How to create a simple and functional backpack station for back to school.
Someone asked me recently for advice on how to stay organized in relation to school. Girl….if only you would’ve seen me last year trying to navigate VPK. Trying to keep track of all the papers sent home for various activities and payment deadlines left me feeling defeated so often.
Paper systems just do not work for me. This year I vowed to be a better mom. Or to at least APPEAR to have it altogether, so that’s how I came up with this backpack station.
[We recently moved and converted our coat closet into a Mudroom!]
BACK TO SCHOOL: DIY BACKPACK STATION
If you have kids in school you know how their backpacks, shoes, coats, etc tend to just get tossed around haphazardly. We needed a master location and our entryway was the best location.
My husband had just created a farmhouse-style shelf with hooks out of an old pallet lying around which worked really well. For the new school year, I wanted to spruce it up and personalize it with recent photos of the kids so they’ll know exactly which hooks are theirs.
I’m sure many of us are guilty of taking first day of school photos and doing NOTHING with them. We make such a big deal about what they’ll wear, their hair, new shoes and backpacks and chances are these photos will never be seen again.
Fracture will take your photos and print them on GLASS. Yep. Glass. They come in eight different sizes at affordable prices. I chose the small, wall-mounted size to hang above the kids’ hooks.
Fracture glass prints are really great quality. At first I was concerned that they might be too heavy, my kids would bump it and shatter on the floor, but that is not the case at all. They’re actually super lightweight and durable. Hanging was super easy as well. You automatically receive the wall mount option that includes a dry wall screw and can add on a stand for table top display too.
Fracture is having a Back to School sale now through September 5th. You can save 10% off any order with code TIMEFLIES.
We’ve been back in school for over a week now and the system is working really well. My daughter will come in from school, remove her school shoes by the door and hang her backpack.
When I get home from work, I can check her folder that’s sent home to review any work she may have and school notices.
For right now we aren’t in need of any paper storage since she doesn’t have homework, but down the line we may end up adding a hanging basket to the entryway station.
I love knowing exactly where her backpack is and not having to rush around in the morning trying to find it before we leave!
Do you have a backpack station or any tips for back to school organization? I’d love to hear them!