Back to School Closet Reset

As the new school year approaches, it's the perfect time to reset and organize your child's closet. An organized closet not only makes the morning routine smoother but also helps children develop good habits. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

1. Clear Out the Clutter

Start by emptying the entire closet and dresser. Lay everything out and sort through the items. Create three piles: keep, donate, and discard. This is a great opportunity to get rid of clothes that no longer fit or are worn out. My favorite place to send clothes in good condition is Small Threads. Target is also running a Denim Take Back Event for 20% through August 10th which you could use toward the next size up. 

2. Categorize and Sort

Group clothing into categories such as shirts, pants, dresses, and outerwear. This makes it easier to see what you have and what you might need to purchase. I have an ongoing list in my Notes app on my phone to reference while I shop for back to school clothing. Also, consider creating a special section for school uniforms if your child wears them.

3. Seasonal Switch

With the change in season, swap out summer clothes for fall and winter items. Store off-season clothes in bins on higher shelves or under the bed to make room for school-appropriate attire. My go to bins for rotating clothes and shoes can be found at Costco. Unfortunately they aren’t available online but I can usually find them in the warehouse. I use a basic label maker to identify which child and what size, item, etc. 

4. Maximize Space with Organizers

Use closet organizers to maximize space. Hanging shelves, shoe racks, and bins can help keep everything in its place. Consider using clear bins for smaller items like socks, belts, and accessories so they’re easy to find. My favorite belt hanging hack can be found here if you prefer to store in a basket or bin.

5. Label Everything

Labels can be a game-changer for maintaining an organized closet. Label bins, shelves, and drawers to help your child know exactly where everything goes. This encourages them to put things back in the right place. If they’re not at a reading age you can print off photos rather than words. Never too young to tidy up! No guarantees that the items make it to their destination but we can try! We’re still mastering this in the Carter household. It’s a work in progress :)

6. Create an Outfit Planning Station

Set up a section of the closet or a nearby area where your child can plan their outfits for the week. This could be a small rack or even a simple hook on the wall. Planning ahead reduces morning stress and ensures your child is dressed appropriately for each day. Or there’s always the floor for one outfit the night before. 

7. Involve Your Child

Get your child involved in the process. Let them help with sorting and organizing. This not only teaches them organizational skills but also gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility for keeping their space tidy. It takes intentionality to slow down and allow them to help but they will learn the importance of letting go of things that no longer serve them. If your kids are especially attached to any items it may help them part with it if they understand that the items are helping someone else in need. 

8. Regular Maintenance

Schedule regular closet checks, perhaps monthly or at the start of each new season, to keep things in order. Encourage your child to spend a few minutes each week tidying up their closet. Or start with the basics like putting their dirty clothes in the hamper. I am still trying to master a chore chart that incentivizes my kids to do this without reminders. If you have any success stories please share! 

9. Personal Touches

Allow your child to add personal touches to their closet. This could be anything from fun hangers and colorful bins to a small bulletin board for school reminders. Personalization makes the space feel special and encourages them to keep it organized. You’re more motivated to exercise with new shoes or an outfit. Same thing! Let your kid's personality shine. 

10. Essential Back-to-School Checklist

Ensure you have all the essential back-to-school items. This includes a variety of tops, bottoms, shoes, outerwear, and accessories like hats and gloves. Even if they refuse to wear jackets in the pouring rain like my oldest son! Having a well-rounded wardrobe ready to go makes the transition back to school as seamless as possible.

Final Thoughts

An organized closet sets the tone for a successful school year. It reduces stress, saves time, and helps your child develop good organizational habits. With these tips, you’ll be able to create a functional and enjoyable space for your child to start the new school year on the right foot. 

Jessica is the founder of Signature Organizing, a Professional Home Organizing Business in Washington (servicing the greater Eastside and Seattle area). She loves transforming chaos into functional spaces and is known for bringing creative solutions to improve the quality of life for her clients. She shares her tips and tricks on Instagram @signatureorganizing