5 Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Back to School

Schools are back in session, and with new routines comes a need for new organization and developing systems to make your home work better for you. Your home is a haven for you and your kids after a long day at work and school, and with a few simple tips from our team at Furniture Source International, you can experience peace and comfort during this back-to-school time to help mellow the craze and chaos you may be used to.

1. Entry point. The entry point of your home is one of the quickest ways for chaos to develop in your home, but it is also one of the easiest places to set up systems for you and your kids, such as shoes, bags, and, soon enough, jackets, hoodies, and hats, can pile up quickly or get strewn around the house. Setting up a specific space for these items is the best way to get your home ready for back to school. Furniture Source International has several storage benches that can be paired with hooks and mudroom pieces to organize all these much-needed items. Even if you don’t have built-in cabinetry near your entries or a specific mudroom, you can use these beautiful and versatile pieces in your entryway to create a space perfect for coming and going. Take time to help your kids remember where to put everything by setting a routine in the morning and afternoon.

2. Workspace. Your kids will need to work on assignments for school at some point, whether it be every day or sporadically throughout the year. Studying for spelling tests, working on projects, daily homework, and more will be better served by having a designated space. For some families, this may be a home office, while for others, it may be at their dining room table while enjoying an after-school snack. But having this space isn’t enough. Think through the supplies your student may need and designate areas for that in your room. A small cabinet or large hutch can help you keep everything tucked away while still being accessible if you have a multi-use space.

3. Routines. Kids need routines in their lives, especially for everyday tasks like getting ready for bed or preparing for the day of school. Your space in your home can create a calming environment that helps those routines run smoothly. Having everyday items in the same spot can be a big help to your kids being successful in their day-to-day routines. Think through what they may need and consider a decorative piece for storage in the bathroom and bedroom. Jars or a wooden crate can be a beautiful way to contain items like brushes, accessories, or makeup for you and your kids. Baskets can be a catchall for shoes or athletic gear. A tiered shelf in a central location can be a place for keys, wallets, and the endless papers parents and guardians need to sign. These items can match function with beauty in your home.

4. Declutter. There are items in our homes that we do not need such as last year’s papers, unused toys, clothes that no longer fit, broken things, and stuff that simply just needs a new home. Take the time to go through each of the rooms of your home and each storage space within those rooms to discard or donate what you don’t need; if you aren’t sure, put it in a storage container out of the way for a few months and see if you find yourself looking for it. If you still have several items and are looking for a place to house them, consider a large wall unit, console, or hutch that can serve as a place to tuck away items, display items, and be used as furniture in your home.

5. Don’t forget the necessities. You and your kids need to continue with the necessities during back-to-school time, including healthy and nutritious meals, relaxing baths, and showers. Don’t overlook these needs when considering back-to-school time. Meals can be elevated with new plates, serving dishes, or glasses in an opportunity to bring everyone back around the table to enjoy fellowship and food together. You or your kids can enjoy their nighttime or early morning routine with a luxurious bath or shower, resetting or recharging for the next day.

Our showroom floor has dozens, if not hundreds, of items that can help you get your home back to school ready. We can show you around if you are looking for something specific or visit if you want to wander around and see what you can find. Come see us at Furniture Source International today!