
All around the country, parents are dusting off the old backpacks and stocking up on new crayons and spiral notebooks because it's finally back to school time! For some families, school has already been in session for weeks. For others, the big day is still looming ahead and kids are still trying to enjoy every last second. But no matter when the first day officially hits, there's one thing pretty much all households have in common: we need to get ready, especially this year. After a summer of slacking off, lax routines, and a different schedule, it's finally time to put the house back together, get organized, and make sure things are in fighting shape for the new school year. Organization can truly help those busy weekday mornings go more smoothly, but who really knows where to start?
There are books, pencils, markers, and new school clothes everywhere, and it's only going to get worse once school actually gets going. That's where the magic of the Internet comes in. Thanks to the brilliant people online, it's easy to find clever tricks for organizing everything from school lunches to hair ties to the piles and piles of artwork kids bring home every single day.
For parents who want to calm the chaos in their busy homes but aren't quite sure how to get started, this is the right place. We've put together a handy list of the smartest, cheapest, and most user-friendly back to school hacks to make getting ready for the new school year a total cinch. Click through to see 20 life-changing organization ideas that will make this back to school season the easiest and most successful one yet!
Make Routine Cards

Reusable routine cards help kids understand their morning expectations and must-dos. But the best part about using laminated cards and clips is there's still enough flexibility to move things around.
Handle the Hair Ties

Have those hair ties at the ready for first day hairstyles. A cheap carabiner does the trick and is easy to stash so the bathroom stays neat.
Plan Outfits for the Week

A simple five-pocket clothing organizer gives kids a place to store individual outfits for each day of the school week. This way, clothes stay in the closet and mornings run more smoothly.
Make a Homework Caddy

Grab kids' most used supplies and add them to a convenient caddy that can be pulled out each evening for homework time. When not in use, this can be easily stored in a cabinet or closet to cut down on clutter.
Use a Routine Clock

Molly Schultz shared her brilliant snack clock with CafeMom, but that's not all it can be used for. Parents can create a routine clock to outline wake up time, homework time, and when to start the bedtime routine to keep kids on task without needing to nag.
Simplify School Lunches

Organize school lunch items into easily accessible baskets so kids can make their own lunches. Bonus: it's easy to include a fruit basket so they stock up on healthy items too.
Make a Backpack Station

Keep schedules, paperwork, backpacks, and lunch boxes all in one place by setting up a simple command station. This one by My Urban Farmhouse uses Ikea curtain rods, but it can be replicated in any space and using any accessories.
Give Each Kid a Folder

Keep those important back to school papers separated by kid with magazine holders. Kids can also use these to store important items they need to remember to take back to school the next day.
Get a Lunch Box Planner

Out of lunch ideas already? A printable plan makes packed lunches a no-brainer by giving parents categories and suggestions.
School Lunch Box Plan ($1.95, The Zesty Nest/Etsy)
Start a School Memory Box

A memory box is basically a file holder for each child with tabs for every year of school. Kids and parents can use it store important projects, but it also cuts down on clutter because there's only enough space for the art that's truly special. Check out an easy YouTube tutorial by The Gold Project.
Use an Alarm Clock All Morning Long

Set an alarm clock to go off at strategic intervals: 10 minutes for getting dressed, 15 minutes for eating breakfast. That way, when it's time get out the door, kids are on track.
Get a Backseat Organizer

Get a backseat car organizer to hold must-haves for the morning commute or for after school when they kids are dying for a snack and their favorite toy. It will keep things off the floor and ensure parents are always prepared.
Make a Chore Chart

A cookie sheet, stickers, and magnets are all that's needed to make an easy chore chart that kids can stick to all year long. Once they get home, they can start moving tasks from "to do" to "done," to help us move from "losing our sh*t" to "sane."
Organize the Kids' Bathroom

A cheap utensil organizer can help declutter the bathroom and give each kid a space to hold things for their morning routine.
Shop for Supplies on the Cheap

School supply lists often ask for hand soap, hand sanitizer, and tissues. Grab these items from the Dollar Store to save money.
Pack Each Kid a "FML Bag"

The name can be changed to something more appropriate for younger kids, but basically this is a bag containing anything a kid might need: wet wipes, hair ties, Band-Aids. For older kids it can also hold tampons or pads, deodorant, etc. See how to make one on YouTube.
Make Lunch Notes Ahead of Time

Everyone loves a lunch note from mom or dad, but it's not always easy to write on at 7 a.m. with a kid looking on. Sit down with a pile of plain napkins or notecards a few days before school starts and pre-write sweet notes to save time.
Desginate a Homework Cubby

Make a space for kids to place completed homework assignments that need to be checked by parents. Try a paper organizer, a clip that holds it to the fridge or a designated door in the house, or these cascading hanging colorful folders to keep everything in order.
Make a Box Tops Holder

Create a permanent reminder to grab those Boxtops for Education with a DIY holder. This one was made from a Target Dollar Spot bank.
Use Extra Supplies to Make a Supply "Cake"

A teacher gift is a great way to kick off the year. Donate extra supplies with a fun supply cake. It can be as big or as small as parents need it to be, depending on what they have to give.
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