How to Keep Your Home Organized This School Year

Want to declutter a bedroom or study space? Build in tidiness with cube organizers, which come in a variety of colors. $49, at closetmaid.com.

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Before kids head back to class, school yourself on ways to stay on top of everything when life gets busy.

Cathy Adams, a professional organizer and founder of Cardinal Organizing in Newark, advises families not to take on too much in a small window of time.

“It’s easy to get overwhelmed if you think you have to organize the whole house,” she says. “Instead, focus on key areas, such as bedroom closets, a drop-off spot for backpacks, and the kitchen and pantry.”

Clear out clothes that don’t fit to make room for new school clothes, including sports uniforms. Designate a spot in the fridge for grab-and-go lunches and snacks. And to keep everyone on schedule, establish a calendar. That could be an erasable whiteboard or chalkboard, or an organization app, such as Google Keep, or Cozi, a web-based family organizer.

Need more help staying on top of clutter? Here are some products to try in order to stay organized this school year.

BINS FOR THE WIN

Keep textbooks, folders and binders in order with connecting bins. To stay super organized, let kids choose their own designated color.
$2.79 each at The Container Store, 2200 Fashion Center Blvd., Newark, 317-5980.

LABEL CITY

Make your own custom labels for bins and boxes with label makers by Brother.
$25 to $130, at Staples, Office Depot, Best Buy, The Container Store and other retailers throughout Delaware.

PRACTICAL PEGBOARD

IKEA’s Skadis pegboard helps students and parents keep notes and notices close at hand. Start with the basic pegboard, and add such upgrades as attachable clips, shelves and containers.
$9.99, at IKEA, King of Prussia.

ALL SET WITH SILICONE

Reusable silicone bags from Lotsa Style are leakproof, see-through, and hold 33 fluid ounces, ideal for packing snacks for the soccer team.
Set includes two bags, plus eco-friendly beeswax food wrap. $29.99, at amazon.com.