*Collaborative post
As the long summer days begin to fade and the crisp smell of autumn sneaks in, there’s something comforting about getting back into routine. For many families, the back-to-school season brings a fresh start—not just for the children, but for the home too.
Over the summer, it’s easy for clutter to pile up: art projects, beach toys, birthday party goodies, outgrown sandals, and endless snack wrappers. And let’s not even mention the state of the hallway! With the new school year beginning, now is the perfect time to hit reset. A thoughtful home declutter can bring calm to your mornings, reduce stress, and help everyone ease into the new routine with a little more peace of mind.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are some easy, manageable steps to help you declutter your home before the school bell rings.
1. Start Small – One Room at a Time
Decluttering an entire house can feel overwhelming, especially with school runs, meal planning, and work to juggle. The secret? Break it down into bite-sized chunks. Focus on one room—or even just one area—each day.
Start with spaces that impact your daily routine the most, such as:
- The entryway (hello, lost shoes and bags!)
- Kitchen countertops (clear surfaces make mornings smoother)
- Kids’ bedrooms (making space for new school supplies)
Even tackling just a drawer or cupboard can give you a sense of progress and encourage you to keep going.
2. Create a “Back-to-School” Station
One way to keep clutter at bay throughout the school year is to create a dedicated drop zone. Think of it as a home base for all school-related items: lunchboxes, water bottles, book bags, permission slips, and homework.
This could be a small shelf by the door, a few hooks on the wall, or a repurposed shoe rack. Giving everything a home reduces the frantic morning search party and teaches children to take responsibility for their belongings.
3. Revisit the Wardrobe
With the changing seasons comes a change in clothing. Now is the ideal time to sort through your children’s wardrobes. Set aside a short window one evening to:
- Remove clothes that no longer fit
- Store summer items if space is limited
- Make a list of what’s needed for autumn (shoes, coats, uniforms)
Donate clothes in good condition and recycle the rest. Bonus tip: consider labelling drawers or using drawer dividers to make it easier for little ones to find their own outfits—saving you time in the mornings.
4. Sort Through Toys and Books
Over the summer, toys tend to wander far from their homes. Before the school routine kicks in, help your children go through their toys and decide what they still love and use.
Make it a fun project: create “keep,” “donate,” and “maybe” piles. You’ll likely find forgotten treasures, broken bits, and a few puzzles missing half the pieces. The same applies to books—especially if you’re tight on shelf space for school-related reading.
Not only will this free up physical space, but it can also make room for quiet time and learning as kids transition from holiday mode to school mindset.
5. Clear Out the Craft Supplies & Art Drawer
If your home is anything like ours, you’ve probably accumulated glitter, stickers, half-used colouring books, and dried-up glue sticks over the holidays. Before the school year begins, take a few moments to go through the craft stash.
Toss anything that’s no longer usable, restock essentials like glue and crayons, and keep everything tidy in clearly labelled boxes or baskets. This makes it easy for kids to access—and put away—what they need during homework or creative downtime.
6. Make Space for New School Supplies
With every new school year comes a fresh set of supplies: notebooks, pens, folders, and lunch gear. But if the home hasn’t been cleared out beforehand, these new items often add to existing clutter.
Before buying anything new, go through what you already have. Check pencil cases, kitchen drawers, and office supplies. You might be surprised at how many unused items you’ve collected.
Once you’ve taken inventory, create a designated storage spot for all school supplies. A simple box, drawer, or tray can help corral everything and keep it accessible throughout the year.
7. Recycle, Donate, or Let It Go
One of the most empowering parts of decluttering is knowing you’re creating a calmer space for your family. But what do you do with the bags of unwanted items?
Smaller items can often be donated, sold locally, or recycled. For larger clear-outs or if you’re dealing with bulk waste—like broken furniture, old electronics, or garage build-up—it might be worth considering a reliable rubbish removal service. It takes the pressure off you and ensures unwanted items are disposed of responsibly.
8. Declutter Your Mind, Too
While decluttering your physical space can work wonders, don’t forget to give your mind a reset too. The back-to-school season is a natural time to revisit your own goals, routines, and intentions.
Maybe it’s about meal prepping to save weeknight stress, setting boundaries with your schedule, or carving out 10 minutes of quiet with a book each evening. Whatever it is, allow yourself to start fresh too—because a calmer home starts with a calmer you.
Final Thoughts
The back-to-school rush doesn’t have to feel chaotic. With a little planning and some focused decluttering, you can create a home that supports your family’s daily rhythm, reduces stress, and even sparks a little joy.
So, grab a bin bag, pop on your favourite playlist, and start small. You’ve got this.