As the school year creeps closer, it’s easy to get swept up in the last-minute scramble for supplies, backpacks, and everything in between. But with a little planning and a dash of organization, you can skip the stress and head into the new school year feeling calm, prepared, and totally in control. Here’s how to organize school supplies before the rush—and keep your home running smoothly all year long.
If you are new to the blog, welcome! I blog about cleaning, decluttering, and organizing. You can find my free printables to help you get organized in the drop down menu under the Printables category. Check out this post on Back-to-School Organizing Checklist: 15 Ways to Prep for School.
Check out this post: Declutter Kids’ Closets Before Back-to-School Shopping or my post on 10 Organizing Tips for Busy Families.
10 Brilliant Tips to Organize School Supplies Before the Rush
1. Take Inventory of What You Already Have
Before you even step foot in a store (or click “add to cart”), take stock of what you already own. Chances are, you have unused notebooks, extra pencils, or even an untouched box of crayons stashed in a drawer.
Quick Tip: Grab a laundry basket and go on a “supply scavenger hunt” around the house. Check desks, kitchen drawers, backpacks, and bins for anything school-related.
2. Declutter the Old Supplies
Now’s the perfect time to toss broken pencils, dried-up markers, and torn folders. Be realistic about what your kids will actually use and let go of the rest.
Bonus: This step clears out the clutter so your organized system has space to breathe.
3. Create a Back-to-School Supply Station
Designate a dedicated spot in your home to keep all school-related supplies. Whether it’s a rolling cart, a set of bins, or a shelf in the closet, keeping everything in one place saves time and sanity.
Stock it with:
- Writing tools (pencils, pens, markers)
- Paper products (notebooks, loose-leaf paper, sticky notes)
- Accessories (scissors, glue sticks, rulers, tape)
- Tech tools (chargers, headphones, calculators)
4. Use Clear Containers and Labels
Kids (and adults) are more likely to put things back where they belong if everything is easy to see and clearly labeled. Use drawer organizers, pencil cups, small bins, and zipper pouches to separate supplies by type.
Label ideas:
- “Art Supplies”
- “Homework Essentials”
- “Extras”
- “Tech Gear”
5. Make a Shopping List by Category
Once you know what you have, jot down what’s still needed. Break the list into categories so shopping is quick and focused.
Categories to consider:
- Writing instruments
- Paper goods
- Classroom-specific items (like tissues or disinfecting wipes)
- Backpack/lunchbox gear
- Clothing/uniforms
6. Shop Smart—Early and with Intention
Avoid the back-to-school crowds (and empty shelves) by shopping early. Keep your list handy to avoid impulse purchases. Consider doing some of the shopping online to save time.
Pro Tip: Buy a few extras (pencils, glue sticks, paper) now while they’re on sale and stash them away for mid-year restocking.
7. Set Up a Homework Station
Once supplies are sorted and stocked, carve out a space for daily homework. It doesn’t need to be fancy—just functional. A quiet corner with a desk or table, good lighting, and all the basic supplies within reach will do the trick. Check out this post on How to Set Up a Homework Station Before School Starts.
Include:
- Writing tools
- Paper and notebooks
- A timer or clock
- Headphones (if needed)
- Storage for completed assignments
8. Create a “Grab-and-Go” Supply Kit
Busy mornings are smoother when kids have what they need in one easy-to-reach place. Fill a pouch or box with the essentials they may need for their backpacks or lockers.
Ideas:
- Extra pens and pencils
- Erasers
- Sticky notes
- Highlighters
- Small stapler or tape
9. Get Kids Involved
Have your children help with organizing supplies. It teaches responsibility, gives them ownership over their things, and helps them know where to find what they need.
Let them choose:
- Their own pencil case
- Favorite notebooks or folder colors
- A system that makes sense for them
10. Create a Refill Routine
Don’t let all your hard work go to waste—set a reminder to check and restock supplies monthly or quarterly. Keeping things fresh prevents that mid-year “we’re out of everything” panic.
Getting organized now means less stress later. By taking just a bit of time to sort, shop, and set up smart systems, you’ll be setting the stage for a smooth, successful school year.
So grab a bin, a label maker (or a Sharpie), and beat the rush—your future self will thank you!
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