Back to School Must Haves for Your Home

Back to school is right around the corner! Can you believe it? The summer flew by and now it’s time to switch gears and prepare for the upcoming school year. Whether you are a first time school parent this year, a seasoned school parent or an empty-nester, the fall can be a great time to get organized for the upcoming winter.

Here’s a few things that can help with this “back to school” season in your own homes, whether you have school aged kids or not.

A Hanging Area

A hanging area in the front of your home can be very useful for back to school. It can help you organize your backpacks, coats, hats, scarves, and other items that you need for school. You can easily grab them on your way out and hang them back when you return. This can save you time and prevent clutter in your home.

Pinterest

A hanging area can also create a welcoming and cozy atmosphere for your family and guests. You can decorate your hanging area with seasonal items, such as wreaths, flowers, or banners. You can also add some personal touches, such as photos, artwork, or quotes. It can also serve as a reminder of your goals and plans for the school year. You can hang a calendar, a bulletin board, or a chalkboard on your hanging area and write down important dates, assignments, or notes. You can also use it to display your achievements, such as awards, certificates, or report cards.

A hanging area or cubbies in the entrance of your home can be a simple and effective way to make your back to school easier and more enjoyable. Here are a few of our Midwest Design Homes entryways:

Pantry Organization

Pantry organization is a great way to save time, money, and space in your kitchen. By keeping your pantry neat and tidy, you can easily find what you need, avoid buying duplicates, and make the most of your storage space. Some tips for pantry organization are:

• Use clear containers and labels to store your dry goods, such as flour, sugar, pasta, rice, and cereals. This way, you can see what you have and how much you have left.
• Group similar items together, such as spices, sauces, snacks, baking supplies, and canned goods. You can use baskets, bins, or lazy susans to keep them organized and accessible.
• Store your most frequently used items at eye level or lower shelves, and your less used items at higher shelves. This will make it easier for you to reach for what you need and avoid cluttering your pantry with things you rarely use.
• Rotate your items according to their expiration dates. Put the newer items at the back and the older items at the front. This will help you use up your items before they go bad and prevent food waste.

Back to School Tips

Back to school is an exciting time for students and parents alike. It is also a time to prepare for a new academic year and set some goals for learning and growth. Some tips for back to school are:

• Get a good night’s sleep before the first day of school. This will help you feel refreshed and ready to face the new challenges and opportunities ahead.
• Pack your backpack / kids’ backpacks with the essentials, such as notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, folders, textbooks, and lunch. You can also add some personal items, such as photos, stickers, or charms, to make your backpack more fun and unique. If you are packing your kids’ backpacks, have them help you so they know exactly what is in their backpack each day.
• Review your schedule and plan your route to school. Make sure you know where your classes are, how long it takes to get there, and who your teachers are. You can also check out the school map or website for more information.
• If you have small school aged children, remind them what the school day might look like and what they can expect.
• Remember to remind yourself or your children to make some new friends or reconnect with old ones. School is not only about learning but also about socializing and having fun. You can join a club, a team, or a group that interests you or share your hobbies and passions with others.

Have a great 2023-24 school year!