It’s that time of year again. Summer is winding down, fall is on the horizon, and kids are heading back to school. After a long and lazy summer, it can be tough to jumpstart the family back into a routine. Whether your kids are excited for a new grade or dreading the inevitable return, we have a few simple tips to help get both them and your home organized for a smooth transition.
Beyond clothes shopping, notebooks and binders, and new lunch boxes, you can set your kids up for success with organizing your home to help make the school routine less stressful.
Step 1: Prepare the entryway
A mudroom is often a communal space for bags, shoes, and daily items for the family. It’s the place to make sure you’re not missing anything or forgetting items before the school day begins. Dedicating cabinets, drawers, or wall hooks for jackets, bookbags, and lunchboxes is a great way to keep kids organized in the morning. Boosting your storage space and organization can be hugely helpful when the school year starts.
Built-in cabinets, like the ones shown above in Giada DeLaurentiis’ home, are great for hiding away shoes, hats, and outdoor gear, and even provide storage for household items you’d rather keep out of sight. A comfy, durable cushion (like the custom Sunbrella cushion in DeLaurentiis’ entryway) is a great addition to cabinetry and built-ins, giving you a place to perch when putting on shoes and getting out the door in the mornings. Long-lasting, easy to clean Sunbrella fabrics are the perfect fit for high-traffic areas like an entryway or mudroom.
Step 2: Create workspaces for homework
Having a dedicated workspace for your kids can be a gamechanger during the school year. Arranging a space for your kids to focus on their homework is a great way encourage good habits and establish a routine for the coming months.
If you don’t have room to set up a separate work area for your kids, give them a small workspace within your home office or set up the dining room table as a homework area after school. This can be especially helpful so your children can work on projects and school assignments near a parent who can supervise and provide valuable comments.
The Racer Chair from Blu Dot (shown above) is a great addition to build out your kids’ workspace that provides a durable, easy to clean, and stylish addition to your home office.
Step 3: Step up a cozy study nook
Having a dedicated space for your kids to unwind and read or study can look different depending on your kid’s age. For younger kids, having a space to flex their imagination is a great way to get your kids excited about reading! Adding shelves for books and puzzles, a chalk board for a creative outlet, and a fun seating option like the Outdoor Hanging Chair from Serena & Lily with a Sunbrella seat cushion will keep your kids entertained. Add bright pillows and cushions for pops of color.
Another great option for cozy seating are the West Elm Outdoor Bean Bags, available in Sunbrella fabric in shades of blue or fun patterns.
For older kids, transforming a corner of your home into a comfortable and relaxing book nook is a great way to cultivate a lifelong love of reading. For your preteens or teens, set up a quiet, comfy space with lots of natural light. Incorporate a small desk or side table and soft seating to encourage more reading and studying. The Outdoor Hanging Chair from Serena & Lily is a great option for pre-teens and teens too. Pair it with pillows and cushions in neutral, muted tones for a more sophisticated style.
Step 4: Set up a food station for breakfast and snacks
School year weekdays are tough when it comes to packing lunches, early breakfasts, and quick, easy dinner prep. Having a designated snack station for your kids after school can help keep the lead up to dinnertime stress free. With easy to clean Sunbrella fabrics, you can choose a comfy spot for the kids to snack without worrying about spills and stains.
Back to School with Sunbrella
Check out our Back to School product round up for a few of our favorite kid-friendly pieces to keep each zone in your home comfortable, organized, and clean as school goes back in session. Browse our indoor fabrics or keep reading for more Indoor Living inspiration!
