9 Back-to-School Hacks That’ll Save You Time (and Sanity)
Back-to-school season always sneaks up on me. One minute we’re sleeping in, riding bikes after dinner, and forgetting what day it is, and the day after that; the next, it’s orientation packets, supply lists, and signing yet another permission slip at midnight. And since I’ve worked summer school the last few years, that slow summer rhythm? Nope, I never really got it. Still, the shift into full-on school year mode somehow feels like a jolt every time.
Whether you’re a parent, a caregiver, an educator, or just someone who wants to reset your routines in the fall, these hacks can help. Because even if you don’t have kids, the back-to-school energy is real (and so is that I-80 traffic), and it’s the perfect time to get organized and reclaim a little calm.
Here are 9 back-to-school hacks that have actually saved me time and preserved my sanity:
1. Create a Launch Pad
Designate one spot near the door where backpacks, jackets, shoes, and water bottles live. No more running around in a panic because everything is right where it should be. Bonus points for adding a mirror or checklist on the wall!
2. Batch the Week’s Lunches
Instead of packing lunches every night (or worse, every morning), prep them on Sunday. Line up containers and knock them out assembly-line style. Kids can help too and my girls pick their own snacks and organize their lunch bags just the way they like them.
3. Use Outfit Organizers
A weekly closet organizer labeled Monday through Friday hangs in the closet for each of the girls and they pre-select outfits for the week. This avoids the morning “What should I wear?” or “I can’t find a shirt” drama, especially if your child is… particular (ahem, Hunter).
4. Set a Sunday Reset Routine
Sunday evening is our time to clean out backpacks, sign forms, and mentally prepare for the week. I turn of the wifi (to make them focus), light a candle, put on music, and turn it into a calming ritual instead of a hectic scramble.
5. Use a Shared Calendar (That You Actually Check)
Google Calendar, a whiteboard, a paper planner; whatever works for you. Just make sure everyone in the house can see it. We color-code ours so each person knows when it’s their practice, appointment, or school event.
6. Simplify Breakfast
If your kids don’t eat at school (which is so much easier), keep 3 to 4 go-to breakfasts stocked: overnight oats, breakfast burritos, smoothies, or toaster waffles with fruit. Rotate them to keep things interesting, but easy. Anything that can be prepped ahead is a win.
7. Set Alarms for Everything (I know it sounds like a lot, but try it)
I don’t just use alarms to wake up. I set one for when it’s time to start getting ready (because my first morning alarm is to get my mind right), one for leaving the house (to remind us that we should be walking out of the door), and even one to remind us to wind down at night. It might sound extra, but it keeps everyone on track, and saves me from repeating myself 15 times before 7am.
8. Keep an “Emergency Stash” in the Car
Spare socks, snacks, deodorant, hair ties, extra pencils, a five-dollar bill. This stash has saved us more times than I can count. You don’t realize how often you’ll need a backup until you don’t have one.
9. Prep the Night Before
Lunch packed? Clothes laid out? Devices charged? Backpack zipped and waiting? Do everything the night before. Morning Mommy will be so grateful to Evening Mommy.
Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean back to chaos. With a little prep, some flexible routines, and a whole lot of grace, you can make space for slower mornings, deeper breaths, and maybe even a moment to sip your coffee while it’s still hot.
Here’s to a smoother start and fewer “Where are my shoes?!” mornings.