It’s Monday morning, and you’re helping your frantic child search for their homework folder. You half hear them insist it was right there yesterday while you remind your other child a second time to put on their socks and shoes. You look at the clock with a sigh, knowing you’re running out of time, and the kids haven’t even had breakfast yet. Does any of this sound familiar?

If it does, then you probably also know it's just about that time again, when school is back in session. But that doesn’t mean this has to be the scene at your home this year. The Clayton team has been there, too, and we want to help. Here are some of our best tips for getting your home in order before the back-to-school rush begins.

1. Establish a Daily Routine

Back to school means back to a routine. Following a schedule can teach kids responsibility and organization while also taking some of the stress off parents during the day. And setting expectations and practicing daily tasks before the school year starts will help make the transition from summer to fall easier on everyone.

If you have younger children, then you understand the importance of having a routine. Stick a dry erase board or laminated checklist on the fridge or their bedroom doors. Or consider a built-in chalkboard in the kitchen, as seen in one of our popular home models, the Breeze. Checking off tasks like math homework and assigned reading as they go allows children to feel involved and accomplished.

2. Stay Organized

Going back to school also means a new haul of supplies. But those loose papers and pencils can end up taking over your house before school even starts. Set up a spot where your kids can keep their notebooks, highlighters and books. This will prevent clutter from piling up, and you won't be rushing to find where they left their homework in the morning. And to help keep you on track, many of Clayton’s floor plans have a wide variety of storage options for different rooms of your home, including built-in shelving.

3. Have a Designated Workspace

Give your kids a workspace to help keep them organized and focused. Whether it's in their bedroom or a separate space altogether, it's important for kids to have a quiet place to do their homework and study.

When you're shopping for a new manufactured or modular home for your family, ask about built-in office and desk options, like the one in the Lulamae, or a flex room like the ones featured in our Tempo series models. These are perfect spots for your kids to do schoolwork and place their school items in a designated area. And for even more inspiration, try these tips to create an office for anyone in your home.

4. Create Drop-off Stations

Features in our homes like mudrooms and garages are the ideal spots to set up stations to drop off backpacks, lunch boxes, jackets and dirty shoes. There items can easily be wiped down and cleaned without tracking in outside messes. Laundry rooms that are accessible from the outside, like in the Fusion 32B (which also has built-in cubbies), are also a great place to transition from work and school to home life. Kids can take off dirty clothes and uniforms as soon as they get home and throw them into the wash before they change.

You can also designate your entryway as the appointed drop-off station. Simple hooks, shoe racks and other easy additions can help you have the perfect entryway year-round.

The end of summer doesn't have to be stressful! Follow these steps and getting the kids back to school will be a breeze. And for more organization help, be sure to check out the Homeownership section of our Studio blog.