Back-to-School! 4-Ways to Set Up a Study Space for your Kid
Back to school can feel chaotic. There is tons of homework, books, necessary paperwork and school supplies to keep track of. Building a study space (also known as a command center) can organize all of these items and can make mornings and evenings run smoother.
It sets up a routine for kids which provides safety and stability.
It creates a drop spot for all important paperwork and homework.
It includes storage for office supplies that are needed at home and throughout the school year.
Set up a Study Space
It’s important to consider the study space location. This depends on your child and what space is available in your home.
Everyone is different and study best in different environments. Some kids like it quite while others need background noise. Your child could help pick the best study spot. Giving them some ownership in the decision will encourage them to use the space.
These study spaces don’t have to be large. Most people don’t live in massive homes with many extra rooms. Fortunately, kids don’t have sprawling homework that requires 2 textbooks, a laptop, a calculator, and a bunch of paper that take up a whole kitchen table (but wait until college!). Thus, you can create a homework space almost anywhere in the house: bedroom, dining room, kitchen, bonus room, or living room.
1) Choose a Functional Desk
Here are a couple desk options to help build a functional space on a budget.
Collapsible Desk
Corner Desk
Floating Desk
1.1) Utopia Alley - Collapsible Fold Down Table & Wall Cabinet
I’m a big fan of folding convertible tables like the one shown below. It gives you more storage space for school supplies: pencils, pens, highlighters, staple, erasers. For the kids art projects, this could include glue, glitter, scissors, cardstock, stickers, and so much more. There are 4 paper organization slots for kid’s important papers. The fact that the desk is collapsible allows it to be used in most rooms in your home.
PC: Utopia Alley - Collapsible Fold Down Desk
Corner desks are functional because they take up less square footage and can stay out of main walkways. They are great for small spaces. I used one when I had my COVID home office. It’s good to look for desk options that provide additional storage to keep collocate school supplies.
If you are busy, don’t like assembling furniture or don’t want to cause an argument with your spouse, you may consider hiring a handyman to knock out these assemblies for you.
PC: Wayfair
Floating desks are very popular. They look stunning, clean and modern. In instances like this one, there is still drawer storage available and keyboard tray.
With floating furniture, I’d highly suggest getting a handyman involved. If these desks are not properly mounted to wall studs, they will fall off the wall. It may take a month or 2, but if you put a computer and a monitor on it or 2 people leaning on the desk, the added weight will make it fall.
PC: Modway - Wayfair
2) Organize All the Paperwork
For paperwork storage, you have every option under the sun. This is a chance for you to have fun! Consider organization systems for paperwork, school supplies, and a printer.
Types of paperwork
Permission slips
Sports practice/game schedules
Teaches notes
Announcements/Flyers
Annual School Calendar
Schedule Changes
Book Orders
School Fundraisers
Long Term Projects with Instructions
Artwork
The simplest out of sight and out of mind paper storage solution is a file organizer or accordion file that can be stored on a shelf or in a closet.
2.1) Marie Kondo - Calm Desktop File
Did you know Marie Kondo had her own line of organization containers? This is wonderful! She is one of the organization gurus. These look very sleek and modern and hide the papers. Her filing system is covered in fabric which gives a more organic feel to the surface. Mixing textures and materials can enhance a room
The other simple option is an accordion file. They expand with multiple pockets and have divider labels. You can have one for each child and keep all important papers separated. This is a tool we use for our own papers. Since these have become more popular, you can find many fashionable options. They do not have to be clunky, ugly things anymore.
3) Organize School Supplies
School supply lists can get pretty long! It’s convenient to keep extras on-hand because kids will need more throughout the school year. They also make it easier to complete homework and projects at home.
Below are common items called out on a school supply list:
Pencils
Erasers
Lead refills
Pencil sharpener
Colored pencils
Crayons
Calculator
Highlighters
Ruler
Markers
Glue sticks
Loose ruled paper
Spiral Notebooks
There are three types of storage options:
Drawer
Shelf / Pegboard
Desktop storage
3.1) Drawer Organization
If your desk already has drawers, this is the easiest choice to organize first.
3.1.1) The Home Edit - Clear Plastic Storage System
Clear containers were made popular by The Home Edit. Smaller containers allow items to stay separated in a drawer making it easier to find what you are looking for. They also give you room to configure the drawer that works best for you and the size of the drawer.
3.1.2) Marie Kondo - Hikidashi Bamboo Drawer Organizer
If you want a more natural look, Marie Kondo has these beautiful bamboo drawer organizers that give you plenty of options as well.
3.2) Shelf / Pegboard Organization
If your desk doesn’t have a lot of storage or you don’t want to clutter your desk space, then you can use the wall for storage. There are so many options available from subtle to a statement piece. You can customize it to your heart’s content.
3.2.1) Perch - Magnetic Modular System Components
I’m obsessed with these modular magnetic containers. The squares on the wall are magnets and each piece is designed to make strong contact. This is a modern design that requires minimal effort to install. They are designed for Command Hooks which are included.
This is a rustic, industrial shelving option. When picking shelving it’s important to consider the weight capacity and the depth and height of the shelves. Most people want shelving to hold books and paperwork. Thus, you want it 8” deep and at least 12” tall for each shelf.
PC: Williston Forge - Wayfair
3.3) Desktop Organization
Shelving is a great option but it is an additional expense and requires more effort. Depending on your needs, time and budget, desktop organization may be the best route.
3.3.1) Russell + Hazel - Acrylic Bloc Collection System
Russel + Hazel have beautiful modern, clear options. They fit easily on a desk and they have a budget-friendly collection.
PC: Russel + Hazel - The Container Store
When you have modern and industrial pieces, it’s a good idea to mix them with organic materials to give a room more depth and dimension. These handwoven hyacinth desk organizers are a unique option to add texture to your space.
PC: The Container Store
4) Artwork Display
4.1) Umbra Artista Kids Art Frame
One of the most heartwarming gifts children can give is their artwork. These are wonderful memories and it’s fun to watch them grow and improve. You can showcase their art and save the older pieces in one place. The following is a frame that “acts like an art cabinet”. It comes with a display mat to accommodate different artwork sizes. The cabinet is magnetic for easy access. There is an elastic band in the back to store past art.
PC: Umbra - The Container Store
Let us know!
Have you created, organized, or decorated your child’s study space? What are your favorite hacks? How do you make back-to-school easier? Let us know in the comments! We’d love to hear from you.
