Latest News

Organize Your Home for Back-to-School Success with Norfolk Homes

August 28, 2024

The back-to-school season is finally here—bringing with it a feeling of new beginnings, full of opportunities for learning and growth. However, with this excitement comes the need to get your home in order to support the hustle and bustle of the school year. At Norfolk Homes, we understand that a well-organized home is key to a smooth transition, and with our extensive expertise in building new homes throughout the Ann Arbor area—we’re here to help you create a space that works for your family. Read below to find some of our best tips to get your home ready for the school year ahead.

Establish a focused study area

Without a doubt, a dedicated study area can greatly enhance your child’s ability to focus and succeed in school. Whether it’s a cozy nook in the living room or a separate home office, having a specific spot for homework and studying helps create a routine and minimizes distractions. At Norfolk Homes, we design homes with flexible spaces that can easily be adapted to your family’s needs—including dens and study areas that can promote concentration and productivity.

Start by selecting a quiet area with good lighting and minimal noise. You’ll want to furnish it with a comfortable chair, a sturdy desk and plenty of storage for school supplies. Adding personal touches like a favorite lamp, a few motivational quotes or a pinboard for assignments can make this space even more inviting and open for learning opportunities.

Organize your entryway

From cramming in breakfast to putting shoes on—the morning rush is often the most chaotic part of the day, but a well-organized entryway can make it easier to get everyone out the door on time. At Norfolk Homes, we design our entryways and drop zones with practicality in mind, ensuring that there’s ample space for organizing everything from backpacks to shoes.

Consider adding hooks for each family member’s belongings, cubbies for shoes and a small shelf or tray for keys and other essentials. This not only keeps your entryway tidy—but also ensures that everyone knows where their things are, reducing the chances of last-minute scrambles. 

Streamline kitchen organization

With the school year comes busy schedules, making meal prep a critical part of your daily routine. An organized kitchen is essential for keeping up with breakfasts, packed lunches and family dinners. Norfolk Homes is known for our spacious, well-designed kitchens that make meal prep both easy and enjoyable—so with us, this task is made easier than ever.

Start by decluttering your kitchen, getting rid of items you no longer need and organizing the remaining items by category. Use clear containers for pantry items, group similar items together and consider using drawer dividers for utensils and kitchen tools. A tidy, well-organized kitchen allows you to find what you need quickly—making meal prep more efficient and less stressful.

Create a family command center

Staying on top of everyone’s schedules can be challenging—especially during the school year. A family command center is a great way to keep everything organized in one place. At Norfolk Homes, family is one of our main values, and we always design with family living in mind—and creating a command center can take this one step further. 

Choose a central location, like a hallway or the kitchen, where everyone passes by regularly. Use a wall-mounted calendar, whiteboard or bulletin board to keep track of appointments, activities and deadlines. Add bins or trays for important papers, and consider including a chalkboard or dry-erase board for quick notes and reminders. A well-organized command center can keep the whole family on the same page and help ensure that nothing slips through the cracks this school year.

Get back-to-school ready with Norfolk Homes

As you gear up for the new school year, taking the time to organize your home can make all the difference in how smoothly your days run. At Norfolk Homes, we’re dedicated to building homes that meet the needs of modern families, with thoughtful designs and flexible spaces that make it easier to stay organized and on top of your daily routines. 

For more information about our new homes in Ann Arbor, Dexter, Chelsea, Saline, Marshall and Jackson, reach out to our team today at (734) 336-1912 or contact us online. We’re here to help you build a home that fits your life—no matter the season.