Back-to-School Organisation Hacks for Kids
It’s not long now until our lovely bundles of joy go back to school. As a mum, I know this is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s great to get back into some sort of routine (and finally tackle the house after a six-week holiday bombshell!). On the other hand, school days bring endless to-dos: homework, clubs, parties, events, and last-minute requests from teachers.
My youngest is 15 now and starting college, so he’s much more self-sufficient. But it wasn’t long ago that I was right in the thick of it, juggling uniforms, forgotten PE kits, and lost jumpers. The truth is, back to school organisation makes all the difference. With a little forward planning, mornings can feel calmer and more manageable.
Here are my tried-and-tested hacks to help you stay on top of things.
1. Write a First-Day Checklist
Don’t get caught out by buying everything on the school’s “must-have” list. When my son started high school, I rushed to buy rugby jumpers and mouthguards he never used! Make your own checklist of essential school clothes and stationery.
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Write down the date and time of the first day back.
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Allow extra time for breakfast and the school run so you’re not rushing.
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Keep it simple—you’ll avoid wasted money and stress.
2. Keep a Dedicated School Notebook
A school notebook is a game-changer. Use it to jot down:
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Playdates
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Clubs and activities
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Homework deadlines
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School events
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Weekly to-do lists
Update it every Sunday so you start the week one step ahead.
3. Label Absolutely Everything
Seriously—label everything. School clothes, coats, bottles, bags, lunchboxes, pencil cases—kids lose it all! A quick set of stick-on or iron-on labels will save you money and stop arguments about lost belongings.
4. Create a Drop Zone for Bags, Shoes, and Coats
Keep all school essentials together in one spot. Whether it’s your hallway, kitchen, or their bedroom, having a drop zone saves those frantic morning searches.
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Coats, bags, and shoes go back in the same place every day.
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Teach your child to reset their drop zone daily—it’s a simple habit that makes a big difference.
5. Organise a Creative Station for Younger Kids
If you’ve got younger children, set up a dedicated space for drawing paper, pens, paints, and crafts.
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Use drawers, baskets, or dividers to keep it simple.
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Make sure the storage is at their height so they can access it easily.
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Encourage them to put things back when finished—it teaches responsibility (even if you need to “redo” it sometimes!).
6. Get Ahead with School Bag Organisation
Even though most schools send emails now, important information still gets lost in the shuffle. I miss the old paper letters that could be stuck straight to the fridge!
Here’s a hack: invest in a printer. Print out school emails and pin them to a memo board or fridge so nothing gets forgotten. This small step makes back to school organisation so much easier and helps you stay on top of reminders.
Back to School organisation: Final Thoughts
Back-to-school season can feel overwhelming, but with a little preparation and structure, you can make mornings less stressful. Start small: create a drop zone, label everything, and keep a school notebook. These simple back to school organisation hacks will help you feel more in control—and give you space to enjoy the fun parts of a new school year. If you loved these tips, check out our Back to School Reset Post!
Back to school Organisation Deals on Amazon!
I’ve rounded up some back to school limited time deals from Amazon so you don’t have to. These clever finds will get you on your A-game and make mornings a whole lot smoother!
The links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). It’s a simple way to support this blog and everything I share — so thank you for being here!
Wirebound Notebook, 100 Sheets, 200 Pages A4+, 80GSM, red, Pack of 3
Amazon Basics Mesh Desk Organiser with Sliding Drawer, Double Tray and 5 Upright Sections, Black
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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