Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      Kick-start your day by making habits out of these mood-boosting tips. Read More
    • Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      It's one of your favorite fruits, but does it belong on the counter or in the refrigerator? Read More
    • This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      A few easy-to-find ingredients are all you need to create a powerful formula that squashes weeds. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    Show your love of country by displaying these varieties on America's birthday.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    Make gathering with loved ones a priority.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We asked the experts to weigh in on this popular home design concept.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    Confused about when to do what to your favorite flowering shrubs? We have you covered.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Pillows

    How to Wash Pillows

    They're an essential element of a comfortable bed, so keep yours fresh and in their best shape ever with these expert-approved tips.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Get the traditional rules for who pays for the wedding details.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    Our easy melt-and-pour method saves the last bit of this home essential.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    This buzzy ingredient is a star player in many new-age hair care products.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Cleaning & Organizing
  3. The Best Back-to-School Organizing Tips to Start Your Year Off Right

The Best Back-to-School Organizing Tips to Start Your Year Off Right

July 10, 2019
Skip gallery slides
Pin
bulletin-board-animal-magnet-tight-005-d111004.jpg
Credit: Lucas Allen

When class is back in session, efficiency is key. Here, we share the most effective and consistent tips for getting the kids (and yourself) up and on time all year long.

Start Slideshow

1 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
bulletin-board-animal-magnet-tight-005-d111004.jpg
Credit: Lucas Allen

The transition from summer to fall is a reset for you just as much as it is for your kids. Between shopping online for the upcoming school year and getting the entire household geared up to get back into a daily routine, keeping your home organized will be paramount.

Any parent strives to create a home environment where kids can focus on schoolwork all year long. That's especially important this year with social distancing and remote learning becoming the norm for many families across the country. Ahead of the first day of school online, take the time to complete afternoon projects in the entryway, kitchen, and kids' living spaces. Assembling a work-from-home desk space should be at the top of your checklist. In addition to basics like a desktop, chair, lamp, and bookcase, try incorporating additions like bulletin boards and storage containers, as these can store supplies and keep them organized all year long.

But it's not all about the kids—as you fall back onto a more normal schedule yourself, it's important to get all of your living spaces in check, too. Keep mornings streamlined by revamping your closets in the bedroom, and having breakfasts and snacks ready to go at a moment's notice. Stay on top of your to-do lists with streamlined office spaces and by cleaning the right areas when you need to. The following organization tips will help you jumpstart a smooth daily routine with your children—and get you back into the swing of things as summer comes to an end.

1 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Clean Up the Entryway

shelving-entryway-452-d112185.jpg
Credit: Aaron Dyer
Get More Entryway Organizing Ideas

Even if you don't have space for a formal mudroom, utilizing plain wall space to hang bags, coats, umbrellas, and other everyday essentials in an accessible fashion can keep the rest of your living spaces free of clutter. When you're in a rush to get out the door in the morning, you'll be glad you spent some time giving everything a designated place.

2 of 19

3 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Healthy Start

cereal-bar-028-ed109951.jpg
Credit: Johnny Miller
Get More Healthy Breakfasts for Kids

A tasty take on brain food will help start their day off right, so add some new healthy recipes to your routine. Bonus: Nearly all of these breakfast recipes can be made well in advance, which means your mornings just got that much easier.

3 of 19

Advertisement

4 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Stock Up on Supplies

textbook-covers-211-d112159-r.jpg
Credit: Aaron Dyer

Save yourself from a last-minute rush to the store by heading to Target.com to stock up on school supplies. From pens and pencils to index cards and notebooks, you'll find everything you need to get ready for the new school year. Plus, it will be delivered straight to your door.

Sponsored by Target

4 of 19

5 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tackle Your To-Dos

family scroll
Credit: Aaron Dyer

For anyone who feels like they're constantly rushing out the house, this to-do list, hung by the door, will restore some sanity. String a strip of leather through a roll of drawing paper, duct tape the ends together, and hang it from a hook. To anchor the paper, drill an aluminum angle an inch wider than the paper into the wall. (Tip: the nice folks at the hardware store can cut the metal and make the holes on either end.)

5 of 19

6 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Personalize Their Backpacks

personalized backpacks
Credit: CHELSEA CAVANAUGH
Learn How to Clean a Backpack

Your child doesn't need a new bag each and every year: Deep clean canvas backpacks and repair any snags or normal wear and tear before the new year begins. Ask your child if you can help add new features—monograms say which 'pack belongs to which sibling—to make something old feel new again.

6 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Update Their Wardrobe

kids-embroidered-shirt-061-d111217.jpg
Credit: Aaron Dyer
Get the Embroidered Shirt with Cursive Letters How-To

If you can't repair a worn-out item, donate it—if the kids no longer fit into older clothing, it can serve a second purpose for another student in the upcoming school year. Here, we upgraded a plain school shirt with an easy embroidered message, which you can do at home using the craft's printable fonts.

7 of 19

8 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Teach Them Arts and Crafts

arts and crafts cart for kids
Credit: Johnny Fogg
Learn How to Organize Your Kids' Arts and Crafts Supplies in a Cart

Creativity is encouraged in the classroom, and any parent would want to foster the same environment at home. An arts and crafts space designed to enhance creativity can encourage expressions well after the last bell of the day—armed with the proper supplies and projects in mind, kids can make whatever they dream up all year long.

