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Preparing Your Home for the School Year—Elliott Homes’ Top 5 Tips
August 23, 2024
With the new school year underway, the excitement of fresh opportunities and new beginnings fills the air. However, with this excitement often comes the challenge of getting your home ready for the busy days ahead. Here at Elliott Homes, we understand the importance of creating a functional, organized space that supports your family’s routines and helps everyone transition smoothly back to school. With over 100 years of experience building innovative, gorgeous new homes in Sacramento, Phoenix and Yuma, we’re here to offer some expert tips on how to get your home ready for the school year.
1. Create a designated homework area
One of the keys to a successful school year is having a quiet, organized space where your kids can focus on their studies. Whether it’s a corner in the main living area, loft space or a dedicated home office, having a designated homework zone can make all the difference. Choose a spot with minimal distractions, good lighting and ample storage for school supplies. In our new construction homes in both California and Arizona, we prioritize creating versatile spaces that can easily be transformed to suit your family’s needs—whether it’s a study nook or a full-fledged home office.
To take your homework area one step further, consider adding a small desk, comfortable chair and a few organizational tools like a bulletin board or desk organizer. This space doesn’t have to be elaborate—even a simple setup can significantly boost productivity. Encourage your children to personalize their homework zone with photos, artwork or favorite school supplies to make it a space they enjoy spending time in.
2. Streamline your morning routine with an organized entryway
Without a doubt, the morning rush can be one of the most stressful parts of the day. But with a well-organized entryway, you can make those hectic mornings a little smoother. Start by decluttering this area and creating designated spaces for each family member’s belongings. Hooks for backpacks, cubbies for shoes and a basket for essentials like keys and wallets can help ensure that everyone has what they need before heading out the door.
With a new Elliott home, you can expect entryways and drop zones that blend functionality with style—offering built-in storage options that help keep everything in its place. Adding a bench with storage underneath or a wall-mounted shelf can provide even more space for organizing items. By keeping these areas tidy and organized, you can reduce the likelihood of misplaced items and make your mornings more efficient.
3. Organize the kitchen for easy meal prep
Back-to-school season often means busier schedules, which can make meal preparation a challenge. An organized kitchen can help you save time and reduce stress when it comes to preparing breakfasts, packing lunches and cooking dinners. Start by decluttering your countertops and cabinets, getting rid of any items you no longer use. Group similar items together—such as snacks, lunch containers and meal prep ingredients—so you can easily find what you need.
At Elliott Homes, we design kitchens that are not only beautiful—but also highly functional, with ample storage space and smart layouts that make meal prep a breeze. Consider using clear storage bins, labeled containers or a lazy Susan in your pantry to keep everything organized and easily accessible. With an organized kitchen, you’ll be able to tackle school lunches and family dinners with ease.
4. Create a family command center
Keeping track of everyone’s schedules can be a challenge during the school year. A family command center is a great way to stay organized and ensure that everyone knows what’s happening each week. Choose a central location in your home, like the kitchen or a hallway, and set up a calendar, whiteboard or bulletin board where you can display important dates, to-do lists and reminders.
In our new homes, we emphasize the importance of flexible living spaces that can accommodate a variety of needs—including a family command center. Adding a chalkboard wall, a magnetic board or a wall-mounted organizer can help keep everything in one place. Encourage your family members to check the command center daily so that everyone stays on top of their tasks and responsibilities.
5. Choose Elliott Homes to make life easier
As you prepare for the upcoming school year, organizing your home can play a significant role in setting your family up for success—and it’s made easier than ever when you own an Elliott home. At Elliott Homes, we’re proud to build homes that are designed to meet the needs of busy families, with versatile spaces and thoughtful layouts that help streamline your day-to-day life. With our team of experts by your side, you can create a home environment that supports your family’s routines and helps everyone start the school year off on the right foot. Your family’s comfort is always our top priority, and our homes are crafted to provide you with the functionality and peace of mind you need. For more information about our new construction homes in Sacramento, Phoenix and Yuma, give us a call at (866) 984-1300 or fill out our online form.