Tips on How to Maintain Structure & Organization During the School Year

Your planner finally has some semblance of a schedule, the pantry is stocked, and the kids have actual homework – Congratulations! You are officially back in school and back in the swing of things. We’ve got some tips to help you maintain the structure and organization that’s finally within grasp.

1. 01Change. If you are struggling with letting go of old routines and habits that no longer serve you and your family, embrace the change. You’ve likely accepted at least some over the past six months. So, now’s the perfect time to embrace new habits and create routines that set you up for success.
2. 02Take getting dressed in the morning off your to do list for good by laying out your kids clothes for the entire week with this 5-Day Organizer. If your kids are older and want to pick out their own clothes, let them fill their daily clothes bin. AND/OR employ this method for yourself! We promise, you’ll thank us later.
3. 03We like to call it a “Launch Pad” because it organizes everything you need to successfully LAUNCH your day each morning. How it works: Designate an area in your house where you place your purse, keys, backpacks, sports equipment, masks, etc. on the “launching pad” the night before (and every time you finish using them) – no excuses. This makes getting out the door in the morning so much easier and we promise there will never be any return trips home again to pick up the forgotten essentials. You can easily create your own launch pad with trays, bins, hooks, wall storage units or even a hall bench.
4. 04Have you labeled (finished labeling) your kids’ schoolbooks, tablet, headphones, supplies and belongings for the school year? If you answered no, do it now. Kids share, borrow, and lose stuff daily. Labeling your kids belongings makes everyone’s life easier and increases your chances of getting expensive items back – boom! Need custom labels? We can help!
5. 05Family Planning: Old School vs. New School? There’s no right or wrong answer. But you need a system to stay organized and on-schedule with your kids’ practices, games, parties, and your book clubs, girl’s nights, date nights, and on and on.
   • We love a traditional paper planner – here are some of our favs!
   • White Board(s) in the kids’ room and/or a common in and out area
   • Or you want to go digital. We love Trello: a web-based application for making boards, lists, and cards for task and project management. Items can be easily moved around and shared to maximize workflow. Plus, it’s free.
6. 06PRO TIP: Put it away now. This is the single easiest way to stay organized during the week when things get out of place. Be cognizant of the problem areas: paperwork, the mudroom/entry, and pantry.
7. 07Avoid being a “weekend warrior.” Break down big projects into smaller chunks to feel less overwhelmed and exhausted. Doing so will free up your weekends for family outings or adult time.