The seasons are changing and it’s back-to-school season, which means it’s time to clear out the clutter! Back-to-school calls for seamless mornings with maximum organization, and hopefully they don’t involve stepping on those tiny Lego blocks. Of course, when you bring in all those back-to-school essentials, you end up adding to the clutter that is already there. Here are a few tips to help you avoid the build up of clutter and keep your home fresh and clean during this time of the year. Don’t worry, back to school organization is within reach!
To get started, “we typically recommend decluttering and organizing the areas you plan to clean first,” says Leanne Stapf, chief operating officer of the Cleaning Authority in Columbia, Md. Then perform a deep cleaning, which might include interior windows, floor mats, the tub and shower, throw pillows and comforters.
Homework isn’t just for the kids: Ideally, a deep clean happens once a month. Stapf also suggests a weekly routine of cleaning the sinks, bathroom mirrors, stovetop, knobs and trash cans. Biweekly, she says, focus on the toilet, floors, hand towels, microwave and rugs.
Back-to-School Decluttering Made Easy
Follow our top five tips to declutter and clean your home as your kids head back to school.
- Organize school supplies
During the school season, it’s important to encourage the habit of organizing and putting items back to their ‘home’ after each use. Gather homework and other various school supplies into a portable caddy, like a rolling cart or a lidded plastic bin. This will keep your child from searching the whole house for supplies, and it will ensure it is put away in the correct spot when it is needed again.
Wash backpacks: Every now and then, turn backpacks inside out and throw them in the washing machine, Stapf says. Use a small amount of detergent and wash on a gentle cycle in cold water, then lay out to dry.
To avoid mountains of paper piling up, invest in a file system your child can use to store old notes and assignments. This will also keep materials handy for final exam study sessions and prevent backpacks from growing too heavy.
- Swap out seasonal clothing
Swapping out clothing is a no-brainer as cooler weather sets in. The shorts and tanks can be stored away for next year, passed on to a younger family member, or donated with the unused toys. This will help clean up space in your child’s closet and allow all pieces of clothing to be easily accessible.
Check sizes: Having clean, organized clothes can make mornings less hectic. “Make sure all your clothing is the right size,” Boden says. “Kids can grow so quickly, especially when they’re younger.”
Stow smartly: Put clothes where children can reach them, and show them where to put items back. Boden’s son has three drawers: one each for shirts, pants and pajamas. “I just rotate it out if he needs shorts or short-sleeve shirts,” she says.
- Lose neglected items
From balls and gloves, to games and toys, it’s easy for things to pile up and go unnoticed. To get rid of unnecessary clutter that takes significant space in your home, encourage your kids to declutter their rooms and backpacks on a regular basis and create keep or purge piles. Once the clutter is sorted into piles, call Bay Hauling to help remove the items from your home. - Timing is everything
It’s easiest to declutter while your child is not there. However, be cautious with what you toss and respect your child’s feelings. If anything is in good enough condition to donate, hopefully the idea that seldom-used toys may better the life of another child will help your child make the decision to get rid of it. - Optimize your spaces
Do you have enough space to neatly store backpacks, jackets, and other school essentials? Hooks and hang bins on the wall can be a great way to store your belongings and optimize on vertical space.