Back to School Series Week 1: Declutter & Prep

Week 1: Declutter & Prep - Make Space for a Fresh School Year

A new school year is the perfect time to hit reset, not just on schedules, but on your home. Before the flood of school supplies, sports gear, and fall clothing begins, taking a little time to declutter and organize will set you up for smoother mornings, calmer evenings, and more focused family time.

At Slate Spaces, we believe that an intentional home creates the foundation for an intentional life. This week, we’re sharing our top tips to help you declutter before school starts and prepare your home for the busy months ahead.

1. Start with High-Traffic Zones

Focus first on the areas that see the most action during the school year - entryways, kitchens, and kids’ bedrooms.

• Entryway: Clear last year’s backpacks, coats, and shoes. Create a designated “drop zone” with hooks, baskets, and a shoe rack.

• Kitchen: Streamline lunch-making supplies. Keep lunch boxes, reusable containers, and water bottles together in one cabinet.

• Bedrooms: Sort through clothing and donate what no longer fits. This makes weekday outfit choices quicker and easier.

2. Create a Dedicated Homework Station

Whether it’s a desk in the bedroom or a spot at the kitchen table, having a consistent, clutter-free space for homework helps kids focus. Stock it with pencils, paper, and any supplies they use daily.

3. Do a Quick Supply Audit

Before you buy, check what you already have. Many families find they own more supplies than they remember - extra scissors, markers, and rulers hiding in drawers. Take inventory so your shopping trip is shorter and less expensive.

4. Set Up “Grab-and-Go” Systems

Mornings are smoother when everything is ready to go.

• Pre-pack non-perishable lunch snacks in bins.

• Use labeled baskets for sports gear.

• Keep a spot for library books so they’re never forgotten on library day.

5. Keep It Simple

Decluttering doesn’t have to mean a full weekend overhaul. Start small - one drawer, one shelf, or one bin at a time. The goal is to make your home work for you, not the other way around.

This Week’s Action Step: Choose one high-traffic zone and spend 30 minutes decluttering it. You’ll be amazed at how much lighter the whole house feels.

Next Week: We’ll share smart school-day systems to help you keep mornings calm and evenings organized all year long.