at the beginning of the school year. Stay on top of the papers all year long by putting a system in place. Use a binder for each child to hold the school work and artwork you want to keep. You can even use the cute labels from Stick 2 Me to label the binders with each child’s name. As the years go on, these binders are sure to become a cherished keepsake.
     
    A filing system will help you keep other papers sorted. Bonus points if you implement a color-coded system! Create files for papers that need to be filled out, signed, returned, or saved. Green folders are great for papers that need an action taken on them like signing and returning. Red folders are ideal for the papers that stop at your desk and simply need to be stored.
     
    Go through your child’s backpack each evening to stay on top of the paper clutter. Ensure that each page makes it to the proper place.
     
  9. Have a designated spot for bags, shoes, and other items.
     
    By having hooks for backpacks and baskets for shoes, you can keep your kids’ belongings neat and tidy. Coats, bags, shoes, and umbrellas will remain easy to grab on the way out the door each morning. And the kids will know exactly where to place these things as they come through the door each afternoon.
     
  10. Prepare the night before.
     
    Take care of as many things as you can the night before. Prep breakfast, pack lunches and check backpacks ahead of time so your mornings are much less rushed.

Pin it for Later

10 Tips for the Most Organized School Year EVER

 

Disclosure: This post is sponsored, so extra thanks for reading and sharing.
Written by Jennifer Dawn, a contributor here at 5 Minutes for Mom, and the blogger behind The Life of Jennifer Dawn.
Talk with us: @5minutesformom and Facebook.com/5minutesformom
Pin with us at http://pinterest.com/5minutesformom/

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74 Comments

  1. Josh Allen says

    September 25, 2018 at 3:30 am

    I use it on my children’s stuff so that their things may not get exchanged in the school.

    Reply
  2. Kayla klontz says

    September 15, 2018 at 1:57 am

    I keep everything organized by pre planning and writing things down on my very organized calendar.

    Reply
  3. Gulchekhra Rakhmatullaeva says

    September 14, 2018 at 7:35 pm

    We used to use Ikea drawers for keeping books and notebooks organized by the subject. And for the clothes small bins from a dollar store so that kids can find their clothes easily.

    Reply
  4. Tori says

    September 12, 2018 at 10:01 pm

    I put hanging sweater holders in closets so that daily clothes for school are ready in the mornings to make it easier before school.

    Reply
  5. Robin Abrams says

    September 12, 2018 at 11:52 am

    Writing a daily reminder list and calendar on the fridge.

    Reply
  6. Denise M says

    September 8, 2018 at 8:09 pm

    I keep my family organized by making sure I have things packed the night before – including lunches, and making sure clothes are clean for school

    Reply
  7. Irene W says

    September 6, 2018 at 12:43 am

    Prepare in advance and keep a list

    Reply
  8. Casey Hoad Stratton says

    September 5, 2018 at 8:53 am

    Excellent ideas…Gladly I do a lot of your suggestions to keep places for everything…except all of that darn 1st day paperwork..the past few years I label folders and store until I feel I no longer need the information.

    Reply
  9. Maria McLachlan says

    September 4, 2018 at 11:27 pm

    Routine helps keep them organized and having a place for new items so they return things from where they get them.

    Reply
  10. Sally Gearhart says

    September 4, 2018 at 9:18 pm

    My planner is my best friend these days and keeps us organized. It helps me keep track of important appointments and tasks.

    Reply
  11. Lisa bolduc says

    September 4, 2018 at 8:48 pm

    Have a joint calandar with hubby so we both know what going on and won’t miss stuff

    Reply
  12. darci paice says

    September 4, 2018 at 7:11 pm

    I put 3 outfits each night in a bin organized (tops, bottoms, unders and socks) together for easy morning ready to dress and a choice is made by the child!

    Reply
  13. Tiffany Rotulo says

    September 3, 2018 at 8:11 pm

    I use a large colander that I hang on the wall. I write everything on it.

    Reply
  14. Kristie speakman says

    September 3, 2018 at 10:55 am

    I keep socks underwear u inform separates in o e drawer so my son can pick his own clothes and everything mixes and may hes.

    Reply
    • Kristie says

      September 3, 2018 at 10:56 am

      Matches…spell check hates me

      Reply
  15. Jenny Major says

    September 3, 2018 at 8:39 am

    I keep organized by having a family calendar to keep us to to date

    Reply
  16. Janie says

    September 2, 2018 at 11:58 pm

    These look like so much fun!

