You can probably relate to what I call the “after school dump”. The process in which your entryway transforms from a clean, welcoming, inviting space, into a scene that more closely resembles the movie Twister. I am referring to the backpacks, lunch boxes, shoes, coats, umbrellas, hats, gloves, scarves, class projects, etc. (There is a reason schools have hooks, lockers, and/or cubbies.) *We’re going to talk about school papers in a different post, because that baby deserves it’s own post. 🙂

To avoid the “after school dump,” it really helps to have a “Locker Location”.

Or, in other words…

A place where everything can be dumped after the end of a (school) day

…but, in a nice way.

Here are my ABC’s to help get you started!

{A}

Determine the best location in your home, for the locker(s).

This area should be in one main location and somewhere near the main entry into your home. (Or whatever entry your family uses most often.) Depending on your home design and your personal style, you may want this area to be out in the open, or you may want it out of sight. Just make sure it is easily accessible by your children, and ultimately that they are able to use it by themselves.

{B}

Set up a system and add some creativity!

For fun you can color code, utilize a picture of each child, or use their individual initials…get creative! It need not be fancy, but it needs to be very functional. Try to work with what you have, maybe you have an old dresser laying around, or a closet that is underutilized…

Make sure your system has a spot for all of the items that are used daily, such as backpacks, lunch boxes, shoes, and coats/outerwear. Then other items, the more seasonal ones, may be stored elsewhere, like gloves, umbrellas, etc.

Your area may include any of the following:

Hooks (in the hallway, entryway, mudroom, or closet)
Baskets (on the floor, shelves, or in cubbies)
Coat Rack (great one place catch all)
Dresser (one drawer for each child)
Cupboard (one section or shelf for each child)
Shelves (one shelf per child)
Over the Door Pocket Organizer (great for gloves, hats, water bottles…)

{C}

Train your children how to use their lockers. 🙂

This one is the simplest to explain, but the hardest sometimes to implement.

I’ll leave you with this, a saying from a former boss.

“Inspect what you Expect!”

…and hopefully say goodbye to the Twister affect!

Linked with A Bowl Full of Lemons,Cornerstone Confessions.