Back to School Decluttering Checklist: Get Organized Before the First Day
- Sarah C. Bezanson
- Aug 25
- 4 min read
The end of summer always seems to sneak up on us. One moment we’re soaking in long sunny days, and the next, the first day of school is staring us in the face. Along with new routines, school supplies, and earlier bedtimes comes the need for a little home reset. If your mornings often feel rushed and stressful, a bit of strategic decluttering can make a world of difference.
The truth is that clutter slows us down. Searching for missing shoes, digging through messy closets, or realizing you don’t have a clean lunch container at 7:00 a.m. can derail even the most organized families. The good news? With a short, focused checklist, you can create a home that supports smoother mornings and calmer evenings once the school year begins.
Here’s a Back-to-School Decluttering Checklist designed to help you clear out the unnecessary, make space for the new, and set your family up for success.
1. Entryway / Drop Zone
The entryway is the first and last stop of the day, which makes it one of the most important areas to keep organized. A cluttered entry can cause a ripple effect of frustration—missing shoes, lost keys, or backpacks dumped on the floor.
Decluttering tasks:
Clear out old shoes that don’t fit. Summer growth spurts are real! Donate or discard any pairs that are too small or too worn.
Donate outgrown jackets, hats, and gloves. Fall will arrive sooner than you think. Go through bins, hooks, or closets now so only properly sized items remain.
Sort and hang backpacks or bags in one spot. Give each child a designated hook or cubby so their bag always has a home.
Create a bin or hook for keys and lunch bags. Having a set “drop zone” means no more frantic searching as you head out the door.
Pro tip: If your entryway space is small, vertical solutions like wall hooks or a narrow shoe rack can make a big impact.
2. Kids’ Closets & Dressers
Closets are often filled with clothing that no longer fits, making it harder for kids to find what they actually can wear. The back-to-school season is the perfect time to do a clothing reset.
Decluttering tasks:
Remove clothing that’s too small or too worn. Make a donation pile for items in good condition and toss anything with holes or stains.
Organize by type. Group tops, bottoms, and gym clothes together so your kids (and you!) can easily see what’s available. This not only speeds up morning routines but also helps you identify what truly needs to be purchased before school starts.
Pro tip: Use drawer dividers or bins to keep categories neat and visible. Rolling t-shirts or leggings can also save space and reduce rummaging.
3. School Supplies
Raise your hand if you’ve ever bought new supplies only to discover you already had three unopened packs of pencils hidden in a drawer. Decluttering and taking inventory before shopping can save both money and storage space.
Decluttering tasks:
Gather all loose pens, pencils, and markers. Test them, toss the dried-out ones, and keep only what works.
Recycle scrap paper and old notebooks. Keep partially used notebooks if there’s still room for homework but get rid of crumpled papers and broken binders.
Once you’ve pared down, create a homework supply bin or drawer so everything is ready to go. Having one central spot for supplies reduces the nightly “Where’s my glue stick?!” panic.
4. Kitchen / Lunch Prep
School mornings often revolve around food—packing lunches, grabbing snacks, and refilling water bottles. A cluttered kitchen can make this process stressful, so decluttering here is a game-changer.
Decluttering tasks:
Toss expired snacks and pantry items. Check expiration dates on granola bars, crackers, and juice boxes. Clear out anything stale or unwanted.
Wash and match food storage containers & lids. Few things are more frustrating than missing lids at 7:00 a.m.! Recycle or repurpose extras without matches.
Replace old lunchboxes or water bottles. If last year’s lunch gear smells, leaks, or is too small, now’s the time to refresh it.
Pro tip: Create a small “grab-and-go snack station” with pre-portioned snacks kids can easily pack themselves. This builds independence and saves you time.
Why Decluttering Before School Matters
Decluttering before school isn’t just about tidying your home—it’s about creating systems that support your family’s daily routine. A few benefits you’ll notice:
Less stress in the mornings. Everything has a home, and kids know where to find what they need.
Saves money. By taking inventory before shopping, you avoid buying duplicates.
Teaches kids responsibility. Involving children in the process helps them learn organization skills and take ownership of their space.
More family time. Less time searching for lost items means more time enjoying breakfast together or chatting on the way to school.
Final Thoughts
Getting organized before school starts doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By focusing on high-traffic, high-stress areas—like the entryway, closets, school supplies, and kitchen—you’ll set your family up for smoother mornings and calmer evenings.
Decluttering is really about making space: space for what fits, what works, and what makes your life easier. With just a few short sessions, you’ll feel lighter, more prepared, and ready to embrace the new school year with less stress and more joy.
So grab this checklist, pick one area at a time, and get started. You’ll be amazed at the difference a clutter-free home makes when the school bell rings.
Download my free Back to School Declutter Checklist for a fresh start to the school year!
