As the school year kicks into high gear, families across Dallas are juggling busy schedules, homework, extracurricular activities, and the daily hustle and bustle. Keeping your home organized can be the key to maintaining sanity and ensuring a smooth school year for everyone. That’s why I’ve put together a list of 10 top must-have items to keep your home organized during the school year. As a Dallas local and realtor who’s helped countless families find homes that fit their lifestyle, I know how crucial it is to have an organized space that works for you. With these essentials, you can keep your home running like a well-oiled machine, making the school year smoother for the whole family.

1. Command Centers & Family Calendars

• Where to buy: Target, The Container Store, Office Depot
• Why it’s essential: A command center is your home’s control hub. With a family calendar, you can track everyone’s schedule, meal plans, and important reminders in one place. Consider including a chalkboard or whiteboard, hooks for keys, and slots for mail and papers.

2. Homework Stations

• Where to buy: IKEA, Walmart, Amazon
• Why it’s essential: Create a dedicated space for homework with a desk, comfortable chair, and storage for school supplies. Having all their school essentials in one place will help your kids focus and stay organized.

3. Backpack & Shoe Racks

• Where to buy: Bed Bath & Beyond, Wayfair, HomeGoods
• Why it’s essential: Avoid the morning scramble by organizing backpacks, shoes, and outerwear with a designated rack near the door. This ensures everyone knows where their things are before heading out.

4. Label Makers

• Where to buy: Best Buy, Staples, Amazon
• Why it’s essential: Labeling bins, drawers, and shelves helps everyone in the family know where things belong. This simple tool can bring clarity to chaotic spaces and streamline daily routines.

5. Storage Bins & Baskets

• Where to buy: The Container Store, Home Depot, Target
• Why it’s essential: Whether it’s storing school supplies, snacks, or cleaning products, bins and baskets are lifesavers for keeping items organized. Opt for clear bins for visibility or decorative baskets that match your decor.

6. Closet Organizers

• Where to buy: Lowe’s, IKEA, Bed Bath & Beyond
• Why it’s essential: Keep clothing and accessories organized with closet systems that provide ample space for hanging clothes, shelves, and even shoe storage. An organized closet makes it easy to plan outfits and reduces morning stress.

7. Meal Prep Containers

• Where to buy: Amazon, Walmart, Target
• Why it’s essential: Prepping meals ahead of time is a game-changer for busy families. Invest in good-quality meal prep containers that can be easily stacked in the fridge and keep food fresh.

8. Daily Planners & To-Do Lists

• Where to buy: Office Depot, Barnes & Noble, Amazon
• Why it’s essential: Encourage your kids (and yourself) to stay on top of tasks with daily planners and to-do lists. This habit fosters responsibility and helps prioritize what needs to be done each day.

9. Laundry Organizers

• Where to buy: HomeGoods, The Container Store, Lowe’s
• Why it’s essential: With everyone coming and going, laundry can pile up fast. Use hampers with sorting compartments and add a fold-out drying rack to keep laundry manageable and organized.

10. Digital Organization Apps

• Where to buy: Available on the App Store or Google Play
• Why it’s essential: Apps like Cozi, Trello, or Google Calendar can help you manage schedules, to-do lists, and grocery shopping all from your phone, keeping everything you need at your fingertips.

With these 10 top must-have items to keep your home organized during the school year, you’ll be well on your way to creating a space that functions efficiently for your family. Whether you’re tackling homework, preparing meals, or just trying to keep the house tidy, these items will help you stay on track and reduce stress. As a Dallas realtor, I’m always here to share tips that make your home work better for you, whether you’re buying, selling, or just looking to improve your current space. Follow me on Instagram for more home organization tips and Dallas real estate insights. And if you’re thinking of making a move, let’s connect—I’d love to help you find a home that fits your lifestyle perfectly!