    Reply
  17. Jonnie says

    September 2, 2018 at 10:54 pm

    We have a color coded white board with each persons activities and appointments

    Reply
  18. lynn clayton says

    September 2, 2018 at 9:07 pm

    WE HAVE A FRIDGE CALENDAR SO WE KNOW WHAT WE ARE DOING
    WE ALSO HAVE A BIN BY THE DOOR THAT WE FILL NIGHTLY SO WE KNOW WHAT WE NEED IN THE MORNING

    Reply
  19. Tara Gauthier says

    September 2, 2018 at 12:14 pm

    We use google calendar to keep track of all our activities/appointments etc, color coded by person!

    Reply
  20. Maryanne says

    September 2, 2018 at 12:00 am

    Shared calendar

    Reply
  21. Marc-Andre Taillefer says

    September 1, 2018 at 11:05 pm

    We use a shared calendar.

    Reply
  22. James Galea says

    September 1, 2018 at 3:41 pm

    It looks really great. I’m definitely going to suggest these organising tips with my friend. Thanks for sharing and keep up the nice work 🙂

    Reply
  23. Sarah says

    September 1, 2018 at 10:29 am

    My daughter is a talker when it comes to lunchtime at school which doesn’t leave her with a lot of time to eat. I try to pack healthy snacks and small bits and pieces of different foods that she can graze through. Thanks!

    Reply
  24. SHAYNA says

    September 1, 2018 at 9:11 am

    I TRY TO PREPARE EVERYTHING AHEAD OF TIME. I MAKE LUNCHES THE NIGHT BEFORE, SET OUT THE CLOTHES FOR THE NEXT DAY, THAT WAY WE DON’T HAVE TO RUSH AROUND.

    Reply
  25. Clare O'Brien says

    September 1, 2018 at 8:56 am

    We have a family calendar where everyone adds their individual activities!

    Reply
  26. Steph says

    September 1, 2018 at 6:10 am

    I like to make lists and check off items

    Reply
  27. Christina O says

    August 31, 2018 at 9:00 pm

    Using a wall calendar.

    Reply
  28. Cassie says

    August 31, 2018 at 1:32 pm

    I plan out dinners for two week periods and set all clothes out for on Sunday for the rest of the week. I also keep a calendar of activities on my phone. I love the idea of a lunch packing
    station but if I don’t keep them on the top shelf in the pantry the kids eat most of it as snacks instead.

    Reply
  29. Charity Banman says

    August 31, 2018 at 9:43 am

    I have a day planner that I take everywhere with me. It has all of our activities written down so I always know what is going on and don’t double book.

    Reply
  30. Megan B says

    August 31, 2018 at 7:25 am

    Family calendar and prepping the night before

    Reply
  31. Wendy R. says

    August 31, 2018 at 3:03 am

    I use lists to try and stay organized and on top of things.

    Reply
  32. HEIDI C. says

    August 30, 2018 at 11:44 pm

    I keep a monthly calendar in our kitchen so that we can keep track of activities and events.

    Reply
  33. Andrea Hickey says

    August 30, 2018 at 9:51 pm

    We have an extra large calendar in the kitchen to write down appointments, birthday’s and I also meal prep on it as well.

    Reply
  34. Mary Ann Lau says

    August 30, 2018 at 7:22 pm

    My daughter has a checklist for chores each night, which includes homework, some physical activity, feeding pets and cleaning her room. She gets points for each task and adds them up at the end of the week. Points=$.

    Reply
  35. Sunnymay says

    August 30, 2018 at 3:40 pm

    I write dates and times for activities and events on a 2 year calendar that I carry in my purse. If there’s an address or phone number for the event, I write it in small letters on the date. I also use sticky notes to make a short list on the inside covers of my calendar for a must-get shopping list for food, clothes and beauty care items. It feels good to cross things off my ever expanding and updated lists.

    Reply
  36. ken ohl says

    August 30, 2018 at 2:58 pm

    I must say my wife is the one that keeps us on schedule

    Reply
  37. Laurie P says

    August 30, 2018 at 1:35 pm

    We’ve got a calendar in just about every room.

    Reply
  38. Erin McSweeney says

    August 30, 2018 at 12:00 pm

    i always have lists going so nothing is forgotten

    Reply
  39. Edye says

    August 30, 2018 at 9:05 am

    lots of lists!

    Reply
  40. Jennifer Carroll says

    August 30, 2018 at 4:49 am

    We use a planner.

    Reply
  41. Nannypanpan says

    August 29, 2018 at 9:55 pm

    I have totes for each kids sport supplies so they are easily found when needed for soccer/practice

    Reply
  42. Kristy Reid says

    August 29, 2018 at 3:45 pm

    I have a family calendar on the fridge. I write down all the important events so that I know what to expect each day/week.

    Reply
  43. John Hubbard says

    August 29, 2018 at 3:14 pm

    By being persistent

    Reply
  44. Meagan BS says

    August 29, 2018 at 10:18 am

    We use a shared calendar.

