The back-to-school season is in full swing, and we know we don’t have to tell you that with it comes the special kind of busyness that comes with the school year. The flurry of new schedules and drop-off times, extracurricular activities, and inevitable late-night homework assignments.

At Handyman Hardware, we know that staying organized is key to maintaining your sanity and helping your family thrive. To make this transition smoother, we’ve compiled a list of practical and simple hacks to help get your home ready for the school year.

1. Paint a Chalkboard Calendar

A large, visible calendar can be a lifesaver for busy families. Instead of purchasing one, why not create your own customized chalkboard calendar? It’s easier than you think!

What You’ll Need:

• • Chalkboard paint
• • Painter’s tape
• • Chalk or chalk markers

Steps:

1. 1. Choose your wall space—pick a spot in the kitchen or entryway where everyone can see it.
2. 2. Tape off the area you’d like to turn into a chalkboard, ensuring a clean, rectangular shape.
3. 3. Apply the chalkboard paint according to the package directions. You’ll likely need two coats.
4. 4. After the paint dries, use chalk markers to create a grid for the days of the week and dates of the month.

2. Settle on a Laundry System

A good laundry system can save you tons of time during the busy school week. Implement a plan that works for your family and stick to it. Like starting any new habit, the first few weeks will seem challenging, but you’ll quickly settle into your new routine!

Laundry Tips:

Assign laundry days to each family member. This helps spread out the workload and ensures that everyone has clean clothes ready when needed.

1. 1. Use labeled baskets or hampers to sort laundry by color or fabric type. This simple step can make the washing process much more efficient.
2. 2. Label baskets with Duck Tape and a Sharpie.

3. Plan Dinners in Advance

You’ll often take one child to soccer practice at 6:00 p.m. while the other kiddo has piano lessons at 7:00 p.m. With normal schedules like that, dinner time can seem like an unrealistic dream.

Planning meals can help reduce stress and save time with the busy school year ahead. Take a few hours on the weekend to plan out your dinners for the week.

Handyman Hacks:

Create a meal plan and a corresponding grocery list to avoid the last-minute scramble, and ensure you have all the ingredients on hand.

Prep ingredients or cook meals in advance. On Sundays, chop veggies, marinate meats, or even cook a few meals to have ready during the week. Store your prepared ingredients and meals in Pyrex container bowls or Sterilite food containers. These containers keep your food fresh, organized, and easy to find in the refrigerator, making your meal prep process efficient and stress-free.

4. Organize the Closet

Mornings can be chaotic, especially when trying to get everyone out the door on time. An organized closet can make finding clean underwear one less thing to think about.

How to Organize Your Closet:

Declutter: Start by removing clothes that no longer fit or are out of season. It’s a bit of a joke now, but there is value in Marie Kondo's suggestion of asking yourself, “Does this item bring you joy?”

Categorize: Group clothes by type (shirts, pants, etc.) and color. This makes it easier to find what you need.

Use storage solutions: Invest in shelves, bins, or organizers to maximize space and keep items tidy.

5. Get Your Entry in Order

The entryway is the first and last thing your family sees when leaving or entering the house. Keep it organized to make transitions smoother, and save yourself cleaning later by keeping muddy shoes and wet jackets in one place!

Tips:

Install single hooks or an over-the-door 6-hook rack for jackets and backpacks. This will keep everything off the floor and make it easy to grab on the way out. You can even create a wood backdrop for your hooks to make them stand out.

Organizing Is a Journey, Not a Destination

We know getting your home organized is harder than it seems. It’s one thing to have ideas and dreams about constantly locating both socks; it’s another actually to match all your socks after every laundry load. But getting organized for the school year doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Be patient and give yourself grace! You’re making great progress. With these simple Handyman Hardware tips, you’ll create a home environment that supports your family’s busy lifestyle and keeps everyone on track. Stop by Handyman Hardware today for all the supplies and tools you need to get started on your back-to-school projects!

VISIT US TODAY!