How to Declutter & Get Organized Before Back-to-School Season
As the school bells start ringing and summer winds down, now is the perfect time to set your family up for success by decluttering and organizing your home—especially your children’s spaces. At Maid 4 Cleaning, we know a tidy environment does wonders for a child’s focus, mood, and routine. So, before backpacks start piling up and homework assignments roll in, let’s get ahead of the chaos!
Be Swept Away by these expert-approved organizing tips from our team in Saint Louis.
1. Start with a Closet Clean-Out
Closets are often the biggest culprits of clutter. Use the "Keep, Donate, Toss" method:
Keep items that fit and are seasonally appropriate.
Donate gently worn items to local charities like The Little Bit Foundation.
Toss anything stained, torn, or outgrown.
📌 Pro Tip: Store clothing by category or color to streamline your child's morning routine. Use labeled bins or hanging organizers for socks, accessories, and school uniforms.
2. Digitally Declutter Old Schoolwork
While every art project and spelling test feels precious, they can quickly overwhelm drawers and shelves.
Save the most meaningful items in a labeled memory bin.
Digitize the rest by snapping photos or scanning them.
Create a photo book of the year’s highlights as a keepsake.
This keeps sentimental clutter at bay while preserving memories.
3. Create a Productive Study Nook
Whether it’s a corner of the bedroom or a shared family space, your child needs a dedicated, clutter-free area to focus.
Clear the surface. Only essentials like a lamp, pencil cup, and a calendar should live on the desk.
Add vertical storage. Wall-mounted organizers and bookshelves free up floor space.
Declutter cables. Use Velcro strips or cord organizers to keep wires tidy.
💡 Expert Tip from “The Science of Cleaning”: Avoid overloading a workspace with décor. Visual clutter can reduce attention span and increase stress.
4. Set Up a School-Year Launchpad
Designate a “drop zone” near your entryway for backpacks, shoes, lunchboxes, and jackets. It makes the morning rush smoother and reduces last-minute scrambles.
Essentials for your launchpad:
Sturdy wall hooks: Make sure they’re kid-height.
A two-tier shoe rack or cubby bench: Keeps floors clear and adds a place to sit.
Labeled bins for smaller items: Think hats, gloves, and school supplies.
This system keeps everything accessible—and off your living room floor.
5. Keep It Clean—Without the Myths
Avoid the common cleaning myth of mixing baking soda and vinegar for cleaning. While they fizz impressively, the reaction actually neutralizes both, reducing their effectiveness.
🧼 Instead:
Use baking soda for scrubbing grime (like pencil marks off walls).
Use vinegar separately as a deodorizer or glass cleaner.
Need a deeper clean before school starts? Let Maid 4 Cleaning refresh your home from top to bottom while you focus on your family.
6. Maintain the Magic
Organization is a habit, not a one-time event. Here are simple ways to maintain your hard work:
Nightly resets: Have your child pack their backpack and lay out clothes before bed.
Weekly mini-declutters: Take 10 minutes every Sunday to reset each zone.
Monthly check-ins: Donate items and rotate out unused supplies.
Let Us Lend a Helping Hand
Decluttering and organizing for back-to-school doesn’t have to be a solo mission. Whether you need a one-time refresh or ongoing help, Maid 4 Cleaning is here to make your home sparkle and shine.
📞 Call us at (314) 626-5885 to schedule your cleaning service today.
📍 Serving Saint Louis with love, care, and a sparkle.
Let us help you Be Swept Away.
