School is back in session and for parents that means book bags, notebooks, muddy shoes, sports gear, homework, and the rest of the odds and ends that turn even the neatest house into chaos. Fall is the perfect time to put an end to the mess and devise a system for organization, whether it’s a place to store soccer balls and cleats or an area for coats and shoes. Don’t have kids? The crisp weather is conducive to starting fresh. Here are a few ideas to keep clutter at bay and start fall off on the right foot:
Photo via Better Homes & Gardens.
This sunny, kid-friendly mudroom features cubbies lined against the wall. There’s space for school bags, shoes, coats, plus bins and drawers for smaller items. It’s a great way to make sure that mud isn’t tracked through the house.
Photo via The Vintage Glitter House.
This fun art/homework station for kids will make homework seem like less of a chore. Painted pegboards are perfect for hanging baskets and containers for storage. Two cabinets were added to the sides of the desk to hold even more supplies.
Via Country Living.
Baskets hold snacks and vintage jars house a variety of ingredients. Use labels and meal-time will be a little easier.
Photo via Apartment Therapy.
Retrofit a birdcage into a mail organizer. Remove some wires from the front and create a few shelves to nix your pile of papers. Junk mail, bills, permission slips, stamps, and stationary will have a unique, stylish home.
Photo via The House of Smiths.
Even if you’re unable to tame your to-do list, at least it will look good! This DIY magnetic organization board is made from a thrift store frame, magnetic metal, a sheet of decorative radiator covering, and a coat of spray paint. It’s attached to the inside of the pantry door and can be hidden at will. For a DIY tutorial click on the link above.
Photo via Martha Stewart.
This home office is decked out with a chalkboard wall calendar. The whole wall was painted with black chalkboard paint. The squares were created by mixing in white chalkboard paint to create different shades of lighter gray. Aside from the six weeks of squares, memos and schedules can be written anywhere. For a tutorial, see the link above.
Photo via Peace, Love & Crafts.
If the whole family now gets up early, streamline the morning routine with an organized closet. This homeowner bought inexpensive canvas organizers and glued felt words on them. No more rustling through bins or baskets. All of the toiletries are separated into groups and labeled.
Photo via West Elm.
The West Elm Pivot Storage Bed Frame is genius. While it appears that it’s not currently available, the mattress lifts up to reveal a large, hidden storage space. Bed linens, pillows, and seasonal items can be stashed away and easily retrieved.
What are your plans for organizing your space this autumn? Any great tips or tricks?
September 18, 2012 at 1:59 pm
I love the chalkboard wall calendar – I think I could fill that up very quickly. The birdcage is such a great idea as well. Thanks for sharing!
September 18, 2012 at 6:16 pm
Thanks for reading! I was thinking the same thing about the chalkboard wall calendar. I think I would have it filled in a few days. Haha.
September 18, 2012 at 5:08 pm
Great pics! Love chalkboard wall and canvas organizers!
September 18, 2012 at 6:17 pm
Me too! The chalkboard wall calendar is art and organization in one!
September 18, 2012 at 5:35 pm
A mudroom! My kingdom for a mudroom! No kids at my house, but I could still use the space.
September 18, 2012 at 6:18 pm
I love mudrooms. They’re so convenient and perfect for storage if you create some interesting storage ideas. I would have one if I lived alone!
September 18, 2012 at 6:33 pm
These pictures are my idea of heaven! I love being organized. Some great ideas there.
September 19, 2012 at 1:31 pm
I’m glad you liked them! There is something so satisfying about organization, especially when it looks creative. Let me know if you use any of the ideas. I’d love to see a picture!
September 19, 2012 at 8:50 am
Love the the spice rack shelves
September 19, 2012 at 1:31 pm
Thanks for reading. Me too! And I love the cool wall calendar too.
September 28, 2012 at 11:58 am
The calendar is so lovely. I think it’s impossible for me to forget any appointments with this calendar! Thanks for sharing!
September 28, 2012 at 4:53 pm
Totally agree. But then again, it’s so pretty I would probably be afraid to write on it. Thanks for reading.
October 4, 2012 at 6:30 am
Hello there! Thank you for sharing these detailed and specific ideas to keep me sane this fall
I love organizing but of course, when school starts, getting organized is a bit of a challenge. It’s like somehow, your house gets cluttered without any effort at all – it’s magic. 
I also appreciate the photos you posted here. They look so neat and totally inspiring.
If you need more tips on decluttering, feel free to check our post about it: http://megaquicksale.co.uk/blog/ways-declutter-home. Thanks! – Amy of Mega Quick Sale
October 4, 2012 at 11:37 am
Haha. It is magic! I’m so glad you liked the post. I love organizing too, but there are times it feels like no amount of organizing helps. Thanks so much for reading. I’m going to check out your post now.
October 4, 2012 at 11:44 am
Had to reply once more. I just read your declutter your home article. It’s fantastic! I especially love the keeping a list and crossing items off tip and the cleaning tip. I think both help keep you motivated. I used to do home staging and I completely agree that decluttering is important, as a cluttered house can turn buyers off. I’ll be following your blog.