🎒 How I Prep for Back-to-School: My Stress-Free Routine

by The Everyday Edit

1. Start with a Calendar Reset 🗓️✨

The first thing I do? Open my planner and digital calendar to map out key dates—school start day, early dismissals, holidays, and extracurriculars. This gives me a visual sense of the season ahead and helps avoid last-minute surprises. I also block time for meal planning and self-care so I don’t get overwhelmed in week one.

2. Declutter & Refresh Workspaces 🧼🪴

Whether it’s the kids’ desks or my own home office, I declutter first. Old papers, broken pencils, and half-used notebooks get tossed or recycled. Then I bring in clean energy—think: fresh plants, new pens, and maybe even a motivational quote print. A tidy space = a tidy mind.

3. School Supplies, Simplified ✏️📦

Instead of overbuying, I stick to a curated list: highlighters, fresh notebooks, refillable pens, and a good water bottle. For tech, I make sure chargers and headphones are ready to go. I love choosing neutral or muted color palettes so everything looks clean and intentional.

4. Reset Our Sleep Schedule 😴⏰

About a week before school starts, I gently move our bedtime and wake-up routines earlier by 15 minutes each day. This makes the transition easier—especially for little ones. I also bring back a calming evening routine with no screens and a book instead.

5. Prep a Weekly Lunch Plan 🥪📋

I jot down five simple lunch ideas (that rotate) and prep a few freezer-friendly options on Sunday, like mini muffins or sandwich fillings. Having go-to staples reduces decision fatigue. I also clean out and label lunch containers and thermoses for grab-and-go ease.

6. Shop Fall Staples & Organize Closets 👖👟

We try on last season’s clothes and donate what doesn’t fit. Then I make a short shopping list of true needs—usually a new pair of sneakers, layering tees, or a backpack. I use small bins in each closet to organize “school-ready” outfits for smooth mornings.

7. Set the Tone with a Family Meeting 🧡📣

The night before school starts, we do a casual little “meeting” to talk about goals, hopes, and any nerves. Everyone shares one thing they’re excited about and one thing they might need help with. It grounds us and reminds the kids we’re in this together.

🛍️ Back-to-School Favorites on Amazon

• Weekly Dry Erase Planner for the Fridge: Get organized here

• Leakproof Bento Box Lunch Containers (Set of 3): Shop now