Back to school series week 4: the final countdown
The first day of school is right around the corner! You’ve decluttered, built routines, and even set up your weekly reset. Now it’s time for the finishing touches — the small but important tasks that will make your family feel calm, organized, and ready when the first school bell rings.
In Week 4 of our Back-to-School Tips & Tricks series, we’re sharing a simple final-week checklist to ensure nothing slips through the cracks. Remember, nothing has to be set in stone, so once the wheels start turning these routines can be modified if needed.
1. Back-to-School Wardrobe Check
Now is the perfect time to go through your kids’ closets and drawers. Get rid of any clothing that is too small, worn out, or no longer needed. This not only clears space but also helps you see exactly what they have for the new school year.
If you notice any gaps, make a simple back-to-school wardrobe checklist and plan a quick shopping trip so they start the year feeling confident and prepared.
2. Label Supplies & Gear
From lunch containers to water bottles to backpacks, labeling everything now prevents mix-ups later. Bonus: kids love personalizing their items. Amazon has tons of personalized labels. We love this simple option.
3. Stock the Fridge & Pantry
Make sure you have easy breakfast options, after-school snacks, and lunch staples ready to go. A little grocery prep means mornings run much smoother. Maybe this is a good time to organize the pantry ;)
4. Confirm Logistics
Double-check bus schedules, carpool plans, or pick-up routines. If your kids are going to a new school, take one last drive or walk by so it feels familiar.
5. Create a First-Day Launch Pad
Pack backpacks, lay out outfits, prep lunches, and set everything by the door the night before school starts. This one step sets the tone for a calm and confident first day.
That’s a wrap on our Back-to-School Tips & Tricks series! Over the past four weeks, we’ve walked through the essential steps to help families feel calm, organized, and ready for the school year ahead. From decluttering and prepping your space (Week 1), to building routines and schedules (Week 2), to creating a Sunday reset routine (Week 3), and finally, our last-minute prep checklist (Week 4) — you now have a complete toolkit to start the school year strong.
Want more home organization tips and tricks? Stay tuned here on the Slate Spaces blog, or reach out to us if you’d like hands-on support at any time.