Six Back-to-School Organizing Tips from a Certified KonMari® Consultant
Back-to-school season brings a mix of anticipation and excitement as families gear up for a new academic year and a return to routine. To help navigate the transition, consider the principles of The KonMari Method® as an avenue to promoting calm in a season of potential chaos. Renowned for its emphasis on decluttering and organizing, this approach is a game-changer for creating a serene and functional space for both students and parents. Together, let’s explore six invaluable back-to-school organizing tips from the perspective of a Certified KonMari® Consultant.
Begin with a Vision
Start by envisioning the kind of organized space you want to create for the upcoming school year. What are some words that describe your ideal home environment? How do you want your family life to feel and operate?
Enlist the help of your children and discuss their goals, learning preferences, and needs. By setting a clear vision, you'll have a better idea of what items to keep, what items to let go, and how to arrange everything effectively.
Try it! Roll a big blank sheet of craft paper out on the kitchen table. Scatter some fresh new markers. Pop some popcorn, settle in, and allow every member of the family to write down words that describe their vision, ideas, and learning goals for the year! This is your chance to dream together.
Tidy by Category, Not Location:
Because items easily get scattered throughout our homes, one of the core tenets of The KonMari Method® is tidying by category rather than by room. To encourage a comprehensive decluttering process, apply this principle to back-to-school organizing. Gather similar items from all around the house and sort through each category at a time. Examples include: clothing, books, papers, school supplies, electronics, and sentimental items (think: photos and past art projects). This approach allows you to see the full extent of your belongings and make intentional decisions about what to keep as you enter a new year and what to donate or discard.
Try it! Include your child in this process as much as possible. Young children may not have the endurance or attention span for long decluttering sessions, but they DO have opinions about their belongings! What works well: make initial decisions on your own and get your child’s approval before you donate or discard any of their items.
Do Their School Supplies Spark Joy?
Once you have let go with gratitude any items that are damaged, outgrown, or no longer spark joy, you will have a firm awareness of exactly which new items to bring on board for the new school year.
When selecting school supplies, encourage your children to choose items that genuinely bring them delight. A well-organized backpack filled with supplies that resonate positively can inspire a sense of excitement about the school year ahead. The KonMari Method® teaches us to appreciate and cherish the items we own, so help your children cultivate this mindset when selecting their supplies.
Designate a Study Sanctuary:
Work alongside your child to create a dedicated study area that encourages focus and productivity. We suggest creating a space or “power spot” in your home for your child that radiates positivity and calmness.
Keep only the items that enhance the learning experience in this area. Whether it's a desk, a corner of a room, or a cozy nook, ensure it's clutter-free and conducive to learning.
Streamlined Clothing Choices:
Too many options in an overstuffed closet is not only overwhelming, but often leaves your child announcing they have “nothing to wear.” Applying The KonMari Method® to clothing can be particularly helpful for children and young adults. Go through your child’s clothing with them and encourage them to keep only those items in which they feel most comfortable and confident. Let go with gratitude any clothing item that is damaged or no longer fits. Just imagine starting the year off with a closet full of clothing items they truly love!
This approach simplifies morning routines and eliminates the frustration of searching for the right outfit. Furthermore, it demonstrates the value of intentional choices.
Note: It’s tempting to stock up on fall and winter clothing items in the name of back-to-school shopping. Resist the urge, if you can. Waste happens at the point of consumption; therefore, purchase what you need only when you need it. A few new items to kick off the year and a little along the way helps encourage mindful shopping habits and ensures your tidy space will be maintained.
A Quick Note on Storage + Organization…
When storing clothing items, make sure the organizational system in place is easy for your child to maintain. Can they retrieve and return clothing items to their drawers, shelves, and hangers on their own? A pretty space that is high-maintenance or requires your attention to stay organized isn’t going to stay tidy for long. Walk alongside your child in developing a system that works for them.
Regular Maintenance:
Establish a system for inbound paper - homework and forms will pile up fast! Incorporate the habit of regular tidying and maintenance to prevent clutter from accumulating. Set aside time each week for a quick tidy-up session with your children. This reinforces the importance of staying organized and prevents the need for major decluttering sessions in the future. Through this practice, your child will cultivate their decision-making abilities, gain control and responsibility over their belongings, and fine-tune their sense of what brings joy to their life.
Note: Please do not discard your child’s items without their permission. Our hearts are in the right place, but this is a violation of trust that demonstrates a lack of respect for them, their belongings, and personal space. Going through our child’s belongings alongside them is an opportunity for connection and allows us to learn more about what is important to them.
Final thoughts…
Bringing The KonMari Method® into your back-to-school preparations can transform the way your family approaches organization and productivity. By focusing on what truly sparks joy, creating designated spaces for your belongings, and adopting a mindful approach to accumulating and managing possessions, you can set the stage for a successful and enjoyable school year.
Remember: the goal is not simply to organize your physical space but to foster a positive mindset and healthy habits that extend to all areas of life.
Wishing you and your family a school year that fosters a love of learning and brings you much joy!