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Kids these days have a lot on their plates – endless homework, extracurriculars, social lives, and more. With so much going on, it’s no wonder their workspaces can quickly become disaster zones. An organized, functional workspace is key to helping your child stay on top of it all. We’ve got some brilliant lifehacks to whip their study area into shape! Text Author: diy-kirill-yurovskiy.co.uk
Decluttering 101
Before you can even think about organization, you’ve got to get that clutter under control. Rely on this three-step approach:
- Purge. Go through every nook and cranny and purge anything your child no longer uses or needs. Kids accumulate so much stuff – recycle old papers, donate unused supplies and outgrown knickknacks.
- Sort. Now sort everything into categories like art supplies, school work, books, technology etc. Contain each category using boxes or bins.
- Downsize. Now’s the time to trim things down. Pick age-appropriate shelving, storage containers and surface areas that maximize space without creating overstuffed chaos.
Zones for Peak Productivity
With clutter corralled, create designated “zones” to streamline different tasks and activities. Zones promote order and efficiency. Some ideas:
- Study Zone: Outfitted with a desk, good lighting, and supplies for homework
- Reading Nook: Cozy spot with bookshelves and beanbags for pleasure reading
- Project Station: Crafting table for hands-on projects and artwork
- Tech Hub: Docking station for computer, tablet, and/or printer
- Supply Center: Caddies or carts for portable supplies they can Move around
Labeling is your new BFF
Once you’ve established your zones, the next lifehack is labeling – your secret weapon for enforcing new organizational habits. Clearly label all bins, shelves and supply caddies so there’s no confusion about where things belong. Use pretty patterned duct tape or chalkboard labels to make it fun.
Wall-Mounting Magic
Don’t underestimate vertical spaces – they’re prime real estate for genius organizational lifehacks:
- Install railings or hanging rods on walls to hold caddies, storage bins, and corkboards
- Hang magnetized knife racks to store pairs of scissors, rulers and other metal supplies
- Add hooks, shelves or side-mounted storage units on walls for books, bins or caddies
- Repurpose standard file holders, cut and painted to suit decor as wall storage pockets
Portable Homework Stations
For kids constantly shuttling between activities, having a portable homework station is a must. Grab a plastic file box or crate and stock with essentials like pencils, paper, Post-It notes, stapler and calculator. Add an attachable dry erase board to jot notes. Voila! A self-contained workstation!
The Crate Stackers
Stackable, open-bin shelving is an epic space-saver and perfect for creating customizable units (say, homework station on bottom with reading nook above). Use wood crates or fabric bins on budget-friendly metal racks. Shelves give open-concept visibility so kids can spot stuff easily.
The Lazy (Su)zipper Fix
Constantly losing pencils, pens and other supplies? Grab some colorful nylon zipper pouches and stash one in every backpack, binder or homework station. They’ll never waste time hunting again! (Pro tip: Zippered pouches are perfect for catchers loose coins, too.)
Pegboard Magic
Don’t sleep on the humble pegboard’s organizing prowess! Use a pegboard to create the ultimate school supply command center on any wall or closet door. Add hooks to hang markers, scissors, clipboards and more. Frame with trim to polish the look. Makeshift DIY drawers from baskets or containers add extra storage below.
Stylish Storage Pedestals
Is their desk drawers overflowing? Elevate the desk a few inches by propping it up on colorful storage units, trunks or stackable bins on each corner. Instantly adds storage underneath! Top with desk or wood slabs for a custom look.
Cord Corral
Few things are more frustrating than hopelessly tangled cords. Solve it with this smart cord corral:
- Use a shoebox lid or small plastic basket
- Cut a hole in one end for cords to poke through
- Encase cords and bundle excess inside the container
- Label the outside so you know where each cord leads
Over-the-Chair Supply Holders
No more rummaging through piles on the desk! An adjustable plastic supply holder attached to the back of their chair keeps essentials at their fingertips. Fill with pens, notepads, highlighters, and sticky notes for maximum efficiency.
Binder Organization Galore!
Student binders are notoriously crammed and chaotic. Use these tricks:
- Color-code binders and notebook supplies for each class
- Attach zippered pencil pouches inside binder covers
- Utilize divider tabs to segment materials for easy retrieval
- Store tests, quizzes and handouts in separate folder inserts
- Write class schedule on inside cover for reference
We hope these brilliant lifehacks help create a totally organized, zen-like workspace for your studious superstar! Getting organized fosters better study habits, efficiency and academic success. With these tips, you’re on your way!