Continuing our back-to-school series, today we will discuss Organizing Kids’ Supplies for a Successful School Year. Getting everything organized before the first day of school is both exciting and overwhelming. This past weekend, I decided it was time to tackle our arts and crafts supplies. My kids were right there with me, and I have to say—they were surprisingly ruthless in helping me purge what we didn’t need.

Purging and Decluttering Arts & Crafts Supplies

If your arts and crafts storage looks anything like ours did, it’s a mix of half-used glue sticks, dried-up markers, and a random assortment of glitter that probably hasn’t seen the light of day in a year. It’s easy to hold onto these supplies, hoping the kids will someday dive into a creative project, but let’s be real—most of it just sits there.

This weekend, we pulled everything out. I mean everything. I was prepared for some pushback, but my kids were eager to help and be done with it. We went through each item, and they were brutally honest about what they actually use. Those sets of Play-Doh? Turns out it was way below their current skill level, and they hadn’t touched it in years. It was tough for me to let go of some things, but hearing them say, “Mom, I’m too old for this” made it easier to part with those supplies.

Setting Up the Homework Station

After decluttering, we moved on to setting up their homework station. I wanted to reset a space that wasn’t just functional but also inviting. We added a few new supplies we knew they would use and that sparked their interest—things like a fresh set of colored pencils, new notebooks, and organizers to keep everything tidy.

Having a dedicated, organized space for homework helps reduce the chaos that can happen after school. It’s also a visual reminder that school is starting and that there’s a place for everything. It’s so much easier to stay on top of school projects when everything is within reach and well-organized.

Checking Project Materials and Inspiring Creativity

We also took inventory of the materials they might need for projects throughout the year. This is a great time to see if you have enough poster board, construction paper, and other essentials so you’re not running out to the store at the last minute.

One thing I’ve learned is that having supplies readily available encourages creativity. But it’s equally important that these supplies match your kids’ current interests and abilities. That’s why we made sure the materials we kept are things they’re actually excited to use. It’s amazing how much more motivated they are to engage in screen-free activities when the supplies are relevant to them.

Creating a Drop-Off Zone for School Papers

One of the best decisions we made was to create a drop-off zone for school papers, report cards, and artwork since school papers have a way of piling up quickly. Without a system in place, they end up scattered across the house, lost in backpacks, or crumpled at the bottom of a drawer.

We set up a simple filing bin with labeled folders for each child. As soon as they come home with something important—whether it’s a graded test or an art project they loved making—it goes straight into the bin. This keeps everything organized, and at the end of the school year, we can sort through the bin together and decide which 10-20 pieces to keep, making it a fun way to reflect on their progress.

I know I’m not alone in struggling to keep my kids’ items organized, even though I do this for a living. It’s easy to let things pile up, especially when life gets busy. But involving the kids in the process made a huge difference. They were more willing to part with things and even seemed to enjoy the process of making decisions about what to keep and what to toss. Plus, it felt good knowing we’re starting the school year with a clean slate.

Starting the school year with a fresh, organized space can make all the difference. Plus, it’s a great way to set the tone for a productive and creative year ahead.

Join the Conversation: Share Your Thoughts and Experiences

We’d love to hear from you! What are your thoughts on Organizing Kids’ Supplies for a Successful School Year? Have you encountered similar challenges or had different experiences? Please feel free to share your insights, questions, or personal experiences in the comments section below. Your contributions are invaluable to our community and may inspire others or provide additional perspectives. Let’s continue the discussion and learn from one another.

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