09/04/2026
Back to school is more than backpacks, lunchboxes and school supplies—it’s a natural reset point for your home, too. Before the fall holidays begin, use this moment to put real systems in place for the months ahead.
Edit summer clothes. Pull anything they’ve outgrown, donate what still has life left, and say goodbye to the stained, torn and beyond-repair pieces. For fabric and sewing-related materials that may be reusable, Chicago’s The WasteShed is a great local resource— check their current accepted-items list and donation days before dropping off.
Make room on the bookshelf. If your kids have moved on from certain picture books, early readers or series, pass them along while they can still be enjoyed by someone else. Open Books accepts donated books and uses proceeds to support literacy programs for Chicago youth. Learn more: www.open-books.org/donate-books/
Create an activity zone. Soccer cleats, dance bags, volleyball gear, instruments—whatever your fall looks like, give it a home. A basket, hook or designated shelf near the door can make the difference between “Where are my shin guards?!” and actually getting out the door on time.
Think one season ahead. Pull cooler-weather clothing forward now and take inventory before you need it. And while you’re looking ahead…remember that the holidays aren’t quite as far away as they feel.
A little editing and planning now can make the busy months ahead feel much lighter.
Need help creating systems that actually work for your family—not just for the first week of school? Reach out to Birch Design. We can help you edit, organize and prepare your home for the season ahead.
