Published July 28, 2025

DIY Back-to-School Organizers: Get Ready for a Smooth School Year

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Written by Gavin Johnson

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Back-to-school season is the perfect time to get organized and start the year off on the right foot. With a few DIY projects, you can create stylish and functional organizers to keep your kids' school supplies, schedules, and study materials neat and accessible. These easy-to-make organizers will help reduce stress and clutter, making mornings much easier for everyone in your household.

 

1️⃣ Homework Station: Create a Dedicated Study Area 🖊️

A homework station is essential for helping kids focus and stay organized while completing assignments. You can easily create a designated space with a few simple materials.

What You Need:

  • A small desk or table (you can repurpose old furniture!)
  • Wall-mounted shelves or bins for books and supplies
  • Desk organizers for pencils, erasers, and other essentials
  • A bulletin board or corkboard for notes and important papers
  • Labeling supplies (stickers or washi tape)

 

Instructions:

  • Set up a quiet area in your home where your child can focus on their homework.
  • Attach shelves or bins to the wall above the desk to keep books, papers, and school supplies organized.
  • Use desk organizers to separate pencils, highlighters, and other small items.
  • Set up a bulletin board where you can pin important dates, school events, and reminders.
  • Label each section with fun stickers or labels to help your child keep track of their materials.

 

2️⃣ Supply Caddy: Keep Essentials Handy 🎒

A portable supply caddy makes it easy to carry school essentials from room to room. It’s perfect for storing everything from scissors and glue to notebooks and folders.

What You Need:

  • A sturdy basket or plastic caddy
  • Small containers or jars for organizing supplies
  • Labels or stickers for identification

 

Instructions:

  • Find a sturdy basket, plastic caddy, or even an old lunchbox that can hold multiple supplies.
  • Use small containers or jars to separate pencils, erasers, paper clips, and other items.
  • Label each section to keep supplies organized and easily accessible.
  • Keep the caddy near your child's study area so they can grab it when needed.

 

3️⃣ Chalkboard Wall or Calendar: Visual Organization 📅

A chalkboard wall or calendar is a great way to keep track of assignments, tests, and extracurricular activities. It also gives kids a creative space to write down their thoughts or doodle.

What You Need:

  • Chalkboard paint or a large whiteboard
  • Markers or chalk for writing
  • Monthly planner or calendar printout

 

Instructions:

  • Paint a small section of a wall with chalkboard paint or set up a large whiteboard in a common area.
  • Use it as a calendar to keep track of important dates, tests, and events.
  • Write down weekly assignments and remind kids of upcoming deadlines.
  • Encourage kids to decorate the board with motivational quotes or fun doodles to make it more personal and inspiring.

 

4️⃣ Closet Organization: Create a School Gear Station 👕

Getting dressed and ready for school can be a hassle, but with a well-organized closet, kids can find their outfits in no time. This DIY project can save time in the morning and reduce clutter.

What You Need:

  • Hooks or pegs for backpacks and jackets
  • Storage bins or baskets for shoes and accessories
  • Closet dividers for separating clothes by day

Instructions:

  • Install hooks or pegs near the entrance of the closet to hang backpacks, jackets, and lunch bags.
  • Use bins or baskets for shoes, hats, and other accessories.
  • Create dividers in the closet to organize clothes by the week or by day. Label each section for easy access.
  • Keep this area neat by encouraging kids to hang up their gear when they come home from school.

 

5️⃣ DIY Folder System: Keep Papers Organized 📂

A folder system is perfect for keeping track of important school papers, assignments, and documents that need to be returned to school. This simple DIY project will help you stay organized throughout the school year.

What You Need:

  • File folders or expanding file folders
  • Labels for each category (e.g., “Homeworks,” “Tests,” “Art Projects”)
  • A storage box or drawer to keep the folders in

Instructions:

  • Label each folder with categories like “Homework,” “Tests,” “Parent Forms,” and “Art Projects.”
  • Store the folders in a dedicated drawer or file box for easy access.
  • Encourage your child to sort their papers into the appropriate folders to keep everything in order.
  • Review the folders regularly to ensure that important documents aren’t lost or forgotten.

 

6️⃣ Desk Organizer: Keep Workspace Tidy 🖊️

A clutter-free desk is essential for focusing on schoolwork. This DIY desk organizer can help separate pens, pencils, paper, and other supplies in an orderly manner.

What You Need:

  • Wooden crates, boxes, or dividers
  • Paint and decorative paper (optional)
  • Small containers or jars for pens, pencils, and markers
  • Glue gun or adhesive

Instructions:

  • Repurpose wooden crates, boxes, or dividers to create sections for different supplies.
  • Paint and decorate the organizer to make it personal and fun.
  • Use small containers or jars to keep writing tools organized.
  • Place the organizer on the desk or table where your child does their schoolwork.

 

7️⃣ DIY Homework Binder: Stay On Top of Assignments 📚

A homework binder is an excellent tool for helping kids stay on top of their assignments and projects. You can create an easy-to-use binder that’s divided by subject or project.

What You Need:

  • A 3-ring binder
  • Dividers and pockets
  • Loose-leaf paper and sheet protectors
  • Stickers or labels for decoration

Instructions:

  • Organize the binder by dividing it into sections for each subject.
  • Use pockets to store handouts, assignments, and notes.
  • Place loose-leaf paper in the binder for taking notes and completing homework.
  • Encourage your child to keep the binder organized and check it every day for homework assignments.

 

In Conclusion: Start the School Year Strong! 📚✨

A well-organized home is the key to a successful school year. With these simple DIY back-to-school organizers, you can help your kids stay on track with their studies and make the transition into the new school year smoother. Get creative and involve your children in the organizing process to teach them valuable habits that will last throughout the year.

 

If you’re looking for a family-friendly home in Central Washington that offers plenty of space for organization and learning, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at the Alpine Group. We’re here to help you find the perfect home for your growing family!

 

Happy organizing and good luck this school year! 🎒📚

 

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