Back-to-School Organizing Tips for Busy Families in Lemont & Homer Glen

The back-to-school season is exciting, but let’s be honest — it can also feel like chaos. Between school supplies, sports gear, lunches, and shifting routines, it’s easy for your home to get overwhelmed. The good news? A little organization now can make your mornings smoother, afternoons calmer, and evenings less stressful.

Here are my favorite back-to-school organizing tips that I recommend to busy families in Lemont, Homer Glen, and surrounding neighborhoods of Chicago’s southwest suburbs.

1. Create a Drop Zone by the Door

Every backpack, lunch bag, and pair of shoes should have a “home.” Set up a simple drop zone near your main entry with hooks for backpacks, a shoe tray or bin, and a small shelf or basket for lunchboxes. This keeps everything contained and makes school mornings a breeze.

Pro tip: Label hooks or baskets with each child’s name to cut down on mix-ups.

2. Set Up a Homework Station

Whether it’s at the kitchen table, a desk, or even a rolling cart, a designated homework space helps kids focus. Stock it with sharpened pencils, scissors, rulers, and extra paper so there’s no scrambling when it’s time to get work done.

Bonus: Keep a few calming items nearby (like a stress ball or fidget tool) if your child has a hard time settling down after school.

3. Use a Family Calendar

Fall activities add up quickly. A large wall calendar or digital calendar with color-coding for each family member helps track practices, games, lessons, and school events. Place it in a central location so everyone stays on the same page.

4. Simplify Lunch Prep

Designate one section of your pantry and fridge for lunch items. Use bins labeled “snacks,” “drinks,” and “sandwich supplies” to make packing lunches quick and kid-friendly. Older kids can even help themselves.

5. Rotate Clothes & Gear

Fall weather in Illinois can be unpredictable. Keep only what your kids need for the current season in their drawers and closets. Store off-season items in labeled bins so it’s easy to swap when the weather changes.

6. Build a Night-Before Routine

Even 15 minutes of prep before bedtime can save you from morning meltdowns. Have your kids lay out clothes, pack backpacks, and place everything by the door. You’ll thank yourself in the morning.

7. Consider Professional Help

Sometimes, the best way to get organized is to call in reinforcements. At Totally Organized, LLC, we help families in Lemont, Homer Glen, and nearby towns create easy-to-maintain systems that work for their real, everyday routines.

If your mornings feel overwhelming or you’re tired of the daily clutter battle, let’s talk! We’d love to help you set up back-to-school systems that last all year.

Ready to get started with a free consultation?

📞 Call or Text 312-505-4610 today!

✨ Mention this blog for 10% off your first organizing session in September!