Back to school season will be here before we know it. And while you’re desperately squeezing in every last precious ray of sunshine and moment with your kids, soon enough it will be back to the back to school routine.
Prepping your kids for their return to school can be a challenge all by itself. New morning routines, remembering packed lunches, and keeping track of extracurricular schedules can be overwhelming, but there are ways to create routines to make the school year easier, and of course, ideas to include in your whole-home remodel that can create a more peaceful back to school experience for everyone.
Remodeling Tips for the Back to School Season
If you’re already dreaming about remodeling your home, a few simple remodeling touches can help make your home fit your back-to-school needs and keep everyone on track.
Under Stair Storage
This is the perfect way to utilize space that already exists and carve out a beautiful and useful storage area. This can hold books, school supplies, and whatever else your child needs handy for their school year. Some staircases offer even more potential depending on their design, and you can create a small reading space for your kids to complete those reading challenges. Additionally, consider adding built-in lighting and cozy cushions to make this nook an inviting spot for reading or studying.
Mud Room and Entry Way Storage Space
The perfect addition to a busy entryway or mudroom is storage space for backpacks and other school ger. Hooks by the door aren’t enough to catch everything that comes racing through, so think about what a custom-built cubby area could accomplish. You could have a bench for taking shoes on and off, shoe storage below, and hangers above for coats and backpacks. If you have a mudroom, this location is ideal, but a smaller version could also fit in your entryway. Personalized cubbies with each family member’s name can help keep belongings organized and reduce morning chaos.
Sports Storage
For families that juggle multiple sports, a cool remodeling project is an at-home locker. Built into your mudroom or garage, your kids won’t have any issues putting their sports equipment where it belongs. A shelf for balls and gloves, with extended space for lacrosse sticks and bats, will be perfect for your growing athlete. You can also include ventilation to keep gear dry and odor-free, as well as dedicated hooks and compartments for smaller items like helmets and water bottles.
Homework Corner
It can be hard to have your kids doing homework at the kitchen table when you’re also trying to prep dinner, but there is often a perfect space in the home that can be designed to be a perfect homework corner. Desks can be custom-built into bookshelves, with shelving for pens, pencils, and paper. A quiet, well-lit space for homework will minimize distractions and give your kids a designated area to get their work done. Add a comfortable chair and an ergonomic desk setup to promote good posture and focus.
Additional Back to School Remodeling Ideas
Command Center
Create a family command center with a calendar, bulletin board, and storage for mail and important documents. This can help keep everyone on the same page regarding schedules and commitments.
Kitchen Organization
Implement drawer dividers, pantry organizers, and labeled containers to make meal prep and snack time more efficient.
Bedroom Storage Solutions
Utilize under-bed storage, wall-mounted shelves, and closet organizers to keep bedrooms tidy and functional.
Technology Charging Station
Designate a central spot for charging devices to ensure that phones, tablets, and laptops are always ready for use without creating clutter.
Tips for Surviving the Back to School
One of the most challenging parts of the school routine is getting everyone up, ready, and out the door (while also getting yourself ready for work). These tips can help ensure everyone plays a role in making it a better experience. Try incorporating these habits:
Lay Out Clothes the Night Before
Have the kids lay out their clothes the night before to streamline the morning routine. This simple step can prevent frantic searches for missing shoes or favorite shirts and helps start the day with a sense of calm.
Prepack Lunches
Repackage leftovers into containers to make quick packable lunches – and pack the lunches the night before. Consider using compartmentalized lunch boxes to keep food fresh and appealing. This saves precious time in the morning and ensures that your children have a nutritious meal ready to go.
Homework and Backpack Prep
Make sure all homework is done, papers are signed, and the backpack is packed before bedtime. Establishing a nightly routine for checking schoolwork and preparing bags can avoid last-minute scrambles and forgotten items.
Healthy Breakfast Routine
Have your kids get up early enough that they can have a decent breakfast to start their day. A nutritious breakfast boosts concentration and energy levels. Easy options like overnight oats or smoothies can be prepared ahead of time.
Homework First Rule
Create a “homework first” rule so that video games, TV time, and other distractions don’t happen until the books are closed for the night. This encourages good study habits and ensures that homework is prioritized.
You don’t have to renovate the spare bedroom into a make-shift classroom to prep your home for the school year. Small remodeling projects can make a big difference, and it can also reinvent your home to meet your current needs.
We can’t wait to help you. Check out our new one-room remodeling services for quick updates to a single space.
