Our family has never really had a handle on homework, mostly because we’ve never had a system for the backpacks. Every home we’ve lived in since our kids started school (yes, there have been FOUR), has lacked the kind of entryway that’s conducive to home-from-school organization. No mudroom. No lockers. No closet. No easy way to get any of the above.
But this school year, I vowed to start of on the right foot (you can still join me, by the way), and one strategy, was to cut through the backpack chaos.
Our solution? D and C hang their backpacks over their own chair at the kitchen counter. And as soon as the backpack’s on the chair, and they’re getting a snack, I go through the backpacks to pull out what stays at home, sign papers, and get a handle on the homework that is due the next day. This is where the backpack remains until the next morning, and after snack, the kids do their homework in this same spot.
As a result, we have discovered a method of organization that doesn’t require a closet, a locker, or a mudroom. Works for me!
I’m still working on a solution for messy winter boots, dripping snowpants, soaking wet mittens and hats. But that’s a post for a December Works-for-me-Wednesday;)
For more great tips, please visit Rocks in my Dryer.
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11:15 pm
what a great idea!!! I have a 15 month old that loves zippers so it won’t work for me yet…but next year it should! Thanks for sharing!…we use the basement for the winter boots and wet snow suits. Jodi
11:51 pm
What a neat idea! We don’t have the backpack issue, but I totally relate to the “not having a house with a mudroom, and entry way”, etc. We come straight in the back door with a pantry on the right and a dishwasher on the left. I haven’t figured out where to put my purse and mail yet.
Hope you find a solution for the boots and mittens! 
1:15 am
Great idea! We have hooks by the front door that are prefect spots for hanging bags (that you need to FIND again).
I like the idea of having the back packs close to the kitchen so you can dig in and pull out papers and notes from teachers.
Good tip.
Duckabush Blog
2:03 am
Your kids must have either less homework or else lockers/desks at school. My son’s backpack would knock one of those chairs right over! Clever idea though.
4:34 am
We homeschool so backpacks and homework aren’t a problem (it’s all homework LOL)…but when you get the solutions to the messy winter boots, dripping snowpants, soaking wet mittens and hats…I’m all ears!
7:23 am
Ending Backpack Madness
In an attempt to keep our kids organized after school, we’re using a strategy with their backpacks. Come and see what’s working for us!
8:19 am
I have JUST started the same thing. Funny! My husband takes my girls to school in the mornings so I have been putting their backpacks in their chairs so they can find them easily when it’s time to go.
8:37 am
Very cool idea! We have a spot for Anna’s on the buffet in our entry way.
1:26 pm
That’s a great idea! I wish we had chairs where you could do that. Something to think about when we redecorate.
4:39 pm
This a great idea!
We have a system for clearing out backpacks that works well for us, but we didn’t really have a great place (other than by the front door) to leave backpacks. I really like the idea of hanging them on the back of their chairs.
Thanks for sharing!
3:03 am
It’s a great idea!
We don’t have enough room, I was thinking about making a place to hang them… but maybe I should rearrange furniture.
Thanks!!
7:28 am
Ha! The other Robin above said what I was going to–my kids’ backpacks are going to do permanent damage I’m afraid! They’re ridiculously heavy :/ (how come we didn’t have those when WE were kids?).
9:04 am
This is what my kids did last year at our old apartment with backpacks and jackets! I loved this because it kept the darn things off the floor.
This year we need a new solution because the dining room is so darn tiny. We have a teeny skinny closet in the entry way but not nearly enough room for all four kid’s stuff.
8:42 am
I hate to be a spoil sport, but that system is only going to work until the kids get big enough to be bringing home heavy textbooks.
Then those chairs in the picture are going to flip over backwards from the weight of the backpacks unless the kids take everything out of the backpack, — including those heavy books — stack the stuff on the counter, and then place the backpack where you picture it.
12:22 am
Awesome strategy. What Miss M doesn’t pull out of her backpack could fill a warehouse!
3:45 pm
That’s a great idea! I’m glad you’ve found something that works for your family. I bought an iron with hooks and a shelf and hung it in my hallway for the boys to hang their backpacks. Everything’s gotta have a place.
4:17 pm
I love this idea!
4:28 pm
I can’t wait to try this with my kids!