8 of 19

9 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mark Everyone's Electronics

tech-chargers-293-d111981.jpg
Credit: Aaron Dyer
Learn How to Clean Office Electronics

Cleaning goes hand in hand with organizing and upkeep—and just as you would at home, you'll need to clean the items on your desk every once in a while. Here's an idea for wrangling everyone's devices: With one roll of patterned washi tape (make sure there's a light color in the design) and a Sharpie fine-point permanent marker, everyone can identify their own chargers. Wrap the tape around each USB wall charger, USB plug, and phone plug, cutting to fit. Then give each family member a different colored marker to fill in the light areas of the design. Seal with découpage glue and let them dry.

9 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Prep Their Lunches

apple-smoothie-0184-d112370.jpg
Credit: Mike Krautter
Get More Healthy Lunches for Kids

Prepare healthy lunches in batches over the weekend or from dinner leftovers in the evening before to save both time and money spent in the lunchroom. It's also important to note that a kid may be more likely to eat her healthy lunch if she helps choose the menu. Together, come up with a variety of sandwiches, fruits, snacks, and desserts; then print them out on this magnetic chart and let her fill in the blanks.

10 of 19

11 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Gear Control

storing sports equipment storage
Credit: Sidney Bensimon
See More Instant Upgrades That Will Elevate Any Room

Even if you don't have a locker room in your home, this DIY project saves you from the clutter of after-school activities that can end up all over the place. Start with a barebones shelving unit, and then use bungee cords and a pallet to hold balls, bats, rackets, and sticks.

11 of 19

12 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Supercharge the Car

kid and dog leaning out of car on the beach
Credit: Dave and Les Jacobs/Getty
Learn How to Clean the Inside of Your Car Like a Pro

Depending on the day, your car is a playground, dinner club, mobile office, and makeup studio all in one. Deep cleaning your car's interior is a great way to start fresh this year; make time in your schedule to do it at least once a month to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

12 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Be Ready for Emergencies

emergency kit
Credit: Janelle Jones
Get the Emergency Kit How-To

Keeping a first-aid kit in the house and in the car can be a lifesaver when crafting gets dicey and when sports turn physical. As an added bonus, it's a great place to store essentials like spare batteries.

13 of 19

14 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Serve After-School Snacks

apples-and-cream-cheese-012-d111206.jpg
Credit: Bryan Gardner
Get More Healthy and Delicious After-School Snacks

Sometimes, a full meal is just too big of a commitment between school and afternoon activities, but the kids are craving something quick and satisfying. That's where snacks come in. Some can be made in advance, while other ideas can save you in a pinch.

14 of 19

15 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Organize the Homework Table

binder-school-021-md110236.jpg
Credit: Jen Causey
Learn How to Organize and Declutter Your Paperwork

Shoved into drawers or heaped into piles, snail mail and documents can quickly crowd a workspace and stifle productivity. When it's time to toss out papers, you'll have to take extra care with anything that has on your name, address, phone, or social-security numbers—here's the best way to do it.

15 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Get Colorful

thd-fabriccube-environmental2-mrkt-0115.jpg
See More Ways to Declutter Your Home

Keep books, toys, crafts, and school supplies out of sight, but not out of reach. This open storage cubby with cube organizers is customized with a set of colorful, collapsible fabric drawers.

16 of 19

17 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Get the Bathroom in Order

kids painted step stool
Credit: Addie Juell
Get the Kids' Stepping Stool How-To

Streamline your kids' morning wash-up routine with a few simple additions. Try using suction hooks to stick a wire organizer directly onto the wall above; a fun solution for knick knacks that end up everywhere else instead. And keep a handy step stool nearby, which allows them to get a clear view while brushing their teeth.

17 of 19

18 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Back to Bedtime

baby on a quilt with knots
Credit: Lennart Weibull
Try These Simple Tips to Help You Sleep Better

While giving yourself enough time to sleep is important, it goes beyond a curfew: What you bring into your bedroom can actually influence your sleep. Try implementing a few of these tips to make your family's bedtime routine that much easier.

18 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Say "Thank You"

clipboard teacher appreciation gift
Credit: Chelsea Cavanaugh
Get the Penmanship Paper Teacher-Gift Template

Lastly, this lesson: how a few magic phrases can turn a school-year token into a heartfelt memento. Download and print this template, which gives you and your little one plenty of space to list five reasons why his or her teacher deserves an A+ and to say thank you. Have the student fill it in and place it on a mini clipboard, along with a gift card and a grateful note from Mom and Dad.

19 of 19

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 19
    2 of 19 Clean Up the Entryway
    3 of 19 Healthy Start
    4 of 19 Stock Up on Supplies
    5 of 19 Tackle Your To-Dos
    6 of 19 Personalize Their Backpacks
    7 of 19 Update Their Wardrobe
    8 of 19 Teach Them Arts and Crafts
    9 of 19 Mark Everyone's Electronics
    10 of 19 Prep Their Lunches
    11 of 19 Gear Control
    12 of 19 Supercharge the Car
    13 of 19 Be Ready for Emergencies
    14 of 19 Serve After-School Snacks
    15 of 19 Organize the Homework Table
    16 of 19 Get Colorful
    17 of 19 Get the Bathroom in Order
    18 of 19 Back to Bedtime
    19 of 19 Say "Thank You"

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    The Best Back-to-School Organizing Tips to Start Your Year Off Right
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.