5 Smart Back-to-School Organization Ideas for Kids

Hey friends! Let’s be real for a second, if you were to open your child’s closet right now, what would you see?

If the answer is a “hot mess” of mismatched hangers, clothes that no longer fit, a mountain of hair accessories, and piles of hand-me-downs taking up precious space, you are definitely not alone! Kids closets can so easily become chaotic and there’s a simple way to fix it.

If you’re ready to reclaim your child’s space, here is a step-by-step guide to organizing a kid’s closet, packed with easy, realistic tips you can start using today.

Step 1. The Big Empty and Declutter

The first step is always the hardest, but it’s totally necessary: take everything out. Yes, everything! It will look worse before it looks better, but starting with a blank slate is the only way to go. While taking things out, make piles: jeans, hoodies, underwear etc. This will be helpful when decluttering, because we want to be able to see how much of each category you have.

Once it’s all out, it’s time to purge. There will be definite “yes” piles, that you know right away you want to keep. For the “in doubt/maybe” items, here are a few golden rules for getting rid of:

The Friend Rule: Ask yourself, “Would I give this to a friend?” If the answer is no, declutter it.
The Shoe Check: Pair them up. If they are uncomfortable, too small or completely worn out, declutter them.
The Elastic Test: Give the waistbands on old swim shorts a gentle pull. If you hear a crackling sound, that is the sound of rubber that has disintegrated over time. Toss them!

Step 2: Be Ruthless with Hand-Me-Downs

If you have multiple kids, it is so tempting to save every single item the older sibling outgrows. The same goes for well-meaning hand-me-downs from cousins or friends. We often accept generous bags of clothes, only to watch them sit taking up space in the closet without ever actually being worn.

But here is a hard truth when it comes to intentional ownership: kids have completely different styles! Just because your oldest or a cousin loved frilly dresses doesn’t mean your youngest won’t strictly prefer t-shirts and shorts.

Don’t let unused clothes clutter up the closet. Donate the items that don’t match your child’s actual everyday vibe. For the items you are keeping, sort them by year and size into clear bins. Use label maker, if you have one, or simple Avery labels from Dollarama. It keeps things organized, simple and accessible, and saves you from guessing what’s inside a year from now.

Step 3: Divide, Fold, and Roll

If your child’s dresser drawers are a jumbled mess of cotton, drawer dividers are about to become your new best friend.

Instead of stacking shirts on top of each other, use the “book trick.” Fold t-shirts and leggings in half, and then in thirds, so they stand up vertically (like files in a cabinet). For pajamas, try rolling them. When you open the drawer, you will be able to see every single item at a single glance. It is pure organizing magic!

Step 4: Create Uniformity

Nothing makes a closet look messier than a jumble of mismatched plastic and wire hangers. Ditch them. Investing in a single style of uniform hangers instantly elevates the look of the entire closet. If you need to hang skirts or pants, buy a pack of uniform hanger clips so everything matches.

Next, use matching bins on the shelves to group items together. Keep the lower shelves for “grab-and-go” categories, like sports uniforms or dance outfits. Use the higher, out-of-reach shelves for off-season items, a donation bin, or a holiday bin.

Step 5: Tame the Swimwear and Accessories

Swimwear and accessories can quickly make a clean closet look messy again. Here are a few clever ways to corral the little things:

Swimwear Storage: Use medium to large sheer organza bags to store swimsuits and matching rash guards. It keeps sets perfectly paired and easy to grab for pool days.
Small Drawer Dividers: Use Ikea Nojig or Amazon clear dividers for headbands, hair ties, bows, and even kids’ jewelry or glasses. They look beautifully clean and make it so easy for kids to find what they want.

Seeing a clean, beautifully organized closet is such a breath of fresh air. Plus, when everything has a designated home, it makes it so much easier for the kids to get dressed independently and help put their laundry away.

If the thought of tackling the kids’ closets (or any other room in the house) still feels a little too overwhelming, I am here to help. At Well Arranged Home, we specialize in creating simple, zen, and functional spaces that work for your real life.