Back to School or Campus: How to Get Ready
From classroom to college, what does your student need? For a smooth back-to-school transition, get things in order now.
Back to school has long been a time when we think of stocking up on school supplies as the only kind of prep work that needs to be done. Pencils, notebooks, and backpacks are all important necessities, but what about the place where your student will study, rest, and unwind?
Whether your student is returning to the classroom or the campus, they’ll have needs beyond the basic school supplies...and we’ve got ideas for setting up, getting organized, and feeling comfortable for the new school year.
It’s Elementary!...And Middle...And High School
Having an organized home is the key to feeling ready to tackle a new school year at any age—from kindergarteners to parents. A place to store backpacks and coats; a spot for sports equipment; a designated place for studying; an organized pantry for easy lunch prep; all of these will make life easier for a busy household. Here are some ideas to help you get there.
Drop Everything—An Efficient Entryway
Whether kids are on the way out the door and looking for shoes, a clarinet, cleats, or a jacket; or just arriving home and wanting a place to quickly drop everything listed above… an entryway “system” is critical to setting an organized tone for the rest of your home.
Depending on the size of your family and the age of your child(ren), there are some very attractive options for your entry. Consider a console table or shelving with space for baskets to store shoes, gym bags, etc. Hooks are very handy for kids who haven’t mastered using hangers for coats, for scarves and hats, or to hang backpacks. A bench with storage doubles as a place to sit while tying shoes for new learners.
Safety First
This is also a great time to think about installing smart locks for kids who are coming home to an empty house, even just occasionally. The beauty of smart locks is that they don’t require kids to carry a key; they simply enter a pin, scan a fingerprint, or use a smartphone to gain access to the home. This is also a great time to try out a smart home device if you’ve yet to do so. We recommend trying a whole-home starter kit.
Grab A Snack—A Planned Pantry
Perhaps nothing slows down the morning rush more than questions like “haven’t you packed your lunch yet?!” or “haven’t you eaten breakfast yet?!” Make things easier on yourself and your family by arranging foods intuitively and making them easily accessible.
Try pantry organizers to divide foods into breakfast, packable snacks, baking items, spices, etc. Organize food wrap supplies, sandwich bags, and small food containers, so they’re easy to find when throwing last-minute lunches together.
Consider a compact refrigerator or beverage refrigerator designated just for kid’s drinks and snacks, to make it easier and more accessible for the little ones to find fresh food and cold drinks.
The Hub of Family Life
Since we all know the kitchen is the center of family life, this is a great place to put a family calendar, message board, or anything else you want your kids to see every day.
Do Your Homework—A Study Space
Whether it’s the kitchen table, a bed, a desk, or a room designed specifically for that purpose, kids need a designated place to study. If you’ve got the space, create an area where kids can feel comfortable but also know that it’s time to work. A desk, chair, office supplies, maybe a map and bulletin board...this is all it takes to help a child take homework just a bit more seriously.
Campus Life
Having a college student is tricky. You want them to be somewhat independent, but not so much so that they have to worry about creature comforts more than studying. What they’ll need for “back to school” will vary greatly, so we’ve broken it into on- and off-campus needs.
On Campus (Freshman-Sophomore)
Your baby is going to college. You want him or her to have the comforts of home. But is that even possible in the dorm? Once you’ve got bedding, books, and electronics taken care of, you’ll want to make sure your first-year student is well-fed and comfortable. Consider a compact refrigerator for times when the dining hall isn’t open. Don’t forget a countertop microwave to warm up coffee and snacks for those all-nighters!
The Air In There
Consider a fan or space heater for your student’s dorm room. You may also want to think about an air purifier, for obvious reasons. (So smelly.)
Off Campus (Sophomore-Senior)
Your student has gotten an off-campus apartment and now the real worrying begins. What will she eat? Is he getting enough sleep? Are they studying enough? Is he doing his laundry regularly? Are they safe?
Stock The Fridge
As any student will tell you, no one can study on an empty stomach. This is the first year your student may actually need to cook… and they’ll need food from a full-size refrigerator to do it. Find out the measurements of the space before buying, along with how many people will be sharing the refrigerator, if applicable. Consider a smaller refrigerator for specialty beverages or if there are certain items your student would like to keep to himself.
Equip The Countertop
It’s the small conveniences and comforts that will help your student know she is loved and cared for. Give him a blender for making smoothies, a coffee maker to keep energy up, a microwave for quick-prep meals, even a multi-cooker for the plan-ahead type of student.
Stack The Odds (Against Laundry Piles)
Make sure your student has zero excuses for no clean underwear by equipping her with a washer and dryer that’s just the right size for her space. Stackable, integrated, compact, or full-capacity: find the size that’s right for your student.
Keep It Cool (Or Warm)
Your student will need a comfortable environment in which to live, sleep, and study. Make sure he is comfortable in his space by keeping it just the right temperature and keeping the air clean. Find out the dimensions of your student’s space before purchasing a cooling, heating, or purifying appliance.
Get To Work
Every student needs a space in which to study and keep school supplies. That may mean a desk for some, simply a bookshelf for others. Set your student up for success with shelving, a desk, and a comfortable chair in which to work. Don’t forget desk lighting! A memo board to post reminders isn’t a bad idea either.
Stay Safe
Many college students underestimate their need to take safety precautions. Take advantage of her love of technology by giving her some home security devices like digital door locks, a doorbell camera, and other smart home gadgets that will protect her new home and also save her money.
Letting Go
Sending our kids off into the world is never easy, whether they’re in first grade or a college freshman, but getting organized and prepared can help us feel a bit less anxious about it. Doing everything we can to make our (and their) home spaces feel ready just might make us feel a bit more eager to tackle the new school year.
Related Articles
Shop Products