5 Steps to Design a Helpful Homeschooling Space for Your Children — Making Home Space (2024)

Step #1: Select the Right Setting

It’s important to be realistic about where schoolwork is actually happening. Each of my kids has a desk in their own bedroom, but frequently that is not where homework is being done! I do like giving them a base of operations so they can store their supplies, but at our home, the kitchen table and living room are more popular places to actually complete school assignments. Believe it or not, common areas can be more convenient if mom and dad need to help or provide accountability when studying is taking place. It makes sense to set up systems that work for your actual family and their existing habits. A corner of the family room could end up being your best option, but choose what works best for your household.

Step #2: Find the Best Flow

It’s important to make sure that all workspaces have accessible outlets for the ubiquitous Chromebook, and that cords don’t become a tripping hazard. There should also be a small drawer or desktop storage unit containing paper, pens, pencils, and other supplies. If needed, make sure that any printers or commonly used equipment are in an accessible area with a recycling bin nearby. I also recommend a computer desk in the common area where parents can easily supervise and monitor the kids’ online activities. There is way too much out there on the Internet for our kids to have to navigate on their own, so do yourself a favor, and set up a space that allows for easy and unobtrusive monitoring. If your kids are budding artists, make sure there’s a trash can and cleaning supplies close at hand as well, trust me on this one!

Step #3: Add Ample Storage

Despite having lots of their assignments online, I am surprised by the amount of paper my kids still generate! I like to use magazine files (usually from IKEA) to store their papers by semester or year. At the end of the year—once all records are secured, whether it’s homeschool or our local public—I know that it’s safe to recycle the contents of that particular bin. I also like to use these for specialty storage such as: college search, birthday cards, or just crafts and drawings. Make sure there’s plenty of space to put things away rather than just piling everything in the corner until it starts spilling to the floor. Shelves mounted above the desk can store books or display science projects. As a longtime homeschooling family, we have a lot of curriculum that we’ve saved between years. I actually store curriculum not currently in use in one of the kids’ bedroom closets, by subject, so that I can easily locate what’s needed for when doing lesson planning. Get creative with your available space, but always remember to store like with like so you can find what you need when you need it!

Step #4: Determine Daily Systems

Having routines is a huge help for space management in a household with kids. Meal times provide natural transitions when school work needs to be cleared from the table. I like to use rolling file cabinets or drawers to store actively used school supplies and curriculum, it makes clean up go quickly. When the kids were younger, we did not mind having craft supplies visible in the kitchen. We just had a system from IKEA that was wall-mounted which allowed us to clear up paints, glue, and other craft supplies into their labeled bins and hang them on the wall next to the kitchen table. It was quick and convenient and allowed for multiple uses of the same space. Not everything has to be clean all the time; that’s not realistic! However, if you have organization systems in place, tidying up is so much less overwhelming. It also helps to signal to the kids when it’s time to transition from one activity to another. Whether it’s a posted schedule, or a more free-flowing routine, kids will thrive knowing what to expect and what’s expected of them as members of your household.

Step #5: Finish as a Family

I highly suggest you involve your family in making decisions about how you use, organize, and decorate your space. Some family members are very stressed out by visible clutter and want everything packed away into cabinets. Other family members will forget something even exists if it’s not in their line of sight! Consider who is in the space at what times and how you can meet everyone’s needs for functionality as well as a calm and peaceful space. Routines surrounding chores and homework won’t eliminate conflict, but they will certainly reduce it! When you have designated spaces for your school supplies and systems, everyone can pitch in to clean up. That will make it easier for you to prepare your home for guests, or just a relaxing evening without any schoolwork or other projects looming.

If you’re ready for an expert to bring function and beauty to your homeschool space, I’ve got your back! Contact me today and let’s get to know each other. I offer both in-person and virtual organizing services for busy families like yours.

Cheers,

Karina

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