Reclaim Your Home: 5 Family-Friendly Tips for Back-to-School
It’s been a little while since my last blog post – summer came, the sun was out, and like many families, we took full advantage. Between camping trips, travelling, and backyard evenings that stretched way past bedtime (does bedtime even exist in the summer?), we soaked up every bit of family time over the past couple months. But now, the kids are back to school, lunchboxes are being packed, and life is sliding back into something resembling a “normal routine.” Which brings me to today’s topic: reclaiming your home after summer break.
If you’re a parent, you know that kids have a way of taking over every inch of the house. Toys migrate into the living room, shoes pile up at the door, and the kitchen counter starts looking more like an art studio than a place to eat. Now is the perfect time to reset your space, tidy up, and bring back some order – without sacrificing that lived-in, family-friendly vibe we all want and need.
Here are five easy home organization tips for families to help you “take back” your house this fall.
1. Create a Drop Zone (a.k.a. The Backpack Parking Lot)
The entryway is usually the first place to get messy. Create a simple “drop zone” with hooks for backpacks, bins for shoes, and a basket for school papers. Even a small hallway can handle this setup. A designated space helps keep clutter from spreading through the whole house – and makes mornings a lot less stressful.
2. Rotate Toys Like a Pro
Kids’ toys multiply and spread quickly, and suddenly every room looks like a playroom. Try a toy rotation system: leave out a few favourites, and tuck the rest into storage bins or a closet. Every couple of months, swap them out. Not only does this cut down on clutter, but it makes old toys exciting again (and might even buy you 10 whole minutes of quiet).
3. Embrace Baskets – All the Baskets
When it comes to family-friendly design, baskets are a lifesaver (and don’t break the bank). Use them to store toys, tuck away blankets, or corral sports gear. A basket by the stairs for “things that need to go up,” one in the bathroom for bath toys, and another in the living room for odds and ends keeps your home tidy without requiring perfection. Think of it as “contained chaos.”
4. Set Some Zones
A big part of space planning any room, is to create zones. Kids don’t need free rein over the entire house. Pick a few “kid zones” – their bedroom, a playroom, or a section of the living room – and keep the rest of the house as adult-friendly spaces. It's okay to set limits on a room they can’t play in (your bedroom for example). This balance helps keep your home functional, stylish, and less overwhelming.
5. End-of-Day Reset
Here’s a simple but powerful trick: the 10-minute tidy. Before bedtime, set a timer, turn on some music, and have everyone help reset the house. You’ll be amazed how much can get done in a short burst, and you’ll wake up to a calmer, clutter-free home (instead of stepping on Lego before your morning coffee).
Summer was fun, messy, and full of memories – but fall is the perfect time to reset (don’t wait till new years to take action). With these organization and design tips for busy families, you can reclaim your home, reduce clutter, and enjoy a space that feels both functional and relaxing as you navigate back into your fall schedules. While I may be in the business of designs and remodels, sometimes your space just needs a good declutter and reorganization to feel fresh again. As always the goal is functional, for your kids, and for you.
