10 Best Back-to-School Organisation Ideas

Updated: 8.4.25

It’s that time of year again—back-to-school season is here!

If the idea of getting everything ready has you feeling overwhelmed, don’t stress—we’re here to help. Whether it’s organizing supplies, packing lunches, or prepping for smooth mornings, this guide covers it all.

Take a deep breath, grab a cup of tea, and scroll through our tried-and-true tips for back-to-school success. You’ve got this!

1. Hang a Chart for Daily Chores

Weekdays can get chaotic, especially during term time. A simple chore chart helps establish routine and makes mornings more manageable.

Assign age-appropriate tasks to each child and check them off daily. Add motivation with a small reward system like stickers, screen time, or a treat at the end of the week.

2. Get Ahead on Homework

Ease your child's academic stress by reviewing homework as early as Sunday. Break large assignments into smaller goals and create a simple plan together.

This teaches time management while reducing last-minute panic during the week.

3. Create a Shared Family Calendar

Use a family calendar—digital or physical—to track school events, birthdays, appointments, and more. Colour-code entries for each family member to make scanning at a glance super easy.

This tool keeps everyone on the same page and reduces forgotten events or late arrivals.

4. Stock Up on Quality School Supplies

Avoid the last-minute scramble by shopping for essentials early. Prioritize durability for backpacks, stationery, and notebooks to prevent mid-term replacements.

Label everything to keep lost items to a minimum—especially water bottles, lunchboxes, and jumpers!

5. Set a Smooth Morning Routine

Lay out clothes, prep bags, and plan breakfast the night before. Establishing this habit reduces stress and gives everyone a smoother start.

Make it fun with a visual checklist for younger kids to follow independently.

6. Pack Lunches Ahead of Time

Save time in the morning by packing lunches after dinner. Get your child involved—they’re more likely to eat what they helped choose!

Prep healthy snacks and rotate lunchbox options to keep things exciting throughout the week.

7. Designate a Homework Zone

Create a distraction-free space just for studying. Stock it with pencils, paper, chargers, and anything else your child regularly needs.

Keeping this area separate from play zones helps reinforce focus and productivity.

8. Use Reusable Storage Bags

Opt for reusable lunch bags and containers to save money and reduce waste. They're better for the environment and often more durable than disposables.

Choose machine-washable varieties to make cleanup a breeze.

9. Organize Important School Papers

Create a system to file permission slips, memos, and class newsletters. Whether digital or in a folder by the door, keep everything easy to access and sorted by category or date.

Consider scanning documents for a digital backup just in case.

10. Plan for the Unexpected

Forgotten lunch? Lost library book? These things happen! Keep a stash of emergency supplies (snacks, stationery, spare clothes) ready at home or in your car.

Also, keep emergency contact info up-to-date and easily accessible.

Key Takeaways

• Implement chore charts and shared calendars to streamline busy routines.
• Prep homework, meals, and outfits the night before to save time and stress.
• Set up dedicated areas for studying and storage to maintain household order.
• Stay flexible—backup plans can turn chaos into calm in seconds.

FAQs

How can I get my child excited for the new school year?

Let them pick out supplies or plan their first-day outfit. Talk positively about seeing friends and learning new things.

How early should we start our school morning routine?

Ideally, 1–2 weeks before school starts. This helps everyone adjust gradually and reduces first-day stress.

What’s a fun way to involve kids in lunch prep?

Create a lunch station stocked with healthy options. Let kids choose a main, snack, and drink from pre-approved selections.

How can I keep track of extracurricular activities?

Add them to your family calendar and sync reminders with your phone. Some parents also use a whiteboard or cork board at home.

How can I motivate my child to stick to routines?

Visual charts, praise, and small rewards can help build habits. Let them decorate their charts to give them ownership of the routine.