Back-to-School, Back to Routine: Tips for Resetting After Summer

Resetting for Fall: Routines, Real Life & Maybe a Little Less Chaos

As much as I love the slower pace of summer (even if "slow" just means working from my car while the kids are at baseball practice), there’s something comforting about the rhythm that comes with back-to-school season. The routines, the structure... the fact that someone else is feeding them lunch again.

If you're like me, juggling work, school schedules, activities, and wondering how it's already almost fall. This is the perfect time to reset the flow at home and bring a little more calm into the chaos.

Here are some easy, real-life ways to ease into the season with your sanity (mostly) intact:

2. Declutter the Spots That Get the Most Action

We’re not Marie Kondo-ing the whole house here. Just focus on the hot zones:

• Entryway: Hooks for backpacks, a basket for shoes, and a “don’t forget this!” bin by the door = game-changer
• Pantry & fridge: Say goodbye to the popsicles from June and make space for grab-and-go snacks and lunch stuff
• Homework station: Doesn’t have to be fancy just a surface with some supplies and fewer distractions than the couch

3. Bins, Hooks, and Labels are Your Best Friends

Seriously, these little things do so much heavy lifting:

• Clear bins for lunchboxes, chargers, and all the random papers that come home
• Hooks by the door for backpacks, keys, and dog leashes (Snoopy & Penny approve 🐶)
• A Sunday “reset basket” with anything you need to prep for the week ahead: uniforms, forms, snacks, etc.

4. Bring Back Some Screen-Free Moments

We all got a little loosey-goosey with screen time this summer, right?

• Try phone-free mornings or a no-screens-after-dinner rule (even if it’s just once a week)
• Bring back game night or after-dinner walks even 15 minutes makes a difference
• No chargers in bedrooms. Trust me on this one the sleep quality is worth it

5. Make Space for Focus (Yes, Even for You)

Back-to-school isn’t just for kids. If you’ve got new goals this fall: career, family, health set your space up to support that.

• Keep surfaces cleared off to help cut the mental clutter
• Try a playlist or sound machine for better focus
• Schedule in the downtime. Routines only stick if there’s breathing room built in

Bonus Thought: Is Your Home Helping or Hurting Right Now?

If your house feels like it’s constantly working against you-not enough space, no real spot to work or decompress, or you're tripping over backpacks and lunchboxes just to get to the coffee maker it might be time for a bigger conversation.

The right home should fit the season you're in. It should support your routines, not make them harder.

So if this fall has you dreaming about a little more space, a better layout, or a fresh start altogether… let’s talk. I’d love to help you find the home that actually makes your life easier (imagine that!).