Back-to-school season often brings a mix of excitement and stress. After a long summer, transitioning back into a school routine can be challenging for both parents and children. The key to a smooth transition is organization. By setting up effective systems, you can ensure that the school year starts off on the right foot. Here are 13 DIY tips to help you get organized for the back-to-school season.
1. Mason Jar Pencil Holders
Overview: If you find pens, pencils, and markers scattered around the house, mason jar pencil holders are a stylish and practical solution. This simple DIY project helps keep your writing utensils organized and easily accessible.
How to Make It:
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Clean and dry empty mason jars.
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Decorate jars with paint, washi tape, or fabric for a personalized touch.
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Use jars to store pens, pencils, markers, and other small office supplies.
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Arrange them on a desk or shelf for easy access.
Benefits: These holders not only declutter your space but also add a touch of charm to your study area.
2. Homework Caddy
Overview: A homework caddy is a great way to keep all the necessary supplies in one place. This DIY project can be both fun and functional, and it’s an excellent way to get your kids involved in the organization process.
How to Make It:
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Gather empty cartons, toilet paper rolls, and duct tape.
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Cut and assemble the cartons into a caddy shape.
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Attach toilet paper rolls for additional compartments.
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Let your kids decorate the caddy to personalize it.
Benefits: This caddy helps keep homework supplies organized and makes it easy for children to find what they need for their assignments.
3. Command Center
Overview: A command center helps streamline family schedules and keeps everyone informed. Creating a DIY command center can be a game-changer for managing busy school schedules.
How to Make It:
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Use a large frame or a corkboard.
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Replace the backing with a dry-erase board or printable calendar.
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Add sections for important dates, to-dos, and notes.
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Hang it in a central location where everyone can see it.
Benefits: A command center helps visualize family schedules and tasks, reducing the chance of missed appointments or forgotten responsibilities.
4. Chore Chart
Overview: Keeping track of chores can be challenging, especially during the busy back-to-school season. A DIY chore chart helps everyone understand their responsibilities and track their progress.
How to Make It:
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Use a magnetic baking sheet or a whiteboard.
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Create sections for different chores and assign them to family members.
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Use magnets or dry-erase markers to mark completed tasks.
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Consider adding a rewards system for completed chores.
Benefits: A chore chart helps maintain a clean and organized home while teaching children responsibility and time management.
5. Fridge Command Center
Overview: The fridge is a central hub in most homes, making it an ideal location for a command center. This DIY project helps keep important information visible and accessible.
How to Make It:
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Attach a magnetic calendar to the side of the fridge.
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Use magnetic bins or pockets to hold important papers, such as school schedules and lunch menus.
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Add a checklist for school routines and supplies.
Benefits: A fridge command center keeps essential information in a visible location, making it easier to stay organized and manage daily tasks.
6. Spot for Backpacks
Overview: A designated spot for backpacks helps prevent clutter and ensures that backpacks and school items are always in the right place.
How to Make It:
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Install hooks or pegs in the entryway.
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Label hooks with family members' names or colors.
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Ensure the area is easily accessible for kids to hang their backpacks.
Benefits: Having a designated spot for backpacks reduces the chances of losing items and keeps the entryway tidy.
7. Printable Binder
Overview: A printable binder helps students keep track of their homework, schedules, and activities. This DIY tool is an excellent way to support your child's organizational skills.
How to Make It:
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Download free printable binder pages from online resources.
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Organize pages into sections for homework, schedules, and extracurricular activities.
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Use a binder with dividers to keep everything in order.
Benefits: A printable binder provides a central location for important information, helping students stay on top of their responsibilities.
8. Time Management Clock
Overview: A time management clock helps younger children understand how to manage their time effectively after school.
How to Make It:
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Purchase an inexpensive clock.
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Color-code the hours between after-school and bedtime.
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Assign different colors to different activities.
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Hang the clock in a visible spot.
Benefits: This DIY clock helps children learn time management skills and provides a visual schedule to follow each day.
9. School Clothes Tags
Overview: Preparing outfits for the week in advance can make school mornings less hectic. School clothes tags are a simple way to streamline the process.
How to Make It:
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Download and print free school clothes tags.
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Label tags with days of the week and attach them to clothing.
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Set out outfits for the week on Sunday night.
Benefits: This method reduces the morning rush and helps children pick out their outfits without stress.
10. School Supply Closet
Overview: A designated school supply closet helps keep all school-related items organized and easily accessible.
How to Make It:
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Choose a closet to dedicate to school supplies.
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Use bins or shelves to organize uniforms, backpacks, and extra supplies.
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Label bins and shelves for easy identification.
Benefits: A school supply closet helps reduce clutter and ensures that all necessary items are in one convenient location.
11. School Lunch Prep
Overview: Pre-packing school lunches can save time and ensure that your child eats a balanced meal.
How to Make It:
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Use clear plastic bins to organize lunch items in the fridge and pantry.
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Label bins for snacks, fruits, veggies, and proteins.
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Pre-package items and store them in the bins.
Benefits: This method simplifies lunch preparation and helps ensure that your child gets nutritious meals.
12. Homework Station Organizer
Overview: A rotating homework station organizer helps keep school supplies within reach and easy to access.
How to Make It:
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Decorate a lazy susan with jars for storing supplies.
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Arrange jars on the lazy susan and add labels if desired.
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Place the organizer on a desk or table.
Benefits: A lazy susan organizer makes it easy for kids to find and use their supplies, promoting an organized and efficient study area.
13. School Paper Organizer
Overview: Keeping track of school paperwork can be challenging. A DIY school paper organizer helps manage permission slips, assignments, and other documents.
How to Make It:
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Use a dish drying rack and file folders.
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Label folders for different types of paperwork.
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Store the rack in a high-traffic area for easy access.
Benefits: This organizer helps keep important papers sorted and ensures that nothing gets misplaced.
Conclusion
Getting organized for the back-to-school season doesn't have to be overwhelming. By implementing these 13 DIY tips, you can create a more streamlined and efficient routine for your family. From crafting personalized pencil holders to setting up a fridge command center, these ideas will help you manage the chaos and start the school year with confidence. Embrace these creative solutions to ensure a smoother transition back to school and a more organized home environment.
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