Back-to-school prep: 10 things to declutter for smoother mornings
There are small steps you can take now to ensure a smooth, stress-free transition to back to school.
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Just when your family finally settles into the rhythm of summer—wham! The back-to-school season arrives.
The best way to ease the transition from flip-flops to desktops is to get organized and decluttered before the very first day. While getting organized may seem like a lot to tackle, there are small steps you can take now to ensure a smooth, stress-free transition to back to school.
Related: Tidy up, mama: The top 10 organizing hacks from Pinterest
Here are ten simple tips to clear the clutter and get ahead before the new school year starts:
1. Grab a dry erase board
To kick the school year off to an organized start, try putting a dry erase calendar where everyone can see it. Not only does it help young minds remember what and when schoolwork is due, but it also removes the stress of having to ask kid’s 10 times: “Do you have your …?”
2. Purge last year’s paperwork + artwork
Before the onslaught of this school year’s homework and artwork, make sure you declutter from last year. Pull out all of the homework and artwork from the previous school year (empty old backpacks, desk drawers and those piles you’ve meant to tackle) and pick the best of the best.
Items like that great poem they wrote for you on Mother’s Day or their first long report on what they want to be when they grow up are great keepsakes. Pare down to a small but significant representation of their best work and let the rest go. To declutter even more, consider creating art books out of the very best of the best.
Related: Mom of 6 shares tips for staying organized this summer and lessening the mental load—on everyone
3. Don’t be afraid to donate
Before the deluge of birthdays, birthday parties and upcoming holidays, take time to donate (or toss if they are broken) toys that didn’t get played with all summer. If letting go of toys is difficult for your kid, try the halfway there approach.
Sort the toys into four piles—keep, donate, trash, and not quite yet. Box up the “not quite yet toys” and put them in a closet or garage. Tell your kids if they really miss the toy and want to play with it, it’s right there. However, chances are, out of sight, out of mind, especially with all the homework coming their way.
4. Especially backpacks
Most kids get brand new backpacks every school year, but, if last year’s pack is still in good shape, think about donating it to a local nonprofit that works with foster kids. Use this opportunity to teach your children that if they aren’t using something, maybe there is someone who could use it.
5. Purge books that won’t get reread
Did summer reading lists create a glut of books in your home? Time to do a purge of the books that won’t get reread or won’t ever be read. Of course, some classics and favorites will be kept, but find a younger neighbor or friend and pass gently used books onto them.
Related: 7 positive ways to ask your children to put their things away
6. Evaluate which clothing fits
Do a pass and make a pile of clothes you think are too small or worn out. Have your kids try them on to make absolutely sure if they’ve outgrown them or not. If there are younger siblings or cousins, put together a hand-me-down box.
7. Stock their desk only with the necessities
An organized desk is essential for a new school year. Make sure the desk is stocked with all of the necessary supplies like pencils, pens, erasers and paper. Make sure everything has a place so your kid can find it when they need it and better yet, put it away when their homework is done.
8. Refresh the entryway or drop zone
Designate a space near your home’s entrance for school essentials—think backpacks, lunchboxes, shoes, and jackets. Add bins, hooks, or a small shelf to keep everything accessible and in one place. This small area can drastically reduce morning chaos.
Related: How to raise an organized kid, according to an expert
9. Sort out school supplies you already own
Before shopping for new supplies, gather everything you already have—markers, scissors, notebooks, and glue sticks—and sort them by type. You’ll likely find duplicates or nearly-new items that can save you money and reduce clutter.
10. Organize your digital space too
It’s not just physical clutter—digital clutter adds stress too. Take time to clean up your child’s tablet, computer, or school email. Delete old files, clear storage, and set up folders for the new year. A tidy digital space makes it easier to focus and stay organized.
Decluttering before school starts doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Small steps—like clearing desks, sorting clothes, and purging last year’s papers—can go a long way toward reducing stress. With a little planning now, you’ll make those busy back-to-school mornings smoother for everyone. You’ve got this!
Related: Self-discipline + organization: How to teach kids these lifelong skills
A version of the post of was published on Augusr 6, 2019. It’s been updated on July 22, 2025.
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