Back to School Organization
It’s the very end of August, which means two things: my kids are somehow an inch taller than they were in June, and our house is a swirl of sunscreen leftovers, half-packed pool bags, and forms I keep meaning to sign. You know that feeling when summer feels endless — sticky popsicle fingers, wet towels draped everywhere, days where bedtime seems optional — and then suddenly you blink and it’s the first day of school? My son just started kindergarten so Yeah, we’re living it.
As an interior designer my brain craves order. But “HELLO” someone should explain this to my family. So, when August winds down, it’s time to reset your home, so the weekday chaos is… well, less chaotic. Here are my tried-and-true tips that I have shared with clients in the past and now putting into practice in our home, that make the transition smoother — and dare I say, even pretty.
1. Make a Drop Zone
You don’t need a giant mudroom to have a functional “drop zone.” Find a spot — an entry console, a bench by the door, even a wall hook — and make it the go-to for backpacks, shoes, and lunch boxes. If you have more than one child, designate a basket for each then add a small tray for keys and mail. Bonus points if it’s styled with a little plant or a cute catchall dish — because even organized chaos deserves a moment.
2. The Lunch Station Changed My Life
Okay, that’s dramatic… but only slightly. A few months back, I put together a simple prep station in a lower cabinet: small bins with snacks, reusable Tupperware, and a drawer just for water bottles. Now my oldest can help pack his own lunch. It’s empowering for him and saves me from morning meltdowns over “but I wanted the other granola bar!”
3. Command Center, but Make It Cute
Yes, a family calendar sounds very Type A, but hear me out: when practices, permission slips, and birthday parties all live in one spot, mornings go from frantic to functional. I added a cute sconce on the adjacent wall for better light and, because I wanted it to feel like a “moment,” I hung a small, framed tiger print beside it. Function and a little bit of personality — my favorite combo.
4. Style Meets Storage
Here’s the thing: baskets are your best friends this time of year. If you have a multi-level home use a basket by the stairs for things that need to go up, one by the door for library books, one in the kitchen for after-school clutter. The trick is choosing baskets that look intentional, not like you panic-bought them in a back-to-school haze. Natural textures, pretty patterns, or a pop of color can make your “stuff containers” feel styled instead of just… there.
5. Prep the Night Before (I Know, I Know)
I’m not naturally a night-before person — I’d rather curl up with my fav show or book and a snack — but laying out clothes, signing forms, and packing bags ahead of time makes mornings about 30% calmer. Plus, there’s something satisfying about sipping coffee in a quiet house knowing that for once, everyone’s shoes are where they belong.
6. Make It Yours
Every house runs differently, so the real magic is finding systems that work for your family. Maybe that’s a chalkboard wall in the kitchen, maybe it’s an extra cubby in the pantry for breakfast grab-and-go bins, or maybe it’s just letting go of perfection. Because at the end of the day, no one remembers if the shoe basket matched the rug — they remember the pancake breakfasts and the car ride singalongs.
So here we are, late August, resetting the house and bracing for the beautiful madness of fall. With a few thoughtful tweaks, your home can support the chaos — and even look good doing it. Here’s to smoother mornings, shorter searches for missing school items, and coffee that stays hot (at least until 8 a.m.).