A fresh school year is the perfect excuse for a fresh start at home. Between new routines, supplies, sports schedules, and early mornings, staying organized can make all the difference. At Lariat, where family-friendly living is part of everyday life, a tidy home can help set the tone for a successful and stress-free school year. With a few smart strategies, you can keep your home running smoothly, without feeling like you're constantly cleaning.
Create a School-Year Command Center
One of the best ways to stay organized is to designate a central spot for all things school-related. Set up a simple command center with hooks for backpacks, cubbies or bins for shoes, and a basket for lunchboxes and water bottles. Include a dry erase calendar or corkboard for weekly schedules, permission slips, and reminders. When everything has a place, it’s easier for kids (and adults!) to stay on top of the daily routine.
Declutter Before You Restock
Before diving into back-to-school shopping, take time to clean out desks, drawers, and closets. Toss dried-out markers, recycle old papers, and donate clothes that no longer fit. This quick reset makes it easier to see what you actually need—saving time, money, and space. For kids' rooms, involve them in the process so they feel ownership over their space as the year begins.
Keep Supplies Tidy and Accessible
Designate one or two storage spots for school and homework supplies. A labeled drawer, rolling cart, or small bin with compartments can help keep pens, paper, scissors, and calculators organized. Clear containers make it easy to see what’s inside, and restocking becomes a breeze when items start to run low.
Make Weekly Reset Part of the Routine
Choose one day each week (Sunday evenings work well) to prep for the days ahead. Take 15 minutes to sort through backpacks, empty out old lunchboxes, refill supply bins, and review the week’s calendar. This habit helps prevent clutter from building up and allows everyone to start Monday feeling a little more in control.
Clean in Small Daily Doses
Back-to-school season can feel hectic, but cleaning doesn’t have to be a marathon. Try breaking it into short, daily tasks that fit your routine. For example, wipe down countertops while making coffee, vacuum high-traffic areas in the evening, or involve the kids in a five-minute “clean sweep” before dinner. Small, consistent efforts keep the mess from snowballing.
Make It a Family Effort
Organization is easier when everyone pitches in. Assign age-appropriate tasks like putting away shoes, unloading lunchboxes, or tidying the homework space. Creating a shared checklist or using chore charts can turn tidying into a positive, team-based activity.
Join the Lariat Life
At Lariat, we know that an organized home helps create space for what really matters: more time with family, fewer morning struggles, and a smoother school-year rhythm. Plus, families here are zoned to Liberty Hill ISD, a district known for its strong community and quality education. Even better? A brand-new on-site elementary school is currently under construction right here in the neighborhood, meaning Lariat residents will soon be able to walk their children to school just steps from home. Ready to enjoy family-focused living in a thoughtfully designed community? Contact us today to learn more about life at Lariat!