Decluttering Before School: Tips for a Fresh Start

As summer winds down and a new school year approaches, there’s no better time for back to school organization than now. A tidy environment can enhance focus, reduce stress, and create a calming atmosphere that sets the tone for a successful school year. Here’s a step-by-step guide to decluttering kids’ spaces, including bedrooms, play areas, and study corners, ensuring you achieve a fresh start for the new academic year.

Step 1: Set Clear Goals

Before diving into the decluttering process, sit down with your kids and discuss the purpose of the decluttering. Talk about creating a calm and organized space that promotes productivity. Encourage them to share what they want to keep, donate, or throw away, making it a collaborative effort that teaches valuable organizing kids’ spaces skills.

Step 2: Create a Timeline

Set aside dedicated time to tackle the decluttering process. Depending on the size of the space and how much there is to sort through, you might want to allocate one weekend or a series of evenings. Break it down by areas—bedroom first, followed by the play area, and finally the study corner. This school prep organization tips approach makes the effort manageable!

Step 3: Gather Supplies

Equip yourself and your kids with essential supplies before you begin. This may include:

Boxes or bins for sorting items (Keep, Donate, Trash)

Labels to mark bins clearly

Garbage bags for items that need to be thrown away

Cleaning supplies for wiping down surfaces once you’ve cleared out the clutter

Step 4: Declutter One Area at a Time

Focus on one space at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Here are tips for each area:

Bedrooms:

1. Clothing Audit: Go through clothes together and have your child try on items. Encourage them to keep what fits and they love while donating items that no longer fit or aren’t worn. A few closet organizers can also help.
2. Toys and Games: Ask your child to prioritize their toys. If they haven’t played with something in the last year, it might be time to let it go. Introduce a “one in, one out” rule where for every new toy, one must be donated. This will help with reducing clutter in kids’ rooms. This organization holder would be great for a kids room and all of the games, etc.
3. Personal Items: Sort through books, art supplies, and memorabilia. Encourage sentimental discussions about why certain items are special, promoting informed decisions about what to keep.

Play Areas:

1. Designate Zones: Create specific areas for different types of play (e.g., crafts, reading, games). This helps minimize chaos and makes it easier for kids to clean up.
2. Bin System: Store toys in clear bins or rattan baskets with labels. This makes it easy for children to see what they have and encourages them to maintain organization by returning items to their designated spots.
3. Limit the Number of Items: Consider applying the “toy rotation” method. Store some toys away and swap them out monthly to keep playtime fresh and exciting.

Study Corners:

1. Examining Supplies: Check if there’s an abundance of pens, markers, and notebooks. Discard dried-out markers and set aside duplicates to donate or keep for spare. This can help in organizing kids spaces effectively.
2. Organizing School Materials: Use a binder system for worksheets and notes about different subjects. Involve your child in the organization so they understand how to access files and materials properly.
3. Create a Calm Homework Zone: Ensure that the study corner is inviting. Add calming decor, a lamp, and supplies to promote focus and productivity on a nice desk.

Step 5: Clean and Revitalize

Once you’ve decluttered each space, it’s time to clean! Dust surfaces, vacuum floors, and wipe down shelves. You can also work with your child to add some calming elements like plants, calming artwork, or cozy blankets—elements that make the space feel peaceful and productive.

Step 6: Establish New Routines

After the decluttering process, create routines to maintain the organization throughout the school year. This could involve setting aside 10 minutes at the end of each day to tidy up. Encourage your children to put away items after using them and to regularly assess their belongings for clutter. This family decluttering project seems to help with learning about teamwork and responsibility in my house.

Step 7: Celebrate the Fresh Start

Complete the decluttering journey with a small celebration! This could be a family movie night in the clean spaces or a fun activity together. Acknowledge everyone’s efforts and emphasize the importance of maintaining a calming environment as a team.

By working together to declutter, you not only create inviting and organized spaces for your kids but also foster valuable skills in responsibility and mindfulness. Here’s to a fabulous and fun start to the school year, complete with a plan for staying organized!