Looking for ways to eliminate the back-to-school blues? We suggest making the first week as stress-free as possible. You can do little things around your home to make this transition easier to bear.

Take these little home improvement steps in the build-up to the first day of school.

Make Mornings More Efficient

There are simple things you can do around the house to make school mornings easier to bear and less complicated.

Create a Stress-Free Entry and Exit in your Hallway 

Make your exit in the morning an efficient one. Declutter and overhaul your hallway with sufficient storage solutions.

• Install sufficient hooks, cubby holes, shelves or baskets in your hallway or under the stairs so that there is room for everything. Have these in plain sight at the entrance.
• Make it easy for your school-going children to deposit their school shoes, outerwear, and school bags, lunchboxes and sports kits easily and systematically on the way in.
• Think of the things you will need too: hooks for your car keys, shopping bags or brolly. Or even a shelf for your travel mug.
• Consider a noticeboard for pinning school forms, lists and urgent slips that need to be brought to school.
• Don’t forget a sturdy map for wiping down grubby, muddy shoes on the way in

It just means you’ll spend less time looking for everything the following morning.

Take a look at these 75  incredible storage hacks for your hallway.

Make it a Lunchbox Friendly Pantry.

As every working parent can testify,  our ability to generate multiple lunchboxes every day of the school year is a mini miracle. It is the sort of thing that keeps us awake at night when you realise you’ve forgotten to stock up!

• Be sure to declutter and reorganise your pantry. This means getting rid of anything expired or that will not be eaten.
• Keep a ‘ration’ cupboard of lunchbox staples. Make sure this is in a highly accessible area in your kitchen. A shelf or basket for a constant supply of handy snacks and last-minute lunch ideas will be worthwhile to keep fully stocked.
• Healthy dry staples like rice cakes, crackers, raisins, dried fruit and even easy sandwich fillers like tuna cans and pasta bags should always be stocked as a backup.
• Have an area for after-school snacks nearby, too. The odd can of soup or easy microwaveable rice will always be a lifesaver when you’re too busy to cook a meal from scratch.

Power Up Your Utility Room

Back-to-school usually means a regular load of laundry that will always require a quick turnaround time, especially when it comes to having the next round of uniforms ready to go. Sports kits will need a lot of attention. Equipment and shoes will also be crying for a clean almost weekly.

• Stock up on extra hooks for drying out and hanging sports kits, bags, damp rain gear and equipment.
• Invest in an extra backup clothes horse or install a ceiling-mounted clothes horse or line to give you extra drying options in winter.
• Find unused high areas or spaces over doors that can be upgraded with more incidental shelving.
• Get some extra baskets and bins to separate items belonging to each child.
• Stock up on shoe cleaner, starch, stain and mildew remover, small cleaning brushes, and other hard-working accessories.
• If you haven’t serviced your boiler and washing machine, please do it in August so they are in tip-top condition when autumn hits.

In short, you’ll find many great ideas like these in our blog: Power Up Your Utility Room With Space-Saving DIY Hacks Marie Kondo Would Love.

Create a Workspace That Works

It goes without saying that a small workspace, even if it’s just a corner of the dining room or a bedroom, will make it easier for your kids to focus.

Never underestimate The Importance of Functional Zones when Designing Efficient Study Spaces:

Secure a Dedicated Homework Haven

We don’t all have large spaces, dedicated home offices, or Creating the Perfect Study Environment at Home.  But we can find ways to convert a corner of our home into a homework-friendly sanctuary and get close to perfection!

• This could be a simple floating table built into a spare wall or corner of the dining room.
• Protect their posture by also investing in chairs with back support.
• Invest in some suitable tasks or desk lighting for the long winter nights.
• Floating shelves where possible and a simple desk organiser will go a long way to making this a welcoming space for students.
• A simple caddy for holding stationery and folder organising boxes will also help separate and stow away homework and projects.
• Look at this clever blog on How to Turn a Closet into a Workspace
• Need more ideas for Must-Have Back to Study Essentials for Students? Why not look at our latest Milla Range of Home Office and Furniture products for easy additional storage and desk options?

Here are some Quick Home Study Furniture Ideas

1. Milla Function Plus Desk Oak—This minimalist and multi-functional item features a simple and stable design with a stylish aesthetic. It boasts a warm oak finish and ample room for your computer, books, and essentials, making it easy to stay organised and productive.
   
   
   
   
2.  Milla Function Plus Desk White—This is a good starter desk option with three drawers for storage, designed with simplicity and functionality in mind. It combines style with practicality, perfect for small spaces or minimalist setups.
   
   
3. Milla Basic Bookcase 4 Shelves Oak—This basic storage solution is suitable for any room in the house. Its compact design makes it ideal for small spaces while offering plenty of storage capacity. Perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices, the Basic Bookcase with 4 Shelves in Oak combines practicality with a sleek, minimalist design.
   
   
   
   
4. Milla Linate Bookcase 2×2 Matt White—This modern and stylish basic storage unit is suitable for any room in the house and has a surface for mounting more books on top. It is perfect for organising books, displaying decor, or storing everyday essentials. Its compact size makes it versatile for living rooms, bedrooms, or offices, providing functionality and style.

   
   Develop a Digital and Device Friendly Space.

   These days, people rely more on devices than textbooks for researching homework and school projects.

   • Ensure that your Wi-Fi and broadband set-up is sufficient and, if necessary, upgraded to adapt to the multiple devices that will be in use after school, especially if you have more than one child in school.
   • Invest in a storage system for all your multiple cables and chargers. There are also cable organisers you can create or buy.
   • Have multiple 4-way adapters ready, and if necessary, ensure the electrics in the study area can take the load.

    

   Make Bedtime Better

   A good night’s sleep will make returning to school more accessible for everyone. Take these simple measures to improve the sleeping environment in your children’s bedrooms.

   • Invest in blinds and/or blackout curtains to help regulate light and maintain a cosier room.
   • Little ones may need a discrete nightlight to help them drift off.
   • For some, a diffuser or humidifier will also help.
   • Make sure all unnecessary devices are stowed away outside.
   • Keep the bedrooms as clutter-free as possible to keep them dust-free and easy to relax in. This means good decluttering before school starts; extra shelving may go a long way to creating a more serene space.

    

   Back to School Supplies for your Home

   Stop by our Storage and Shelving section to catch an overview of the available accessories that can help you make back to school less stressful. It has various items for utility rooms, halls and bedrooms.

   What are your back-to-school hacks? Share them with us!

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