    Reply
  45. janine a says

    August 29, 2018 at 8:22 am

    we have to do lists for the week to get organized

    Reply
  46. Melissa Fowers says

    August 29, 2018 at 6:56 am

    I use a planner daily to keep our family organized!

    Reply
  47. Sara Perrera says

    August 29, 2018 at 6:01 am

    I meal plan, plan in a planner and just generally stay on top of things. I LOVE the homework station idea. I can’t tell you how many times my son gets up to hunt for a different pencil etc. Having it all in one place for him would speed up homework.time.

    Reply
  48. Melanie says

    August 29, 2018 at 12:37 am

    Make patterns in the morning to make sure every one leaves with what they need

    Reply
  49. Aarone Mawdsley says

    August 28, 2018 at 11:13 pm

    shelving and labels for sure

    Reply
  50. Karley Moore says

    August 28, 2018 at 7:58 pm

    I tag the bottom of everyone’s socks with a Sharpie marker, which works for us because we all have different initials. It makes sock sorting so much easier!

    Reply
  51. Julie Bolduc says

    August 28, 2018 at 6:39 pm

    We try to put things back where we got them from that’s how we try to stay organized

    Reply
  52. Wanda B says

    August 28, 2018 at 5:11 pm

    A family calendar helps tremendously!

    Reply
  53. Calvin says

    August 28, 2018 at 4:00 pm

    We have a station for a white board for notices and calenders

    Reply
  54. Chrissy says

    August 28, 2018 at 3:40 pm

    My husband and I have a joint google calendar that we use to make sure we know where we are supposed to be an when. We joke that if it’s not on the calendar it doesn’t happen!

    Reply
  55. Anne Derkat says

    August 28, 2018 at 1:54 pm

    We have a big calandar on the fridge that lists everyones appointments and actictivies.

    Reply
  56. Cindy Peterson says

    August 28, 2018 at 1:28 pm

    Weekly Meal prep so we are not running around trying to make lunches at the last moment

    Reply
  57. Anne says

    August 28, 2018 at 1:16 pm

    A large calendar with everyone’s schedules and activities recorded each day and week. Baskets and cubbies.

    Reply
  58. Judy hunting says

    August 28, 2018 at 11:03 am

    I have a wipe off calendar which I update almost daily

    Reply
  59. latanya says

    August 28, 2018 at 9:20 am

    putting everyone’s schedule on a shared family calendar

    Reply
  60. Mari says

    August 27, 2018 at 2:31 pm

    A central calendar in the kitchen, snack bins in the pantry and prepping what I can ahead of time.

    Reply
  61. ColleenMarie says

    August 27, 2018 at 10:31 am

    We keep a bog calendar in the kitchen to keep things organized.

    Reply
  62. Linda says

    August 27, 2018 at 6:25 am

    I keep my family organized with a calendar of activities.

    Reply
  63. Janet W. says

    August 26, 2018 at 1:59 pm

    I keep my family organized by keeping an organized, detailed calendar!

    Reply
  64. winnie says

    August 25, 2018 at 11:41 pm

    we have a kids calendar where they write down their own school events so they can keep track

    Reply
  65. Susan Smith says

    August 25, 2018 at 11:22 pm

    I keep my family organized by having a calendar on our fridge to keep track of everybody’s activities and appointments!

    Reply
  66. nicky says

    August 25, 2018 at 3:08 pm

    I use a big calendar on our fridge to keep track of everybody’s activities and appointments!

    Reply
  67. Sab Edwards says

    August 25, 2018 at 12:53 pm

    I’m not that organized so this would help Em and I a lot lol

    Reply
  68. Deborah Caudill says

    August 25, 2018 at 11:24 am

    I have color coded baskets with each family member’s name on them and put toys, books and other items in each person’s basket and then they are responsible for cleaning out their basket. They also put their school items in their basket when they come in the door. I also keep another bin where they put their teacher’s notes, report cards and permission slips that need to be signed or that need my attention.

    Reply
  69. Anne Perry says

    August 25, 2018 at 9:53 am

    We stay organized with baskets and binders.

    Reply
  70. Vickie L Couturier says

    August 25, 2018 at 8:31 am

    i make lists and get everything ready the night before so the mornings ate not so crazy,,it really works for me

    Reply
  71. Nancy says

    August 25, 2018 at 7:49 am

    Making lists and checking items off as we do them helps keep us organized.

    Reply
  72. Angela Saver says

    August 25, 2018 at 12:58 am

    I keep us organized by keeping a calendar of all appointments. I also take advantage of filing so that I can go to the filing cabinet to find things quickly when something is needed.

    Reply
  73. Sara says

    August 24, 2018 at 11:11 pm

    Preparing the night before really helps us stay on track!

    Reply

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