Prepare your home to go back-to-school
It’s that time of year again… when the relaxed summer days transition into early wakeups, the morning rush and the drop-off/pick-up schedule. Back-to-school season is officially here.
Parents may be pros at juggling backpacks by the door, rushed breakfasts and getting everyone out on time, but you may have an ally in your corner you don’t even realize: your home. A few smart changes around the house can make school days go smoother and keep everything from homework to afternoon snacks a little bit less chaotic.
Before the first bell rings, here are a few things you can do to get your home to help out with back-to-school season.
6 ways to get your home ready for back-to-school season
Consider making these changes around the spaces your family uses every day to streamline your routine, reduce clutter and make busy weekdays feel like a breeze.
1. Set up a drop zone for backpacks and shoes
The last thing you want to do when you’re running out the door is search for a missing backpack or sneaker. The quick fix? Create a designated drop zone near the front door so everything stays where your kids leave it. Add hooks, cubbies or baskets to hold backpacks, shoes, lunchboxes and jackets.
Make sure everyone has their own spot (labeling them can be a fun arts-and-crafts project for the kids!) to help make out-the-door mornings more organized. And the best part? No more piles blocking the front door, and one less chore for you to worry about.
2. Create a distraction-free homework zone
Support your kids as they get back into the flow of homework by creating a dedicated area for the daily task. Whether it’s a desk or a designated space on the dining room table, set up a quiet area with good lighting, a comfy chair and school supplies. You might want to make room for a healthy snack and a big glass of water, too.
Keep TVs, toys and other distractions to a minimum so it's easier for kids to concentrate. Even if you don’t have a home office, this homework zone can be a quiet place to relax after school and get their work done — so they can move on to playtime!
3. Make a grab-and-go snack station
Kids are always hungry when they get back from a long day at school. Make it easy on yourself by giving them a place to grab their favorite snacks. Dedicate a pantry shelf, drawer or basket as a grab-and-go area they can reach themselves. It can even be a section of the fridge for fruit, yogurt or cheese sticks.
The grab-and-go snack station can also streamline your lunch packing.
4. Give closets a school-ready reset
To help everyone get dressed and ready in the mornings, a quick closet cleaning can go a long way. Clear out the clothes that no longer fit, move summer pieces into storage and make sure the school-day essentials are easy to reach.
Using bins, shelf dividers or labeled drawers helps your organizational work go better, too.
5. Create a family admin zone
Need a place to keep permission slips, practice schedules, supply buying lists and school calendars? Set aside a centralized place to keep track of all the moving parts and paperwork. It helps to add a whiteboard or calendar so you don’t miss important dates or a file organizer. Even a binder works wonders.
6. Make bigger updates when they count
Sometimes getting your home back-to-school - ready requires a little bit more than baskets and labels. Perhaps your entryway needs built-in storage or your homework zone needs new cabinetry. Or maybe you want to turn your spare room into a dedicated study space.
If you have areas in your home that add friction to your daily routine rather than help it, consider updates that can prevent issues from the start — and reduce stress, one day at a time.
Need more room in your budget? Put your home equity to work.
When your back-to-school wishlist goes well beyond hooks and closet organizers, you may need to make a little more room in your budget. Bigger projects come with bigger price tags, but a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) could help.
A HELOC lets you tap into the equity you’ve built in your home, giving you access to funds as you need them. So when you want to make updates to support your family, you’re ready — this school year and beyond. Our loan experts can help you uncover all your options and see if a HELOC is right for you.
Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Refinancing your mortgage may increase costs over the term of your loan. Restrictions may apply.
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