This zone focuses on all those school supplies your child(ren) need. Having these items in separate containers but in the same location will increase the likelihood your child(ren) will replace the items they use. Several different types of containers can be used to store these items such as:

• MASON JARS- label each container with its contents, most cost effective, smaller jars for small items like paperclips, larger jars for writing utensils (Available at retailers like Amazon, Target, Walmart, vary in price depending on size & quantity)
• ART CADDY- can store items of various sizes, multiple items & be carried to another location, limited space (Get one here- $15.99 on Amazon) 
• PENCIL BOXES- store items that cannot be stored in a jar/cup. Label each box so that everyone knows where they can find these items.​ (Get a 3pk here- for $13.99 on Amazon) 

This zone focuses solely on homework papers. As much as there is parent paperwork from your child(ren), they have more paperwork than you do, upcoming assignments, workbooks, study guides, etc. Having a place to organize these is very important.

• MAGAZINE FILE HOLDER- use 1 for each child, within those holders, have a separate folder for every subject. Have specific folders for other things like “I need help” or “Check This”,  at the end of each night go through & see what your child(ren) might need your assistance with. (Get this 12pk- $19.97 on Amazon)  
• DOCUMENT SORTER- achieves the same goal as the magazine holder, no need for folders but can be used to keep documents upright (Get this 2pk- $37.64 on Amazon) 

This zone focuses on all the paper you child(ren) need while in school. Having a central place to store this where your child(ren) can access it is an easy way to make them more self-sufficient. 

• MAGAZINE FILE HOLDERS- store extra paper supplies, such as printer paper, colored paper, extra notebooks, loose-leaf paper, use 1 file holder for each type of paper

There is a lot of paperwork involved with school and having a central location to organize it is important. The key to any of these organizational tools is to check them daily, weekly, & monthly to attend to any matters & clear out old items. There are many ways you can do this:

• CASCADING WALL ORGANIZER- label the files in the organizer that make the most sense for you & your child. Some examples include Documents to be signed, School Notices, Graded homework/tests, Urgent (Get this 6 Pocket Organizer- $12.93 on Amazon) 
  • have more than 1 child, use one section of the organizer for each child, then use file folders to separate paperwork within each section. Or get 1 organizer for each child.
• CLIPBOARDS- hang multiple clipboards on the wall and label them similarly to the hanging organizer (Get this 3pk- $7.15 on Amazon) 
• CORKBOARD- pin large binder clips to the cork board and label each clip with the same sections you would use in a wall organizer (Get this one- $29.68 from Amazon) 

Every school year there are hundreds of events parents must attend, organizing yours & your child(ren)s time is imperative.

• 12-month wall calendar or 1-month dry erase calendar is useful for keeping track of everything. You can not only track school & family events but deadlines for projects/assignments so that you and your child(ren) won’t miss any important deadlines.
  • Multiple calendars- one for each child and one for the family
  • One calendar- use different colors to denote each child & yourself/family. This way its easy to keep track of where everyone is in one space. ​

Using a task list is a visual reminder of things that need to be done every day. Most commonly used task-list items for children include:

• Afternoon snack
• Homework
• (X-time) of Reading
• Backpack Ready
• Clothes set-out
• Chores
• Shower/bath

When you have a home that doesn't have the luxury of a mudroom, your entryway becomes the main point of congestion and clutter. Everyone drops anything from backpacks to umbrellas there and without some sort of system to organize these things, it can get real frustrating, real fast. Here are some products I use that can help keep your entryway organized. 

MASK STATION- With kids going back to school and masks being required in many spaces once again, setting up a mask station at your entryway can serve as both a reminder to grab one and help keep masks organized for all family members. Custom mask stations like on the right can be found on Etsy (various prices- starting at $34.99) and generic stations like the one on the left can be found at Target for $30.00

COAT HOOKS- Putting hooks right at your entryway creates a designated space for you and your family put wet coats, hang backpacks, and keep access to your most used outwear. If you have young children, putting hooks at their height will ensure they can always place their items in the space. You can use individual hooks or a wall- mounted hook rack like the picture above. This hook rack and ones like it can be found at Target for $32.00

BOOT RACK/TRAY- Being from the Northeast, my most used entryway item is a boot rack. This allows you a space to put wet shoes or snow-covered boots to dry without tracking the wet shoe prints throughout your whole house. Boot Racks/Trays come in many different options. The first shows a boot and shoe rack combo, that has space at the top to put decorative items or a key bowl. This option from Target is $38.00. The next photo is a simple boot tray, the come in various sizes this one is 1'7 x 3'3 and is available at Target for $9.99. The next option is a boot stand, this can be used on top of a boot tray or as a stand alone item. I also happen to know you can stick shoes on there too. You can get these from various places, the one pictured is from The Container Store, holds six boots, and retails for $39.99

KEY RACK/MAIL SORTER- Having a key rack by the door is the only reason I can find my keys in the morning. Having a single place where you and your family keeps their keys is a great way to make sure everyone can find their keys. A key rack with an attached mail sorter can provide a space for things that are needed when you go outside. You can use it to keep dog leashes, masks, sunglasses, lint rollers, hand sanitizer, wallet, or anything else you need to keep by the door. Though the mail sorter was traditionally used to place mail, they have evolved to be a catch all for things you need to grab before walking out the door. This option is available from Target for $30.00.

STORAGE BENCH- If you have the space a storage bench is an amazing addition to any entryway. You can keep shoes, umbrellas, winter gear, summer gear, and so much more. Plus having a place where you can sit down and put on your shoes or take them off, will help keep all the shoes in one place. This storage bench is available through Target for $170.00

DECORATIVE BINS- I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, bins, bins, bins. Bins can add a pop of style to any entryway. I use a cute, little rope basket in my entryway to keep flip-flops in the summer and “fuzzy” slippers in the winter. You can also add them to most entryway storage benches. Create a bin for each member in the family to keep winter gear, shoes, or other grab and go items. Use a decorative bin to throw dirty masks in when they are done. Bins can be found at most retailers and vary in price starting at $5.00.