Back-to-school organization hacks that work, and make preparing for the week a breeze.
There’s something about back-to-school season that always feels like a reset. New schedules, new routines—and for many of us, a new opportunity to get our homes (and our mornings!) all the way together. If you’re anything like me, weekday mornings can go from calm to chaotic in the blink of an eye. But this year? We’re choosing ease, intention, and a little help from Kohl’s because I love a one-stop-shop that has everything I need.
With two toddlers, I’ve learned that a smooth morning doesn’t just happen—it’s built, step by step, with systems that actually support your sanity. From entryway organization to lunch prep, here’s how I’m streamlining our mornings and setting the tone for a more peaceful day—with a few affordable, functional finds from Kohl’s.
1. Set Up a Drop Zone That Actually Works
That morning “Where’s my backpack?!” chaos? Not this year. I created a designated drop zone near the garage door with a bench and labeled storage baskets from Kohl’s Sonoma Goods for Life™ line. Each kid has their own basket for shoes, water bottles, and after-school gear. No more digging through piles—everything’s in its place.
Shop the essentials:
- Sonoma Goods for Life™ Wood Storage Bench
- The Big One® Large Storage Bins
- Over-the-door Backpack Hooks
2. Prep Outfits for the Week (Yes, Even Yours)
Mornings are so much smoother when clothes are picked out the night before—or even better, on Sunday for the whole week. I use a hanging sweater organizer from Kohl’s and label each section by day. My toddlers love knowing what they’re wearing in advance (and it saves us from outfit battles before 8 a.m.).
Style tip: Kohl’s has amazing back-to-school deals on athleisure sets, graphic tees, and layering pieces that make outfit planning simple and stylish for both kids and moms.
Favorites right now:
3. Pack Lunches the Night Before with Bentgo Lunch Boxes
One of my favorite hacks? Packing lunches at night. I use Bentgo lunch boxes (available at Kohl’s!) to portion out fun, balanced meals for my toddlers that they’ll actually eat. The compartments help me add variety, and they make lunch feel like a little experience—whether it’s sandwich pinwheels, mini pancakes, fruit, or cut-up veggies with hummus.
The best part? Everything is ready to grab and go in the morning. No scrambling, no mess.
Lunch essentials from Kohl’s:
4. Create a Calm Wake-Up Space
When the first moments of the day feel calm, the rest usually follows. I refreshed the kids’ room with cozy bedding sets and soft area rugs from Kohl’s Home section. I also added a dimmable touch lamp so their wake-ups are gentle and relaxed, not jarring.
Kohl’s picks to try:
5. Stock the Kitchen with Grab-and-Go Breakfasts
Breakfast doesn’t need to be complicated—just organized. I created a breakfast and snack station using stackable bins from Kohl’s, filled with granola bars, mini muffins, fruit pouches, and drinkable yogurts. It encourages independence (and gives me a few extra minutes to get myself together).
Kitchen MVPs from Kohl’s:
- Stackable Food Storage Containers
- Keurig® K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker
- Kid-Friendly Reusable Water Bottles
Let Kohl’s Help You Win the Morning
Back-to-school mornings can be smoother, more organized, and even enjoyable with the right systems in place—and a little help from Kohl’s. Whether you’re setting up a functional drop zone, planning outfits for the week, or packing lunchboxes that make your kids smile, Kohl’s has everything you need to make this school year feel less stressful and more in sync.
So go ahead and stack those Kohl’s Cash rewards, use those coupons, and glow up your morning routine—one calm, collected step at a time.
