19 Easy DIY Backpack Storage Ideas
Are you stressed out thinking about the chaos that comes with back-to-school? Organization is key! Here are ideas for backpack storage! Lots of idea drop zone for school bags! Free printable end of summer and 1st day of school checklist, plus a motivational poster below!
The Back-to-School Chaos
“Mrs. Landry, I promise, I did my homework. I have no idea why it’s not in my backpack…”
If I had a dollar for every time I heard that during my teaching career, I could have quit long before I left to have my twins.
So many kids struggle with organization, and truth be told, it can be really hard to teach and enforce at home when, as a mom, you feel like you are just swimming in the chaos.
I’m a huge fan of systems and processes, and getting your home school-ready should be one of things we cement on our ‘end-of-summer’ to-do list.
The School Bag Storage Dilemma
This is the one thing that plagues so many moms – the backpack storage debacle. Usually, kids are running through the front door, backpacks dropped upon entry, and it just creates such a huge eyesore.
Having a designated spot for backpacks not only cuts down on the mess, but it really helps when everyone is a rush in the morning and trying not to miss the bus.
If everyone knows where his backpack is, it minimizes so much morning stress.
Ideally, if you can arrange to store jackets, shoes, and lunchboxes nearby as well, it will help so much.
Where to Put a Backpack Storage Center
The location of your backpack storage is obviously going to vary depending on what kind of space and set-up you have available
If you have a mudroom, that’s a great place.
Or, if your garage is conveniently located, that’s another fantastic spot.
I know some houses aren’t really set up like that, so the trick is to find a functional location that looks neat. There are many ways to do that in an entryway space, or even if your front door opens right up into your living room.
It’s important for us moms to realize that while we’d like our homes to look like Insta-perfect, the reality is that kids actually live here.
However, your home can still be neat and organized, even if it has the ‘kid decor’ look.
So let’s tackle this beast.
19 Lifesaver DIY School Bag Storage Ideas
Backpack Station with Initials and Coordinating Boards
So simple, clean and neat: a bulletin board for papers and a hook for the back-up. This is great if minimalist is your style!
Full Service Backpack Drop
I am in love with the organization of this space! Not just a space for backpacks, but a bulletin board, calendar, mail sorter - even sunscreen!
Easy Backpack Drop Zone
This set up is an easy idea that utilizes a nearby close with some added shelving and hooks. I love that it also includes a full drop zone to find all the important things you need as you're walking in and out the door.
Backpack Organizer: A Brilliant Mudroom IKEA Hack!
Who doesn't love a good Ikea hack?!? This one utilizes the popular narrow BILLY bookcases! The idea is transferrable to any type of bookcase in this style!
Neat and Tidy Backpack Storage
This clever idea from Corvid Blue Studio uses stroller keepers. You can even DIY this with velcro and jumbo carabiner clips!
Rail and S Hooks Backpack Storage
I love the idea of using a rail and S hooks! This really gives you just about endless space to hang several essentials along with the backpack. Add as many S hooks as you can fit!
Homework Nook Backpack Holder
This is so smart! Keep the backpack with the rest of the homework supplies! This way, the kid have all they need to get their work done, right at their fingertips. Brilliant!
Personalized Bulletin Boards & Backpacks
This is a super-functional area, not just for the backpacks, but with personalized bulletin boards with calendars as well! This is a great solution if you're trying to keep track of backpacks and other important items for several kids.
DIY Mudroom Storage Lockers Build Plans
How gorgeous is this?! If you are into a DIY project and you have the space for this - it's a gorgeous idea that I just adore!
Backpack Storage and Organizer
If you're handy with tools, this is a fantastic DIY project! I love the functionality of it - with a place for a calendar (that's on top - the picture is a little cut off!) as well as bins to hold papers. Perfect when kids are late and running out the door. Even if tools aren't your thing, you can probably figure out a way to recreate this idea. Love it!
Backpack Storage Lockers
This is a super-cute locker storage area! You can see backpacks, jackets, lunch boxes, and shoes. I bet this goes a LONG way in getting the kids out the door without the chaos!
