Organize for Back to School: Creating a Homework Zone
- Making Space with Lily
- 31 minutes ago
- 2 min read
1. Ease In with Small Shifts
As the school year kicks off, it’s tempting to go all in and overhaul the whole house. Instead, take my approach: start small and steady. Perhaps spend just 20 minutes scouting one corner for a homework zone—before you know it, that one change adds structure and ease to your daily routine.
2. Choose the Right Spot
Find a place with:
Good light (natural or bright lamp)
Easy access to supplies
Minimal distractions
Whether it's a kitchen counter, living room nook, or desk in a shared space—it just needs to be cozy, functional, and inviting. Depending on the age of your child, you may want to take into consideration their personal learning style and preferences. Some kids need a hard chair and table while others prefer to study while laying down on their bed. This may take some experimenting to get it just right, but when you play to your strengths, studying and homework becomes easier and less stressful to complete.
3. Contain Clutter with Style
Remember to simplify, and not overload, the space. Use storage that’s functional and pretty:
Labelled trays, bins, or baskets for paper and pencils
A simple notebook holder or caddy to keep things tidy
A clear “inbox/outbox” system to manage schoolwork flow
Consider your child’s learning style when choosing organizational systems, some learners need everything visible, or they can’t find anything. If you don’t know their (or your) learning style, there are several online quizzes you can take to find out! Here is one that I like: https://www.educationplanner.org/students/self-assessments/learning-styles. There are many ways to be organized, but for it to stick it must be usable and make sense to the person using it every day!
4. Personalize for Motivation
A homework zone should feel welcoming. Maybe a small quote board, your child’s latest artwork, or a colorful pinboard—little touches go a long way. It also helps to let the kids choose their storage bins or decorate the space—ownership fosters responsibility.
5. Establish Simple Routines
Instead of an intensive schedule, a 3-step routine works wonders:
Pack school bag the night before
Set out reading materials
Place a reusable water bottle or snack nearby
This keeps mornings smooth and clutter-free—just remember, your homework zone doesn’t have to be perfect—just purposeful.
Why a Homework Zone Helps:
It builds routine- Habits take time, but if you create space for consistency, it will catch on!
It reduces stress- Surveys have found that people spend literally DAYS a year searching for lost items, and I personally find nothing more stressful. If everything has a designated place (and it is easy to get things back to where they belong!), everyone in your home can save themselves time and stress!
It supports focus- When you can get right to work in a tidy and organized space, you don’t have to worry about anything except the task at hand.
One final tip: A quick 5-minute clean-up each afternoon or evening refreshes the zone for tomorrow. Much like making your bed first thing in the morning, starting the day with a clean slate sets you up for a successful day!