Back to School Checklist: The One We Actually Use

Honestly, I can’t believe summer is over. Between a three-month kitchen renovation and not one but two summer colds, it feels like spring just started. But here we are—late July—and back to school is right around the corner.

At our house, this is when we start clearing the clutter. We go through last year’s school supplies, figure out which clothes still fit (and pare down the ones with mysterious holes), and begin making space for a fresh start. I dig out that unopened pack of markers that somehow ends up on the supply list every year, but is never used, sort through the mountain of unmatched socks, and try to get the kids’ rooms in order before the chaos begins.

For me, prepping also means restocking the pantry for school lunches, giving the car a reset, and throwing a few extras in the car—like socks, tissues, and backup clothes—just in case. And of course, I refresh our cold and flu stash because someone always catches something that first week back- and it’s usually me.

There’s a lot to keep track of, so I made this back-to-school checklist a few years ago to help our family get it together before the first bell rings. We follow these five simple steps every year to make the transition a little smoother.

I wrote a similar but more detailed version of this post last year, and I wanted to give a quick overview for those short on time.

Step 1: Declutter with the Back-to-School Checklist

Start by clearing out last year’s gear—school supplies, backpacks, lunchboxes, and clothes. Use your school supply list while you go through what you already own. You’d be surprised how much you can check off just by shopping your home.

Check the condition of backpacks and lunch bags. If they’re still holding up, great—reuse them. If not, see if they can be donated or recycled. (I always spot textile recycling bins near grocery store parking lots.)

Next, sort through your kids’ clothes. If it doesn’t fit, donate it. If it’s worn out, recycle it. Fold and organize what you’re keeping, and make a note of what’s missing. This step keeps me from overbuying clothes they don’t need.

Step 2: Shop with Intention Using the Back-to-School Checklist

Once you’ve taken inventory, start shopping. Keep it simple and stick to what your kids actually need. Don’t forget weather-specific items like jackets, gloves, sunglasses, or boots, depending on your climate.

Restock backpack and lunchbox essentials: a water bottle, utensils, lunch containers, hand sanitizer, tissues, lotion, and a pencil case. If your kids have a phone, don’t forget an extra charger.

This is also a good time to refresh personal care supplies— toothbrushes, floss, deodorant, body wash, shampoo, and sunscreen. As kids get older, their routines change, and back-to-school is a great time to update those items.

Step 3: Label Everything (Because kids lose stuff)

Label anything that could get left behind: jackets, water bottles, lunchboxes, pencil cases, even shoes. Include your child’s name and your phone number where possible.

If your child doesn’t know your number by heart yet, this is a perfect time to practice.

Step 4: Get Organized with the Back-to-School Checklist for Your Home

This is the moment to set your home up for success. Start by updating your family calendar with school breaks, early dismissal days, and important dates.

Create a simple system for school papers—permission slips, flyers, report cards. It doesn’t have to be fancy; even an envelope pinned to a corkboard works.

We also prep breakfast and lunch ideas to rotate through busy weekdays. I keep a list of 10 or so meals the kids reliably eat and rotate from there. If your kids’ palettes are still somewhat limited and you are short on time, having a meal rotation system will help cut down on last-minute stress.

Then there are routines. We keep a list of daily responsibilities—morning, after-school, and bedtime jobs—so the kids know what’s expected of them. We also set screen time limits (no screens until homework is done, and 1 hour max on weekdays unless it’s a family movie night). Simple, but it works for us.

Last step here: create a quiet homework space with basic supplies—pencils, glue, scissors, paper. Doesn’t have to be complicated. Just a dedicated spot away from distractions helps kids shift into focus mode.

Step 5: Pull It All Together with the Back-to-School Checklist

Now that everything’s sorted, labeled, and bought, it’s time to pack it all up.

• Fill the backpack with supplies.
• Put lunch items in the kitchen.
• Organize new clothes in drawers or closets.
• Donate the extras you’re not keeping—clothes, shoes, bags—while it’s still top of mind

Get your free printable Back to School Checklist and access everything else in my free resource library. I update it regularly with new tools to help you feel a little more on top of things.

Bonus: Don’t Forget This One Thing on Your Back-to-School Checklist

Soak up the last days of summer with your kids!

Go for a hike. Have a backyard picnic. Camp under the stars. Hit the local pool or go on a mini road trip. Get more ideas by reading this next!

This time of year always sneaks up on us, but we only get so many summers. Make a little space for one more memory before the new routine takes over.

You’ve got this. It’s about progress, not perfection.

Wishing you and your family a smooth, happy, and (mostly) organized start to the school year.