Parents Tackle Back-to-School Chaos with Smart Strategies

As the summer vacation draws to a close, families around the world are gearing up for the return to school. According to Katherin Creighton Taylor, a professional organizer and founder of DECANTT Organized Living, a Toronto-based home organizing company, the back-to-school season can often catch parents off guard. “Before we know it, we’re thrown right back into managing paperwork, juggling schedules, packing lunches and stepping over backpacks,” she explains. To help mitigate the chaos, Creighton Taylor offers several strategies aimed at creating a smoother transition into the school year.

Establishing Functional Spaces

Creating a well-organized entryway is essential for a calm start to the day. Designating a specific area with hooks and labelled bins can provide a home for backpacks, coats, and shoes. This not only eases the morning rush but also encourages children to develop independence. Including a small tray for items like keys and wallets helps keep essential items accessible.

A central paperwork station is also crucial. By establishing a designated spot—such as a wall file or bulletin board—parents can manage forms, permission slips, and school notes with ease. “Review and act on paperwork promptly to avoid the dreaded ‘paper pile-up,’” advises Creighton Taylor. For children, a labelled folder can hold schoolwork and projects, minimizing clutter while keeping treasured memories organized.

Setting up a lunch preparation area can further streamline the routine. By storing lunchboxes, containers, snacks, and utensils in one place, parents can simplify lunch packing. Keeping frequently used items within reach and rotating snacks weekly can keep the process fresh and engaging for children.

Creating an Inspiring Homework Station

Homework time can often lead to disarray, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Creighton Taylor emphasizes the importance of creating a homework space that promotes focus and organization. “With a few intentional choices, you can create a space that feels calm, functional and inspiring,” she says.

Choosing a well-lit area, whether it’s a dedicated office, a bedroom desk, or a quiet corner in the living room, is essential. For shared spaces, dedicating a cupboard or drawer for supplies keeps everything nearby yet out of sight when not in use. A simple basket can corral workbooks and laptops, creating an inviting environment for studying.

Keeping supplies minimal is another effective strategy. Stocking only essentials—such as pencils, paper, and scissors—reduces clutter and enhances focus. Using a rolling cart or clear canisters can help keep items organized without overwhelming the workspace.

To maintain order, Creighton Taylor recommends a quick end-of-session reset. Spending five minutes to tidy up and put supplies back in place can significantly enhance the homework experience. For projects that require more thought, a dedicated bin allows for easy storage throughout the term.

Additional guidance comes from Priscilla Luna, chief commercial officer at Staples Canada. Luna suggests taking 20 minutes every Sunday to plan the week ahead, which includes school lunches and after-school activities. Displaying a visual weekly planner in a common area can help the entire family stay organized and reduce decision fatigue during the week.

Creating “grab-and-go” bins for each child stocked with essentials ensures that nothing is forgotten as they head out the door. Colour-coding school supplies by subject can also foster independence, making it easier for children to locate what they need without parental assistance.

As the new school year approaches, implementing these strategies can provide families with the tools needed to navigate the back-to-school transition smoothly. By establishing organized systems, parents can reduce stress and foster an environment where children can thrive both academically and personally.