Back To School Preparation – Practical Strategies that are Results Driven
By Pamela Wong
Pamela is a Trained Professional Organizer based in Oakville, Ontario and is the owner of Zen N Organized. She helps homeowners and small business owners transform their homes and home offices into organized spaces. She has a practical, non-judgemental approach to organizing. Her objective is to create functional and harmonious spaces for her clients.
September is creeping up fast – school routines, looming work deadlines, household chores, back-to-school shopping, family outings, and maybe one last summer getaway. As a professional mom managing your children’s transition back into the school year, embracing a simple decluttering strategy can make all the difference.
Here’s how to declutter strategically in key zones and give you a chance to breathe, stay organized and go into September fully refreshed.
Why Declutter Now?
- Streamline decision-making, easing mental loads right when the week gets hectic.
- Encourage responsibility – when their spaces are tidy and simple, they’re more likely to chip in.
- Speed up mornings, from breakfast to bus departures.
- Establish fall-ready routines, whether it’s homework zones or relaxed shared meal a good routine can give structure to their days
6 Zones to Declutter Before September
1. The Entryway or Mudroom
This is the drop zone and is the go-to spot for knapsacks, sports gear, coats, junk mail and daily clutter.
Remove:
- Outgrown coats, shoes, gloves, hats.
- Old school paperwork.
- Random flyers, coupon clippings that are not being used.
Quick set-up: One hook per person, a small bench or shoe bin, plus a catchall tray for daily essentials like keys and sunglasses.
2. Teen Closets
Summer growth spurts and changing styles often mean last year’s clothing is now redundant.
Remove:
- Clothes that no longer fit or are worn out.
- Items never worn (and probably never will).
- Shoes that no longer match outfits or sizes.
Make it fun: Set a 1-hour timer and then treat your teen to something small, even a matcha latte run, to keep motivation high.
3. School Supplies & Homework Zones
Last year’s markers may be dry, notebooks half-used, and binders stuffed with outdated notes. Start fresh to make sure they will have everything they need.
Remove:
- Dried-out pens, broken rulers, excess duplicates.
- Old completed schoolwork (keep just a few meaningful or memorable pieces).
- Leftover items from unused school kits.
Organize: After decluttering, restock essentials – pens, pencils, highlighters, chargers, sticky notes – all centralized in a tidy homework station.
4. Bathroom Drawers & Morning Rituals
Shared bathrooms can easily become cluttered with hygiene products and accessories.
Remove:
- Expired skincare, old makeup or unused products.
- Hair ties, clips and brushes you no longer use.
- Razors or tools that may be unsanitary or broken.
Tip: Use labeled bins or drawers assigned to each teenager. A dedicated “morning kit” for each teen with their basics makes routines smoother – no hunting for the specific facewash when time is tight.
5. Tech & Charging Zones
Electronics can pile up over the years. This can lead to lost cords or power stations clogged with unused tech accessories.
Remove:
- Nonfunctional earphones, chargers, old devices, cases.
- Devices not being used or duplicates lying around.
- Extra cords, adapters, or obsolete cables.
Create one station: A centralized charging hub keeps things visible and accessible, cutting down on the morning scramble – but try to keep it out of bedrooms to support healthy sleep.
6. Kitchen Fridge, Freezer & Pantry
Smart food planning = less stress midweek. Declutter to prep for healthy choices and lunch-packing ease.
Remove:
- Expired condiments or packaged goods.
- Freezer-burned or forgotten items.
- Snacks that no one eats or food items that never get used.
Restock for success: Think quick breakfasts, lunch ingredients, chopped fruits, yogurts, and school-safe snacks. Label and rotate freezer items so nothing disappears into the freezer abyss.
Smart Decluttering Tips for Busy Moms
- Work in short bursts, 15 to 30 mins, instead of tackling everything at once.
- Team up with your child.Frame it as them owning their space – not another chore.
- Pair declutter tasks with regular routines.Like cleaning a drawer while listening to a work call or sorting clothes while chatting over a coffee.
Where to Send It All
- Donategood-condition clothing, unused lunch bags and water bottles, or gently used supplies to local shelters or school programs.
- Recyclepaper and cardboard from old schoolwork or packaging.
- Dispose responsibly: expired toiletries and electronics via your city’s recycling or household hazardous waste services.
Decluttering Is Self-Care
For professionals who are balancing work, family, social commitments, and vacation planning, decluttering isn’t about having a perfect space – it’s about creating one that supports your goals and keeps you grounded.
Less clutter = more breathing room.
More order equals more time for meaningful family routines – school nights, weekday dinners, carpool conversations, and maybe even quiet minutes with morning coffee.
Get an ‘A’ before school starts, by conquering September – with clarity, calm, and a well-organized home.
