Back To School With a Smile.
My Guide to a Calm & Joyful Autumn Term
Hello and a very happy (almost) new school year from my home to yours!
Whether you’re waving off your little one for their first day ever or preparing for the familiar morning rush with teenagers, I always feel there’s a unique energy in the air this time of year. It’s a mix of sharpened pencils, fresh starts, and the hopeful promise of a new routine.
Here at Tidy Happy Home, I truly believe that a little preparation is the secret ingredient to a calm and happy home. So, let’s swap any back-to-school anxiety for excitement and approach this season with kindness for our families and, most importantly, for ourselves!
1. The Joyful Prep: Make it a Family Affair
Instead of a last-minute scramble, I love to turn the preparation into a little celebration.
The "Joyful Sort-Through": Before you buy new, gather everyone’s school clothes and have a try-on session. Make it fun! Put on some music and celebrate what still fits. Donating what’s too small is a wonderful way to make space for the new and teach our kids about kindness to others.
Label with Love: This is my absolute favourite tip for keeping things tidy and stress-free! I sit down with my permanent marker and lots of name labels, and personalise EVERYTHING. From water bottles to jumpers, a labelled item is far more likely to find its way home. This small act saves so much time and money later on.
2. Crafting a Calm Morning Routine
Mornings set the tone for the entire day. I’ve found that a little evening prep can transform a chaotic rush into a smooth, happy send-off.
The Launch Pad: I always recommend designating a spot by the door—a hook for each child, a basket for shoes, a shelf for bags. Everything needed for the next morning gets placed here the night before. No more frantic searches for lost PE kits at 8 am!
Lunchbox Love: I prep what I can the night before. Chopping veggies and making sandwiches then turns the morning lunch-packing frenzy into a simple ‘grab and assemble’ job. It’s a game-changer!
3. Creating a Happy Homework Hub
Having a dedicated, clutter-free space for reading and homework works wonders for a child’s focus (and your sanity!).
Keep it Simple: It doesn’t need to be a fancy desk. A quiet corner of the kitchen table works perfectly. The key is what I call a "Homework Caddy"—a box or basket stocked with essentials: pencils, pens, a sharpener, a ruler, and some scrap paper. When homework is done, the caddy gets tucked away, and the work surface is clear again. This helps everyone mentally switch off from school mode and relax into family time.
4. Be Kind to Yourself, Super-Parent!
This is the most important tip I can share. You are doing an amazing job. The transition from summer holidays to term time is a big one for everyone.
Embrace the "Good Enough": The goal is a happy home, not a perfect one. Some days will be seamless; others will involve lost socks and toast for dinner. And I want you to know that is absolutely okay.
Your Own Fresh Start: As the kids settle into their new classes, perhaps carve out a tiny slice of time for you. What would make your autumn feel brighter? A new book? A five-minute morning cuppa in silence? You deserve to feel supported and joyful, too.
I'm sending you so much encouragement for the week ahead. You’ve got this!
Thanks for reading. I’m Mickey, a professional home organiser. I work with clients in Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and Greater London. My passion is helping others declutter and organise with joy for the life you truly want to live. Let’s banish the overwhelm and stress once and for all.