How to get your home back-to-school ready

Routines and good habits can fly out of the window during the Easter holidays, which can leave parents feeling anxious about the back-to-school rush.

There are a few preparations to help minimise the stress and streamline the morning routine.

“The morning rush can be challenging enough without your home adding to the stress. If your home creates too many congestion zones, then perhaps it is time to start looking for a new home with more space to accommodate busy morning routines,” says Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, Adrian Goslett.

For those who prefer to make the most of the space they are in, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares some ways to help get your home organised ahead of the morning rush:

• Invest in good built-in wardrobes
The last thing you need is someone still searching for socks when you’re halfway out the door. Having adequate storage will help streamline getting dressed and ready for the day. By investing in built-in wardrobes, homeowners will also be adding to the home’s resale value. For those who like to be extra-prepared, purchase wardrobe organisers, label each shelf according to the days of the week and pre-pack clothing onto the relevant shelves.

• Design a functional feature wall
Create a functional feature wall near the home entrance to store coats, backpacks and dirty shoes as soon as your family returns home. This can also double as a quick way for everyone to grab what they need as they head out. To follow the latest trends, install thin wooden panelling against a dark feature wall and add neat hooks and shelves to create functional storage.

• Avoid cluttering up your home
The day-to-day school routines can bring a flurry of permission slips, artwork and half-finished homework that can clutter the home. This will make the home feel smaller and less functional. To avoid this, set up a designated homework desk where you can place various trays labelled as to-do, completed and to be signed. Check these trays every evening or first thing in the morning to avoid a build-up. To stay on top of all the various due dates and extracurriculars, put up a calendar in a spot where you will look at every day, like the fridge. You could also create another décor feature by painting a chalkboard onto the wall or setting up a decorative pinboard.

• Organise your kitchen
To help prepare breakfasts and lunches, good kitchen storage solutions are key. Although pricey, kitchen remodels can add significant value to a home. But, for those who lack the budget for a renovation, there are ways to improve the functionality of the space by adding clear storage containers and pull-out racks to organise food supplies and other kitchen knickknacks.

“If your home is making it harder for you to get organised in the mornings, reach out to a real estate professional and explore other options within your preferred school districts. You never know what you might be able to find unless you start exploring your options,” Goslett concludes.