If you’re a busy or stay-at-home mom, then you know all too well that back to school season can feel like pure chaos. Between packing lunches, finding lost shoes, and figuring out whose turn it is to cry (probably all of y’all), staying organized during back-to-school season can seem impossible.
BUT—good news! You don’t need to hire a life coach or live in the Container Store to get it together. These DIY back to school organization hacks for moms are easy, fun, and actually work.
Let’s dive into 10 super-helpful, mom-approved tips that’ll help you and your kiddos get school-ready without the stress. 🚌🗕
📅 1. Command Center That Commands Respect
Why It Works:
It gives everyone a central spot to check schedules to hopefully keep that back-to-school chaos under wraps, chore charts, and events.
DIY It: Use a corkboard, whiteboard, or even a Dollar Tree frame turned dry-erase board. Assign each kid a section for their schedule, chore list, and upcoming events.
Bonus: Color-code by kid. Pink for your mini diva, blue for your jokester, purple for “Mama’s Sanity.”
🧼 2. “Oh-So-Cute” Morning Routine Checklist
Why It Works:
Kids love checking things off, and it builds independence.
DIY It: Print out a laminated checklist for each kid to have their own back-to-school routine with steps like:
🪥 Brush teeth
👕 Get dressed
🥣 Eat breakfast
🎒 Grab backpack
Let ‘em use dry erase markers to check off each task = INSTANT motivation.
Freebie Idea: Add this to your blog as a printable download to grow your email list, wink wink!
🎒 3. Backpack Drop Zone = Chaos-Free Entryway
Why It Works:
No more “Mommmmm.. Where’s my backpack?!” emergencies, because back to school chaos, Am I right?
DIY It: Hang low hooks for backpacks and baskets for shoes near the door. Use name labels or chalkboard tags so everyone knows what’s theirs.
No more stepping on cleats or tripping over Hello Kitty.
✏️ 4. Homework Station that’s Straight Fire 🔥
Why It Works:
A designated space to keep supplies and brains organized. Because Back to School also means back to homework!
DIY IT; Repurpose a rolling cart or a small caddy for all things homework: pencils, glue, crayons, scissors, calculator.
Add a fun sign like “Homework Hustle Zone.”
Keeps the kitchen table clear for tacos and wine. 🍷🌮
🧃 5. Lunchbox Prep Station = No More Hangry Meltdowns
Why It Works:
Saves time and teaches kids how to pack smart.
DIY It: Set up bins in the fridge and pantry labeled:
🥪 Mains | 🧃 Drinks | 🍎 Snacks
Let the kids “shop” their lunch. Teach ‘em responsibility and save yourself from 6:00 a.m. fruit snack negotiations.
👚 6. Outfit Organizer for the Win
Why It Works:
Prepping clothes = smoother mornings.
DIY It: Use a hanging shelf organizer labeled with the days of the week.
Each cubby holds a full outfit, socks and all.
Mornings = smoother than a fresh jar of Skippy.
📚 7. School Paper Drop Spot (Because Kids Bring Home ALL the Trees)
Why It Works:
Organizes the mountain of permission slips, spelling tests, and macaroni art.
DIY It: Magazine file holders or wall pockets for each child—label ‘em:
✅ “Keep”
📅 “Sign & Return”
🎨 “Art Gallery”
Then toss what you don’t need guilt-free. Recycling = self-care.
💅 8. Self-Care Station for Mom (Yes, YOU Deserve It)
Why It Works:
Because you need organization and peace too.
DIY It: Create a little corner with candles, affirmations, and a planner. Bonus points for hiding snacks and mini wine bottles.
Refill your cup, queen. Can’t pour from an empty one. 👑
🛍 9. Mini “Grab-n-Go” Stations
Why It Works:
No more forgetting library books or headphones.
DIY IT: Create a small bin by the door for:
🎧 Headphones
🎒 Library books
😷 Extra masks or hand sanitizer
No more “Mommmm, I forgot my _____!!”
🧽 10. Weekly Reset Sunday: Family Prep Party
Why It Works:
Sets the tone for the entire week.
DIY IT: Make it fun: throw on music, give everyone a task, and prep for the week. Pick outfits, fill out planners, pack snacks.
End with a family dance break. 🎶🕺
There you have it, Mama—10 DIY ways to boss up this back-to-school season like the organized rockstar you are. Try one or try them all, and don’t forget to snag my free printable morning checklist and backpack zone labels right [here – insert link].
Got a DIY hack that saves your sanity? Drop it in the comments or slide into my inbox—I’m always here for mama magic and mess-taming tips. 💌 And remember Momma we are not just going back; we are Glowing back.