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10 Smart Tips to Prep Your Home for School

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10 Smart Tips to Prep Your Home for School

Set students up for academic success by making your home a happy place.

Like it or not, it’s almost time for kids to head back to school.

Maybe it seems like summer just started and it’s too early for those back-to-school ads. Or maybe you're secretly (or openly with a bright red Sharpie) counting down to the first day.

Either way, the new school year is unavoidable. And once school starts, life gets more hectic.

We asked our pro designers for home improvement strategies that will help conquer chaos. The result: 10 projects that will streamline your family’s day and start the school year off right.

Here are some helpful tips to get everyone back into the school year routine:

1. FRESH START: Update That Bathroom

It’s where everyone starts and ends the day. And by “everyone” we really do mean it seems like every person in your family will want in the same bathroom at the same time.

Tired of cluttered counters and need a second sink? Or want rid of that outdated tub you never use?

There’s nothing like a busy weekday morning in a crowded bathroom to convince you it’s time to call a design-build professional for advice.

2. DRESS FOR SUCCESS: Customized Closets

Store all of those new school clothes on shelves and hangers in a custom closet.

When you shove clothing in a drawer, you end up constantly wearing the items on top. It’s much easier to keep track of what you have in a beautifully designed closet.

And did you know minimizing the amount of visible clutter helps maintain your bedroom as a relaxing sleep space? It’s true. Getting enough sleep is part of a healthy lifestyle and will help students focus.

Bonus Back-to-School Tip: Set aside time before bed to lay out clothes and keep your morning running smoothly.

3. KEEP IT CLEAN: Luxurious Laundry Room

Luxurious and laundry might seem like an oxymoron. But cleaning new school uniforms and smelly sports clothes doesn’t have to be a Herculean chore when you have a lovely laundry room and the latest appliances.

Need to clean a soiled garment separately? No problem! New technology makes getting rid of stubborn stains easier than ever.

4. FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Prepare the Pantry

It’s easy to give kids sugary snacks and salty chips, but experts agree classroom performance will suffer. Nutritious meals and snacks provide students with the energy they need to focus.

Packing healthy lunchboxes every day is a breeze when you plan with your child and prep your pantry. Here are some helpful tips:

  • Bring your kids shopping and let them help plan.
  • Let them pick out their lunchbox for the year and a reusable water bottle.
  • Give your child a choice between healthy options: carrots or broccoli; apples or oranges.
  • Pack lunch the night before so you can grab and go.
  • Keep nutritious snacks handy in baskets and bins.

5. NOW YOU’RE COOKING: New Appliances

There’s no doubt healthy meals fuel learning. But working parents may not have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. New appliances, such as the GE Monogram® Collection with award-winning technology, make it possible to cook faster, clean easier, and enjoy more time relaxing after school activities.

French door fridges put fresh food at eye level, which is a great way to encourage healthy eating. GE French door refrigerators offer innovative features such as a K-Cup dispenser brewer, Quick Space Shelves, drop down trays, advanced water filtration, and full-width storage drawers.

Both parents and kids will love how the storage drawers keep all of those fresh fruits and veggies and cold drinks close at hand.

6. SMOOTH MOVES: Work Triangle

With people grabbing breakfast and after school snacks and kids helping make dinner more often, everyone is on the run and the last place you want a traffic jam is in the kitchen.

A thoughtfully designed work triangle (sink, stove, and refrigerator) keeps all of the major work stations within easy reach and helps minimize traffic, causing less interference to people busy preparing a meal.

A design-build professional can help you make the most of your available space.

7. HOME BASE: Kitchen Island

A custom kitchen island designed specifically for your family’s needs is the perfect place to catch up on the day’s events, help kids with homework, and share a healthy snack.

There's no doubt an island can enhance your home in many ways, but a poorly planned island will be frustrating. If you’re considering a kitchen island, look for design inspiration on Houzz and meet with professionals you can trust.

8. HOMEWORK ZONE: Designate a Place for ABC’s and 123’s

It’s no secret that kids don’t always want to do their homework. But it’s important to have a designated desk or area in a quiet room for kids to do their homework.

Check out this project where the homeowners took advantage of abundant natural light by replacing the breakfast bar with a handsome desk complete with a custom quartz top.

9. BUILD IN FUNCTION: Custom Cabinetry

Stylish custom cabinetry can be your family’s command center.

Yorktowne Cabinetry makes high-quality furniture. They offer closed cabinets, open shelves, mail slots, message centers, charging stations, pockets, bulletin boards, and key hooks.

You can view Yorktowne®'s color brochures on their website.

10. EASY COME, EASY GO: Make a Mudroom

Comings and goings run more smoothly when you have a designated drop spot for frequently used items such as backpacks, shoes, and sports equipment.

Designate an area in your home near the door to organize everything your child needs to take to school. Use bins, hooks, and custom cabinetry for items like homework, books, coats, shoes, lunch boxes, and umbrellas.

You’ll be out the door and on the way to school in no time. And best of all, hassle free!

In Conclusion

Start the school year off on the right foot by preparing now. Some simple home improvements like those mentioned above will help send everyone into the day in a positive way.

Contact us to meet with Patti and discuss how a home remodel can help your family transition to the new school year smoothly.

You can also get more home remodeling inspiration by visiting the HKB portfolio. Or follow us on FacebookTwitterPinterest, and Houzz for more design ideas.

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Middletown, PA 17057
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