Back to School Organisation Tips for Busy Families

Back-to-school season is upon us, and I’m here with a few tips in navigating this exciting yet often hectic time. I get it – juggling school schedules, extracurricular activities, and your own to-dos can feel like orchestrating a grand symphony. But fear not! In this blog post, we’re diving into some seriously savvy tips that’ll not only keep stress at bay but also transform your family into a well-oiled organisation machine. From reducing those morning rushes to keeping everyone in sync, we’re all about working together for an organised, smooth-sailing back-to-school adventure. Let’s dive in and make this school year your most organised yet!

Ready to tackle the back-to-school hustle and bustle while keeping your cool? I’ve got your back with 15 tips to keep the family ship sailing smoothly during this season. Let’s dive in and make this transition a breeze together!

15 Organisation Tips for Busy Families

Create a Family Calendar: Use a physical or digital calendar to keep track of school schedules, extracurricular activities, appointments, and important events. Make sure everyone has access to it. We use both physical and digital. I would be lost without my Cleverfox Pro A4 Planner
Morning and Evening Routines: Establish consistent morning and evening routines that include tasks like packing backpacks, laying out clothes, preparing lunches, and winding down for bed.
Central Command Center: Designate a space in your home as a central hub for important information. Hang a bulletin board or use a whiteboard to display schedules, to-do lists, and other relevant items. We use a magnetic weekly planning board (a similar one can be found here)on our fridge, important events are written onto it and magnets are used to attache notes, lists, etc
Weekly Meal Planning: Plan meals for the week ahead to save time and reduce stress. Create a shopping list based on the meal plan and stick to it to avoid last-minute grocery store runs. Some great editable and printable templates for meal planning and shopping list can be found here
Homework Station: Set up a designated area for homework and study time. Stock it with necessary supplies, like pens, pencils, paper, and reference materials.
Family Meetings: Hold regular family meetings to discuss upcoming events, share updates, and assign responsibilities. This is a great time to address any scheduling conflicts.
Use Technology: Utilize apps and digital tools to help with organization. Shared calendar apps, to-do list apps, and messaging platforms can keep everyone on the same page. A great list of useful apps can be found here and here.
Clothing Prep: Lay out outfits the night before to minimize morning chaos. This can save time and reduce decision-making stress during the rush to get ready.
Backpack Check: Encourage children to clean out their backpacks regularly. Make sure they’re organized and have all the necessary materials for the next school day.
Set Up Reminders: Use alarms, reminders, or notifications on your phone or other devices to prompt you and your family about important tasks and appointments.
Designated Storage Areas: Assign specific areas for storing school supplies, shoes, bags, and other items. Having designated spaces reduces clutter and makes it easier to find things.
Delegate Chores: Assign age-appropriate chores to each family member. This can help distribute responsibilities and maintain a tidy household.
Prep the Night Before: Encourage everyone to prepare for the next day the night before. This includes packing bags, setting out clothes, and checking schedules.
Batch Processing: Dedicate specific times for tasks like meal prep, laundry, and cleaning. This can help you stay organized and manage your time more efficiently.
Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate milestones and accomplishments as a family. This positive reinforcement can motivate everyone to stay organized and focused.

Remember that organisation is an ongoing process, and it’s important to adapt these strategies to your family’s specific needs and routines – you certainly don’t have to use all of these ideas, take what fits your needs and circumstances. Regular communication and cooperation among family members will help ensure a smoother back-to-school season and beyond and keep everyone’s stress levels under control.

Sending warm wishes to you and your whole crew for a super smooth back-to-school transition! Here’s to an amazing year ahead, brimming with happiness, success, and loads of positivity for each member of your family. You’re fully equipped for this journey, and I’m here, cheering for you at every single step!

Keep in touch – Let’s help each other out at this busy time of the year, please share your back to school organisation tips in the comments. What is the one thing that keeps your family organised at this busy time of the year?

Take care, chat soon

Ciara xox