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.  

1. It sets up a routine for kids which provides safety and stability. 

2. It creates a drop spot for all important paperwork and homework. 

3. 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. 

1. Collapsible Desk

2. Corner Desk

3. Floating Desk

1.1) Utopia Alley - Collapsible Fold Down Table & Wall Cabinet

1.2) Wayfair - Minatare Corner Desk

1.3) Modway - Floating Desk

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

2.2) Pen + Gear - Accordion File

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:

1. Drawer

2. Shelf / Pegboard

3. 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. 

3.2.2) Williston Forge - Bonnay 3 Piece Tiered Shelf

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

3.3.2) The Container Store - Water Hyacinth Desktop Collection

4) Artwork Display

4.1) Umbra Artista Kids Art Frame

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.