It’s Time to Think About Back to School (Yes, Already!)

Getting Ahead for a Stress-Free Back-to-School Season

Summer has a way of making us feel like time has slowed down. The long days, poolside lounging, spontaneous getaways, and slower routines give moms a much-needed pause from the school-year hustle. But as July nears its end and Target aisles begin to fill with notebooks and backpacks, that familiar thought creeps in: “Back to school is just around the corner.”

If you’re like many moms, the idea of back-to-school prep still feels weeks (or even months!) away. But what if we reframed this moment not as a disruption to summer, but as an opportunity? A chance to set up your home and your routines to make the transition smoother, less chaotic, and dare I say—even enjoyable?

In this post, we’ll explore how small steps you take now can create a calmer, more organized start to the school year. No stress. No last-minute Amazon orders. Just smart, simple systems that give you peace of mind and a head start.

The Mental Shift: From Summer Fun to Light Planning

No need to cancel your beach days. But, carving out a little time each week to prepare for the upcoming school season can work wonders. The key is to think of it as layering, not replacing, your summer rhythm.

• Start by imagining what a stress-free first week of school would feel like. What would your mornings look like? What routines would already be in place?*

Once you know the feeling you’re aiming for, you can reverse-engineer the steps you’ll need to take to get there. Begin with the areas that will have the biggest impact: your home, your calendar, your mindset.

Reset High-Traffic Spaces First

Before you buy a single school supply, turn your attention to the spaces that support your family life.

1. The Kitchen: Launchpad for the Day

• Declutter pantry staples, such as lunch snacks, cereals, and containers.
• Designate zones: one for lunch-packing supplies, one for grab-and-go breakfast items.
• Restock essentials: think reusable sandwich bags, water bottles, thermoses, and lunchboxes.

Tip: Add a small bin in the fridge for each child’s lunch items so you can grab and pack easily.

2. Entryway or Mudroom: Back-to-School HQ

• Install or refresh hooks for backpacks, jackets, and lunch bags.
• Add a shoe rack or cubbies to control entryway clutter.
• Place a clipboard or whiteboard near the door to track upcoming activities and school notices.

3. Study Zone or Homework Station

• This doesn’t have to be fancy. A corner with good lighting, a drawer with supplies, and a comfy chair will do.
• Sort through leftover supplies from last year and toss what’s broken or dried out.
• Set up supply caddies or a rolling cart so kids know where everything lives.

Organize and Inventory School Supplies Early

The earlier you start, the more intentional (and less expensive) your school shopping will be.

• Check last year’s backpacks, lunch bags, and pencil cases to see what can be reused.
• Create a digital or printable supply checklist for each child.
• Keep a running list on your phone for any “just in case” items.

By getting ahead now, you’ll avoid the mid-August panic and can take advantage of early sales.

Bonus Tip: Keep extras like glue sticks, folders, and erasers in a labeled bin for mid-year replenishments.

Sync the Family Calendar Now

Between school meetings, extracurricular activities, and weekend playdates, family life can become overwhelming quickly. Start building your family’s rhythm now.

• Input all known dates into a shared digital calendar (like Google Calendar) or your paper planner.
• Include back-to-school nights, sports tryouts, dental appointments, and first-day info.
• Use a large monthly wall calendar or chalkboard so everyone in the family can see the week ahead.

Don’t forget to block out buffer days during the first few weeks of school when everyone’s adjusting. Avoid overcommitting in the first two weeks.

Revisit Sleep and Morning Routines

You don’t need to launch into a full 6 AM wake-up next week, but slowly easing your family into school-year sleep schedules makes a big difference.

• Start by moving bedtime 15 minutes earlier every few nights.
• Reinstate calming routines before bed: reading, low lights, no screens.
• Practice “school day mornings” 1-2 weeks before the first day. Get up, eat breakfast, and get dressed as if it were a school day.

These “dress rehearsals” can help kids (and adults!) feel more in control and less anxious.

Declutter and Donate Before the New Rush

Back-to-school season often brings an influx of “stuff”: papers, projects, clothing, gear. Make room now.

• Have your kids try on clothes and shoes to see what fits.
• Donate or sell items they’ve outgrown.
• Go through school papers and artwork from last year: keep a few treasures, recycle the rest.

Create a donation station near the front door or laundry area and keep it active all month.

Think Beyond the Supplies: Emotional Prep for Kids

Even kids who love school can get nervous as it approaches. Use this time to support their emotional readiness.

• Talk openly about their feelings: What are they excited about? Nervous about?
• Revisit favorite books or stories about school.
• If they’re starting a new school or grade, drive by or walk the campus so it feels more familiar.

Let them help with the organizing and shopping so they feel more in control and part of the process.

Use Printables and Systems That Make It Easy

Systems don’t have to be complicated to be effective. A few intentional printables can bring clarity to the chaos.

Consider using:

• A weekly meal planner
• A command center checklist
• A school supply tracker
• A back-to-school countdown or prep timeline

These checklists can live on your fridge, inside a kitchen cabinet, or as part of your paper planner.

You can find many of these in my Etsy shop, or create your own with Canva or by hand using pen and paper.

Enjoy the Rest of Summer With Confidence

The best part of starting your prep now is that it allows you to enjoy the rest of the summer with less worry. You’re not rushing through the last week of August in a panic. Instead, you can be fully present knowing you’re ahead of the game.

When the first day of school arrives, you’ll feel ready. Your home will support your routines. Your mornings will feel lighter. And your kids will sense that calm.

Final Thoughts: Give Yourself a Head Start

Back-to-school season doesn’t have to hit like a tornado. With a bit of thought and a few small actions taken now, you can ease into it with grace and confidence.

So yes, it’s time to think about back to school—not because summer is over, but because a well-prepared home is a gift to your future self.

Let this post be your gentle nudge. Light a candle, pour your iced tea, and take one small action today. Your September self will thank you.

Want even more support?

Check out my printable checklist for back-to-school and browse the coordinating planner pages in my Etsy shop. Let’s make this your most organized school year ever!