The Organizer

Dear Devorah,

I’m dreading September.

Summer was blissfully unstructured – late mornings, messy lunches, and bedtime windows that were more suggestion than rule.

Now I’m supposed to go from that… to sharpened pencils and alarm clocks?

I want to start the school year off right, but honestly, I’m overwhelmed.

-Scared for School

Dear Scared,

There’s something about the school year looming that makes even the most capable adult question if they’re ready.

And let’s be honest: the kids will be fine. It’s us – the parents – who need the systems in place so we don’t lose it by week two.

But here’s the secret: starting strong isn’t about perfection – it’s about preparation.

The systems you set up now don’t have to last forever. But they’ll give you a running start and help your home feel calmer, even when everything around it gets chaotic.

So let’s do this. Together.

Start with the Supplies

There’s nothing more satisfying than checking off your school supply list. You found the scissors, grabbed the index cards, and even tracked down that elusive three-pocket folder with the prongs.

Now what?

Before everything disappears into drawers and backpacks, spend five minutes putting a few simple systems in place – because even the best supplies won’t help if no one can find them.

Label everything.

Will it guarantee things come home? Nope. But it increases your odds.

A black Sharpie handles most jobs – from lunchboxes to binders and everything in between. For darker or patterned surfaces, switch to a silver Sharpie. It stands out where black ink tends to disappear. (Side note: kids love Sharpies and they will absolutely sneak them into their backpacks even though they’re never on the list. Prepare accordingly.) 

Stock Up on Extras

With school supplies still on sale, now’s the best time to stock up on extras. You don’t need a full supply closet – just stock up on the basics you know will vanish by October: pencils, glue sticks, highlighters, folders.

Tuck them into a clearly labeled “Extra Supplies” bin and keep it separate from your everyday stash. Out of sight, out of mess – but ready when something breaks, bends, or mysteriously disappears.

Nothing says “I’ve got this” like replacing a ripped folder without leaving your house.

The Nightly Reset

Mornings are chaos. You’re juggling toast, socks, and the sudden realization that today is picture day.

That’s why the magic happens the night before.

Build in a 5-minute reset before bedtime starts. No need for charts or timers – just a few predictable steps:

● Snacks and water bottles prepped

● Homework in folders

● Forms signed and returned to their bag

● Backpacks packed and zipped

Try doing this right before the kids brush their teeth – just before the nighttime rush begins.

Will it happen every night? Probably not. But the more often it does, the easier mornings become.

Even if you take over now and then, the habit is forming. And that’s what matters.

 

Set Up a Backpack Station

Nothing says “welcome home” like a knapsack in the middle of the hallway.

Backpacks need a place to land – and preferably not your floor. Instead of stepping over them or tripping on them (again), create a designated drop zone. 

You don’t need a full mudroom overhaul – just choose a consistent, easy-to-reach spot. Whether it’s a hook, basket, shelf, or cubby, make it sturdy and accessible.

If you’re using hooks, go sturdy. This is not the time for flimsy plastic or peel-and-stick. Backpacks are heavy (sometimes heavier than the child carrying them). Use real anchors, real screws, and hardware that can handle the weight. You’ll thank yourself later.

Make it theirs.

Let your kids personalize their spot – a label with their name, a favorite sticker, a fun font. A tiny touch of ownership helps them remember: this is where my stuff goes. And when things feel personal, they’re more likely to stick with it.

Will you still find backpacks in the hallway? Probably. But a gentle nudge back to their spot builds the habit. Give it a few weeks. One day, you’ll realize it finally clicked.

Create a Paper Drop Zone

Somehow, kids manage to bring home more paper in one afternoon than an office printer in a week – drawings, homework, reminders, notes from school… it’s endless.

And without a place for it all to land, it ends up scattered across every surface in sight.

That’s where a paper drop zone comes in.

Set up one spot per child – just a simple bin, file holder, or tray labeled with their name. No need to overthink it. The goal is ease: easy to reach, easy to use, and near wherever they tend to do homework.

The moment they get home, have them empty their backpacks and place anything important in their spot. If they forget, help them do it. Over time, it becomes second nature.

Then once a week, do a quick cleanup. Go through the piles, pull out anything that needs your attention, and recycle the rest. Five minutes – done.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about having a plan. And this one will spare your counters, your nerves, and that permission slip you’ll definitely need tomorrow.

Final Thoughts

The goal here isn’t to create something impressive. You’re just trying to make mornings less frantic, evenings more manageable, and papers a little easier to find.

That starts with systems that make sense for your family. Small steps. Clear routines. Labeled bins. Hooks that don’t fall down.

You’re not going to catch every detail. And that’s okay. But the more you prep now, the easier it becomes to stay steady when the pace picks up.

So if it feels like too much? Just start with one thing. One hook. One bin. One tiny change that makes tomorrow smoother.

You’ve got this.

Happy organizing,

Devorah