Back to School Cleaning Routine

As summer winds down and the school year approaches, your home has probably collected its fair share of sand, dirt, sticky fingerprints, and piles of “I’ll deal with it later” clutter. The shift from lazy summer mornings to early alarms, packed lunches, and after school chaos can feel like a shock to the system…unless you set yourself up for success now!

A little strategic cleaning and organizing before the first day of school can make mornings smoother, afternoons calmer, and your home much more manageable. Here’s how to refresh your home so it’s ready for the busy season ahead.

1. Clear Out the Summer Clutter

By August, it’s amazing how much “summer stuff” finds its way into every corner of the house: pool toys in the living room, sandy flip-flops by the front door, and stacks of sunscreen bottles in random drawers.

Start by gathering all summer gear into one place. Beach towels, picnic blankets, goggles, and camping gear should be washed, dried, and stored away in labeled bins so they’re ready for next year. Shoes and sandals that are worn out or outgrown should be donated or tossed.

This is also the perfect time to reset entryways and mudrooms. Swap out the basket of flip-flops for school shoes, and put away the sun hats in favor of jackets or backpacks

2. Deep-Clean High-Traffic Areas

Summer break means constant foot traffic. Kids running in and out, friends visiting, and pets tracking in who-knows-what.

Floors: Give them a thorough sweep and mop (or vacuum for carpeted areas). Pay special attention to corners and under furniture where dust bunnies and crumbs love to hide. If you’ve got rugs, give them a deep vacuum or shampoo to remove sand, dirt, and pollen.

Touch Points: Germs love high contact spots like door handles, light switches, and remote controls. Wipe these down with a disinfectant or a vinegar-water mix. This step is especially helpful before the school year starts when kids will be coming home from crowded classrooms.

3. Organize Homework & Study Spaces

Whether your child has a dedicated desk or just a corner of the dining table, it’s important to make that area ready for success.

Clear away any non school items, no random bills, snack wrappers, or craft projects. Then, set up storage solutions like small bins, drawer organizers, or caddies for pens, paper, and chargers.

The goal? Create a clutter free space where your kids can sit down and focus without having to dig around for a pencil. Bonus tip: Keep this a “no-clutter zone” year-round to avoid the weeknight scramble.

4. Refresh Bedrooms

A clean bedroom can make those early mornings feel a little less chaotic.

Bedding: Wash sheets, pillowcases, and mattress covers. If it’s been a while, vacuum the mattress and rotate it for even wear.

Closets: Take a quick inventory of school clothes, especially uniforms or sports gear. Get rid of anything that no longer fits, and make sure clean, ready to wear outfits are easy to grab in the morning.

Morning Station: If your kids take forever to find socks, hairbrushes, or accessories, create a small “morning station” in their room or bathroom with everything they need to get ready quickly.

5. Kitchen Reset

The kitchen is about to become a morning command center, so make sure it’s ready for the rush.

Pantry Check: Toss expired snacks and restock with grab and go breakfast items, lunchbox snacks, and after-school treats.

Fridge Refresh: Wipe down shelves, toss old condiments, and create a “lunch prep zone” where all the essentials like cheese sticks, fruit cups, and sandwich fixings are grouped together.

Lunch Prep Station: Dedicate one cupboard or shelf for lunchboxes, reusable containers, and water bottles so you’re not hunting for lids at 6:30 a.m.

6. Final Touches

These little extras make a big difference:

• Hang a family calendar or whiteboard to track school events, sports, and appointments.

• Place hand sanitizer near the front door for quick use when coming in from school.

• Open windows for a few minutes to air out the house and bring in fresh energy for the new season.

Wrapping It Up

The end of summer is bittersweet, but it’s also the perfect opportunity for a fresh start. By decluttering, deep cleaning, and organizing now, you’re setting yourself up for a smoother, less stressful school year.

When the first morning alarm rings, you’ll be ready, not scrambling. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll get to enjoy that first peaceful cup of coffee after school drop off. ☕