5 Back to School Organization Tips for Kids

#1: designate a study space

A dedicated homework station that’s organized and styled just for them makes a world of a difference when the time comes to hunker down and study. Whether it’s a corner of the living room or a desk setup in their bedroom, take time to find a good spot for your growing kid to learn, find their focus, and call it their own.

FIRST, DECLUTTER

Before organizing, clearing away clutter is a crucial step. Remove anything not essential, and make sure their study spot is clean and clear for learning.

GET ORGANIZED

Arrange a desk and chair that supports your child’s posture. Add a comfy bean bag or lounge chair in a corner for a cozy reading nook to encourage independent reading.

SET UP STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Maximize their space and keep things within easy reach with desk organizers, bins, and shelving units.

DON’T SKIMP ON LIGHTING

Proper lighting is essential for reducing eye strain and maintaining focus. Layer your lighting with a desk lamp, floor lamp and ceiling lights that can be adjusted.

DECORATE THEIR SPACE

Celebrate their interests and create a sense of comfort by personalizing their space with wall art, photos or corkboards to motivate and inspire them.

#2: organize your child’s school supplies

With all the gear, supplies, books and tools they’ll need, half the battle will be keeping track of all of everything they own. Here's how to ensure your child's school supplies are organized and ready to go.

CREATE A CHECKLIST

Or, use one provided by your child’s school. Involve your child as you check off all the supplies on the list, and let them choose their favorite themes and colors.

ASSIGN A SPOT FOR EVERYTHING

Help your child learn to tidy up and put everything back into its own spot so they can practice good habits and keep their study spot clear.

USE LABELS

Label pencil cups, desk organizer compartments, and storage boxes to help your child quickly find what they need and stay independent.

RESTOCK THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

To avoid disruptions, regularly check their school supplies and replenish items like pencils, notebooks, markers, and other essentials.

#3: track homework due dates

Staying on top of assignments and due dates is so important for student success, so this is one area you can support your child and help them keep track of all their priorities, while also helping them practice ownership of their responsibilities.

#4: help your child settle into a routine

Routines are the best way for your child to practice independence, learn strategizing and how to stay prepared. Here are some back-to-school organization ideas to help introduce your child to a daily routine they can follow.

CREATE MORNING & BEDTIME ROUTINES

Start practicing the morning routine at least a week before the first day of school to work out any kinks and give your child time to get comfortable with it.

PLAN A WEEKLY LUNCH PREP SCHEDULE

Plan meals ahead and stay organized. Planning ahead helps to ensure your child will enjoy balanced meals at school, and gives you time to prepare for the week.

LEAVE TIME FOR AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Balancing academics with extracurricular activities helps with a more well-rounded, holistic development, so don’t forget to allocate specific time slots for after-school activities and hobbies.

CARVE OUT BREAK TIME

Practice good time management and organize studying into chunks of time with breaks in between, so it’s not all go, go, go.

#5: keep them organized on digital platforms

Maybe the most critical tip of all, limiting your child’s time online while also helping them practice good organization habits when they use online apps, tools, and digital files, will help them navigate their online and offline realities.

CREATE FILES & FOLDERS

Teach your child to categorize digital files into folders for each subject to stay organized.

ORGANIZE THEIR INBOX

For kids who regularly use email, help them learn to manage their inbox effectively, set up filters and categories so they can sort messages from the clutter.

TRY TIME MANAGEMENT TOOLS

For older kids, time management apps and tools might help them with keeping track of assignments, deadlines, and schedules.

These five tips will help guide you and your child to get and stay organized for a successful school year. Start early with back-to-school prep, and they’ll be one big step ahead in starting the year off right with habits that can last a lifetime.