A new school year is approaching, and whether you’re crying or cheering, now is the perfect time to get your home organized for the upcoming chaos. The easiest way to do this is to create a drop zone in your home where coats, backpacks, shoes, and homework can be picked up and dropped off each day. 

While many of our homes are built with drop zones (sometimes called mudrooms) with cubbies, hooks, and benches – you can still create a space that works for your family if your home doesn’t have a built-in designated space. Here are some helpful tips on how to get started organizing for the new school year: 

Assigned Spaces: Giving each person a specific space for their bags, coats, and shoes can help even the most disorganized in the group locate their belongings. Additionally, designate bags for specific activities (sports, gym, etc.) so that when it’s time to go – they can grab the bag instead of searching for smaller items. 

Seasonal Items: Designate an area that can change with the season – a boot tray, umbrella holder, a laundry basket, or drying station for wet suits or towels from the pool, etc.

Filing System: Create a filing system for mail and/or important papers using baskets or bins.

Catch-All Space: Using a tray or bin as a “catch-all” for all the little things that don’t make it to their intended home can keep things from getting too out of hand. Every weekend you can go through the tray to return items to their correct places. 

Seating Area: A bench in your drop zone can be a great addition to help with putting on/taking off of shoes, and storing them!

Prep Work: Having work or school bags in your drop zone can also make it easier to prep for the day/week ahead. Taking the time the night before to repack bags for the next day can really take the sting out of the morning rush!

Study Area: Whether it’s in an office or at the kitchen table, establishing a space for studying can help keep everyone on task. Creating a homework caddy with pens/pencils/etc that can be packed up and moved can help avoid the study-set-up-time lag. 

Closet Clean Out: Now is the time to go through closets and clear out jackets, clothing, or shoes that have been outgrown and see what’s needed for the new year. 

Creating an organized drop zone will help make the transition from home to school (or work) significantly easier. Only 3 weeks left until the school year begins – time to get started!

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CraftMaster Homes is one of Richmond’s leading homebuilders, voted Builder of the Year six times in a row. We build new homes in Chesterfield, Midlothian, Mechanicsville and Hanover. Contact us today to get your design started.