All right, it's finals time. You've made it through Organization 101 and 201, and now it's time to cram before the teacher hands out the test.
These are the last little pieces of the back-to-school organization puzzle that you need to succeed.
- Create cubbies in the mudroom/entry room for your kids to place their backpacks, sporting equipment, lunch boxes, shoes, and other items they'll bring into the house. This gives you a readily accessible area that will help you keep the whole house neat and tidy.
- Speaking of cubbies, place some hooks at easy-to-reach heights. This will give your kids a place where they can hang their coats, place their hats, and store a sweater for those chilly days ahead. Additionally, place a bench by the door. This will give them a place to sit as they lace up their shoes and get ready to walk out the door.
- If you have a mudroom or informal entry, use it to your advantage by building cubbies or shelving from floor to ceiling. This helps you maximize the space and ensure that everyone in the family has enough room to place the things they need within the room.
- Place a whiteboard up for your children to read as they walk out the door. It's an easy way to give them a little encouragement as they start the day, and it's an effective way to remind them that they need to feed the cat when they get home.