Have you ever come home from a long day at the office, only to find yourself sitting in your car, dreading the chaos waiting for you inside? The thoughts race through your mind: What mess am I going to walk into? What do I have to make for dinner? Did the kids unpack their lunch bags? Do they have homework? How am I going to get through this evening? I get it—that used to be me. Exhausted from the day, struggling to find the energy to tackle the evening, and
knowing it would all start over again the next morning.
This is where the saying, "A place for everything and everything in its place," truly comes in handy. A well-organized home, can transform your daily routine, and it all starts with creating a back-to-school drop zone.
Step 1: Designate a Drop Zone Location
First things first, you need a dedicated space for shoes, backpacks, lunch bags, and homework/papers. Ideally, this drop zone should be near the door everyone uses to enter the home—whether it’s the front door, garage door, or back door. But don’t worry if you don’t have an entryway or mudroom! You can easily create a drop zone in a small area of the kitchen, a closet, a hallway, or even in the living room. If space is tight, consider using a cube shelf with bins, or even designate a spot in the garage before everyone enters the house.
Step 2: Manage the Shoe Situation
Shoes can quickly create clutter if not managed properly. Only keep the shoes currently being worn in the drop zone. The rest—those out of season or for special occasions—should be stored away. Limit the number of shoes each person keeps in the drop zone to what’s truly needed, to keep the area tidy and easy to maintain.
Step 3: Organize Backpacks
Backpacks are another source of clutter, especially if they don’t have a designated spot. Install sturdy hooks, bins, or shelves where backpacks can be easily hung or set down. Ensure these are at a height that’s accessible for each child, making it easy for them to unzip, pull out papers, and hang up their bag.
Step 4: Create a Lunch Bag Station
We’ve all discovered a forgotten lunch bag in a child’s room weeks later, and it’s never a pleasant experience! To avoid this, establish a specific spot for lunch bags—whether it’s a bin on the kitchen counter, a shelf in the pantry, or a small table by the door. During the school week, this becomes the go-to spot for lunch bags, making them easy to grab on the way out and drop off when returning home.
Step 5: Tame the Paper Pileup
Papers can pile up fast, especially when kids stuff them into backpacks without a second thought. This is a great opportunity to teach responsibility by setting up a dedicated area for school papers. Use labelled file folders for homework, art projects, and permission slips. Place the folders somewhere convenient, like on a wall, cabinet, or countertop, close to where the backpacks are stored.
Step 6: Customize Your Drop Zone
Every family has different schedules and routines, so it’s important to create a drop zone that fits your family’s needs. Don’t worry about making it look like someone else’s setup—what works for your family might be different. The key is to design a system that’s easy, attainable, and manageable for everyone.
A Smooth-Running Home Starts Here
Having a home for everything makes life run smoother, especially when you’re constantly on the move. With a well-organized drop zone, you’ll spend less time hunting for lost items and more time enjoying your evenings. Make this school year fun and stress-free by creating a drop zone that works for your family. And remember, if something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to change it until it does!
To see more ideas for creating a drop zone space in your home, head over to my Pinterest page. Click here to explore more inspiration and tips to help you create a clutter-free, organized space that works for your family
Ready to get started but feeling overwhelmed? Take the first step today and book a free discovery call. Together we can transform your home into a clutter-free, organized haven!
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