Backpack Storage - Mudroom Combo
The shelf with the hooks is a perfect solution for any space you need to hang backpacks. The calendars above are an added bonus. If you're concerned about style, the shelf is also another way you can add in some home decor without it looking too 'school-ish.' The plastic mats for shoes below solve so many problems at once (lost shoes, dirt trekked through the house, etc.).
Chalkboard Themed Backpack Storage
Love this simple, stylish look for backpacks. Keeps things classy!
Pegboard Shelving Backpack Storage
These pegboards with shelving above add a stylish, vintage look to the entryway. Again, having a shelf above the hooks is another to throw in some home decor to a functional space.
Minimalist Backpack Storage
Here's another win for the minimalist, clean look. Simple hooks, clean boards with initials and chunky clip. Covered all the bases.
Designated Drop Zone
This is a great example of using a small space to maximum functionality. Having 2 rows of hooks just doubled the storage space, and who even knows what kinds of magical things you can put in the bench while you're at it? Great space.
Double Row Hooked Backpack Storage
This is another example of a stylish space that serves your needs. Again, 2 rows of hooks = double the space. And the paneling behind it just takes it up a few notches as far as style goes.
Garage Organization & Backpack Storage
If you're lucky enough to have this kind of space in the garage, this is ideal. Shoes, coats, backpacks, umbrellas, instruments - that never actually have to enter your house? This is every mom's dream. Let your imagination run wild with this one!
Easy Over the Door Backpack Rack
This is a super simple solution for backpacks. All you need is a door and a rack from Amazon. It can work on the back of your front door, inside a closet door - wherever is convenient!
Backpack Storage Supply List
This post contains affiliate links. See Disclosures for details.
As you’re planning your backpack storage area, here are some supplies you might need:
As a former teacher, I can vouch for the fact that school organization at home is essential for a child’s success. The more you can incorporate some organizational strategies at home, the better off your child will be.
Other Tips and Routines for School Organization
A tidy backpack storage area isn’t the only thing that helps. Here are some other tips to help things run more smoothly during a hectic school week.
Dinnertime Meal Planning
Dinnertime can be such chaos during the school year. Here are 30 Easy & Healthy Weeknight Dinners you can choose from to make life run a little more smoothly.
Lunch Planning
Having lunches made the night before cuts down on a ton of morning drama. If your kids are old enough, add making their own lunches to their chore list.
And having convenient healthy grab & go snacks (all organic!) ready can make things much, much easier.
Clothes Planning
Picking out outfits the night before also cuts down on potential screaming matches before the bus comes. Making sure clothes are clean and ironed can help a lot also.
Backpacks Packed the Night Before
Making sure homework is in the backpack and all papers are signed the night before also cuts down on drama trying to get out the door.
Breakfast Planning
Whatever you serve your kids for breakfast, knowing what they are going to eat ahead of time makes a big difference. And it can even be something you’ve baked and frozen ahead of time.
Even having something simple like cheese sticks or protein bars or yogurt pouches they can eat on the way to school will help them get started with some healthy energy.
Teacher Tips
Teachers also have a lot of valuable input when it comes to having a successful, productive year. You can take a look at 10 things teachers wish parents knew!
End of Summer Prep
To be honest, prepping for the school year really starts at the end of the summer.
If you want a full back-to-school checklist for end of summer prep and 1st day of school prep, grab the free printable by filling out the box at the end of the post!
It also includes a free motivational print, ‘You can do hard things’.
Just fill out the box below!
And don’t forget prayer! Prayer is really the most important thing you can do for a successful year!
You can get 31 printable Scripture-based prayer cards for your kids right here for free!
More Back-To-School Help
25+ Functional (& Pretty!) Family Command Centers
15 Amazing DIY Homework Stations for Back to School
An Open Letter to Parents from Your Child’s Teacher
65+ Grab & Go Organic Snacks – Perfect for Healthy School Lunches!
31 Scripture-Based Back-to-School Prayers {Free Printable}
20 Immune Boosting Foods for Kids {That They’ll Actually Eat!}
I hope you’ve found what you need to get off to a great start! Whether you homeschool or go to public or private school, praying that you and your kids have the best year yet!
Thought? Leave a comment – I’d love to hear them and chat!
And if you enjoyed this post, I’d be so grateful if you pinned or shared! Thank you a bunch!
