The school year has officially kicked off, and if your household is anything like mine, it feels like we’ve gone from zero to 60 overnight. Between getting the kids to school, after-school activities, fall sports, homework and trying to keep everything running smoothly at home, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Staying organized during this busy season can be a challenge, but with a few simple strategies, you can keep the chaos at bay and avoid losing your mind!
Here are five tips to help keep things organized this school year:
1. Use a Family Calendar
If you don’t already have a shared family calendar, now is the time to start. Whether it’s a large wall calendar in the kitchen or a digital calendar that syncs with everyone’s devices, a central calendar is essential for keeping track of everyone’s schedules. Include school events, sports practices, games and even family activities. This way, everyone knows what’s happening each day, and you won’t accidentally double-book yourself.
Pro tip: Color-code each family member’s activities to make it easier to read at a glance!
2. Create a Command Center
A family “command center” can be a game changer. This could be a small space in your kitchen, mudroom or entryway where you organize everything from school papers to sports schedules. Hang a bulletin board or a set of hooks for backpacks, create an inbox for permission slips and keep a monthly calendar visible. A designated spot for everything helps keep clutter in check and ensures important papers don’t get lost in the shuffle.
3. Meal Plan for the Week
When life gets busy, meal planning is your best friend. Take some time over the weekend to plan out your meals for the week ahead, keeping in mind sports practices and other commitments that may impact dinner time. Prep as much as you can in advance – think slow-cooker meals, sheet pan dinners or grab-and-go snacks. Having a plan takes the stress out of dinner decisions and keeps you from reaching for takeout on those hectic nights.
4. Designate Homework and Sports Zones
Assigning specific areas for homework and sports gear can help keep clutter under control and ensure everyone knows where their things are. Create a quiet space for homework with all the necessary supplies like pencils, paper and chargers, and designate a spot near the door for sports equipment. This makes it easier to find things in a rush, and it teaches the kids to keep their belongings organized.
5. Plan Ahead for the Week
Every Sunday, take 30 minutes to look at the week ahead. Review the family calendar, check the sports schedules, and make sure everyone has what they need for school and activities. Lay out clothes, pack lunches and double-check that all homework is signed. This simple planning session will save you time (and headaches) throughout the week.
Staying organized during the school and sports season is no easy feat, but with these strategies in place, you can keep your home running smoothly and reclaim some sanity.
