Orka Living 
As summer winds down and those long lies come to an end, the reality of back-to-school season starts to set in. Whether you’re excited for the new school year or feeling a bit overwhelmed, one thing is for sure:
… a little preparation goes a long way in making the transition smoother.
At Orka Living, I’m all about creating organised, stress-free spaces that set the stage for success. So, let’s dive into some final prep tips to ensure your family is ready to tackle the first day—and every day—of the new school year with confidence!
1. Create a Back-to-School Command Centre
Think of this as the HQ for all things school-related. It can be as simple as a small nook in the kitchen or a corner of the living room. The goal is to have a dedicated spot where everything from school calendars and important papers to backpacks and lunchboxes lives.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A Calendar: Keep track of important dates like school holidays, extracurricular activities, and project deadlines. Tech savy? I love Google Calendar that I can share with the family to keep us all on track. For younger kids – a whiteboard calendar is also great so they can see what’s coming up at a glance.
- Inbox/Outbox: A place for incoming school papers and forms that need your attention. Top Tip: Take a scan of any important documents/letters/invites etc so that you can easily find the information. Even better, once it is scanned you can get rid of the physical paper. If a notice with a date comes in, add it straight to the calendar.
- Hooks & Bins: Keep backpacks, lunchboxes, and school shoes organized and off the floor. Having a clear drop zone makes it easy for kids to keep things organised and less tidying up work for you.
2. Organise That Closet for Stress-Free Mornings
We all know the morning struggle of finding that missing shoe or debating what to wear. Save time and reduce stress by organising your child’s wardrobe ahead of time.
Outfit Planning: Use the weekend to plan out outfits for the week. Hang them in the closet or use a dedicated drawer for easy access each morning. If your child wears a school uniform, group like items together. There are two ways to do this 1) shirts, trousers, jumpers all grouped so that they can easily grab one from each for the day, or, my personal favourite, 2) group by day, shirt, trouser, jumper and repeat so a full uniform set for the day is always at the front. (This is particularly helpful for little ones)
Label Everything: From school uniforms to gym clothes, labelling ensures everything finds its way back home. Labelling can be exhausting though, make it as easy as possible on yourself. For years I have been using the Stamptastic labels. It is so quick and I only ever need to replace the ink pad saving me time and money.
Declutter: Remove any clothes that don’t fit or are out of season. Keep only what’s needed and loved.
3. Set Up a Homework Station
A productive study space is key to after-school success. Designate a spot in your home where your child can focus on homework without distractions.
Essentials Only: Keep this area stocked with supplies like pencils, paper, and a good reading light. Avoid cluttering the space with non-essential items.
Comfort Meets Function: A comfortable chair and a desk at the right height can make a huge difference in your child’s concentration. I always give bonus points to a desk that has plenty of storage. This month I am loving the IKEA Micke desk!
Personal Touch: Allow your child to personalise their study space with their favourite colours or a few inspirational quotes.
4. Plan a Morning Routine to Suit Everyone
Mornings can be chaotic, but a well-thought-out routine can make all the difference. Map out your morning steps together and stick to them as closely as possible. Top Tip: Have a note of the routine somewhere where everyone can see it and keep track. This is particularly helpful for the neurodiverse members in your family so they don’t get overwhelmed.
Early Bird Gets the Worm: Wake up a little earlier to avoid the morning rush. This gives everyone time to eat breakfast, get dressed, and head out the door calmly. (I like to get up even just 15 minutes before everyone else to have breakfast in peace. I am then ready to manage the rest as they get up with less stress.)
Breakfast Ready: Plan breakfast the night before. Whether it’s overnight oats or a quick smoothie, having a plan can save time. Setting out the table with bowls, cereals etc saves time and effort in the morning.
Pack the Night Before: Backpacks, lunches, and any school-related items should be ready to go the night before. It’s one less thing to worry about in the morning!
5. Download Our Back-to-School Checklist
I’ve put together a comprehensive Back-to-School Checklist to make sure you’ve got all your bases covered. From stocking up on school supplies to the little extras you might need, this checklist ensures nothing slips through the cracks.
Want your own copy? Simply click download to get started!Ready, Set, School!
With these tips, you’ll be ready to take on the new school year with confidence. Remember, preparation is key to ensuring a smooth start, so take the time to get organised now. Here’s to a year of learning, growth, and lots of fun!
Cheers to an organised and successful school year!
