Back to School, Back to Home: Fall Prep Tips from Our Family to Yours

Back to School, Back to Home: Fall Prep Tips from Our Family to Yours

It’s that time of year again. Backpacks are packed, alarms are set, and the buzz of a new school year fills the air. At our house, the end of summer always comes with a mix of excitement, chaos, and (let’s be honest) a few missing shoes. As a dad of two school-aged kids and the Director of Operations for a top real estate team, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of prepping not just our routines but our home for the season ahead.

Here in the Treasure Valley, fall is one of the most beautiful times of year. The mornings are crisp, the afternoons still sunny, and the smell of fresh-cut fields and turning leaves fills the air. But with that beauty comes a shift in how we live at home, and if you don’t take a little time now to get ahead of it, your mornings can go from peaceful to panicked real quick.

Let the Fresh Air In (Without the Dust)

One of my favorite things about fall is opening the windows. After a long summer of AC, it just feels good to let the cool air move through the house. But you know what does not feel good? Opening that first window only to get a face full of dust, cobwebs, and whatever else collected over the summer.

If you want to keep things simple and do it yourself, I highly recommend using Norwex microfiber cloths. These things are amazing. You only need water, and they leave glass and mirrors spotless with zero streaks or residue. Start with the wet EnviroCloth to wipe down the glass, then follow up with the dry Window Cloth to polish. That combo beats the spray-and-paper-towel method every time. Also, don’t forget to run the cloth around the window frame and sill, where dust and bugs tend to hide out.

Want to skip the ladder and call in the pros? We work with a few awesome window cleaning companies here in the Valley. Just text me or message through our website, and I’ll get you in touch with someone we trust. We even have a discount worked out for friends and clients.

Entryway Chaos: Conquer the Backpack Battle

When my kids come barreling through the door at 3:45, it’s like a mini tornado. Backpacks get dropped, shoes kicked off in every direction, and lunchboxes... well, sometimes they just disappear. Setting up a simple drop zone (whether it’s a mudroom, a designated corner by the garage door, or a basic hook and shoe tray combo) can save your sanity.

What works for us:

• One hook per kid (plus one for mom and dad)

• A basket or bin underneath for shoes

• A small bench if space allows—it makes a great spot to put on shoes and doubles as storage

Reset the Coat Closet

The weather can flip fast in the Valley. One day it’s 85 and sunny, the next it’s jacket season. Take a minute to go through your coat closet now. Pull out summer gear, donate anything outgrown, and make room for hoodies, raincoats, and the occasional winter jacket.

If you don’t have a coat closet, no worries. A simple over-the-door rack or hallway organizer can do the trick.

Build a Homework Station That Actually Gets Used

Whether it’s at the kitchen table, a small desk in the corner, or a shared family workspace, creating a consistent spot for homework makes a huge difference. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just functional. Clear it of clutter, add a lamp or two, and keep essentials like pencils, paper, and chargers handy.

My daughter likes to decorate her space with stickers and drawings, while my son just wants a spot to spread out and build (or destroy) a Lego set between math problems. Whatever works, right?

Real Estate Check-In: This Season Matters

This time of year is also a great opportunity to do a quick home check-in. Are there little projects you’ve been putting off that would make daily life smoother? Do you need help finding a contractor or cleaner before the colder weather hits? That’s what my team and I are here for. Whether you’re thinking of buying, selling, or just making the most of the home you’re in, we’re always happy to be a resource.

Real estate is not just about transactions. For us, it’s about helping people create a life they love in the Treasure Valley, and that starts at home. Back to school season is a reminder that your house is more than an investment—it’s the place where your life happens.

If you ever need help with vendors, organizing a move, or just want advice on upgrades that add value (or save your sanity), reach out. We’re a message away and we love helping local families thrive.

From our home to yours—have a great school year.

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Need a window cleaner or organizing pro? Let me know and I’ll hook you up with someone we trust. We even have a little discount lined up for you.