Back-to-School 101: Organizing Tip: Set up a Homework Station

Desks and workstations are a given at school, but the same does not automatically hold true at home.

Today’s post walks you through how to set up a location from which to do schoolwork, or a homework station:

Identify a location.

Just like real estate, it’s all about location, location, location. Identify a location in the home that is conducive to doing work with minimal distraction. Preferably the location should be out-of-the-way of heavy foot traffic. If you live in small quarters, identify a double duty space, such as a kitchen or dining room table at which a child can do schoolwork.

Eliminate distractions.

Nowadays, it is becoming more and more difficult to find areas in the home that are free from distractions as many digital/electronic devices are easily portable. Stick to the basics: set regular homework hours, make sure the  station is clear of clutter or other non-homework items, set up screens or curtains for privacy, implement a no tv/computer/games/music etc. rule while doing homework.

Build out station basics and storage.

Make sure you have at least these two items in place: sturdy, height appropriate desk or working surface and a comfortable chair. Create zones for work both hands-on work such as writing and crafts as well as a computer and printer; if you are in small quarters, identify separate spaces where the student can do hands-on tasks/use computer. It’s pretty much guaranteed a student will need storage space for school work & supplies, so make sure to include space at a desk or on a computer for: books, notes, past schoolwork (homework, reports, and projects) artwork, notices, calendars, schedule, backpack, etc.

Stock up on supplies.

Before taking a trip to the store, take a look through your home first for existing supplies. Common school-supply items include: pens, pencils, crayons, markers, paper, loose leaf, binders, notebooks, scissors, ruler, stapler & staples, hole puncher, glue, tape, calculator, computer, keyboard, mouse, flash-drive, external drive, printer, wastebasket & recycling bin, etc.

Related Posts:
Organizing Tip: Getting Organized with the Original Back-To-School Cheat Sheet
Back-to-School 101: Organizing Tip: Compiling a School Year Calendar
Back-to-School 101: Organizing Tip: Three School Organization Lessons

Rashelle Isip Productivity Coach and Founder of The Order Expert®

Rashelle Isip is a New York City-based productivity coach, consultant, and founder of The Order Expert®. With over 16 years of experience, she helps entrepreneurs and executives replace the "hustle and grind" mindset with one of "ease and flow." Rashelle is a former contributing columnist for Inc.com and Lifehack.org, and has been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, NBC News, The Washington Post, and NPR. She is the author of four books, including The Order Expert’s Guide to Time Management. When not helping clients master their schedules, she enjoys scouting for practical, well-designed office supplies. Learn more at TheOrderExpert.com.

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