Getting Your Tennessee Home Ready for the Upcoming School Year

Back-to-School Prep

As the long days of summer wind down, families across East Tennessee gear up for the back-to-school season. Whether you're in the foothills of the Smokies or a small-town neighborhood, preparing your home now can help your family transition smoothly into a new routine. Here are five practical tips to get your East Tennessee home ready for the school year ahead:

1. Create a Drop Zone by the Door: Start the year off organized by setting up a designated area near your entryway for backpacks, shoes, lunchboxes, and coats. Hooks, bins, and a small bench can help corral the clutter and make rushed mornings a little easier. Bonus tip: include a charging station for devices to stay powered and ready for school.

2. Refresh Study Spaces: Designate a quiet, distraction-free area for homework and studying. Whether it's a corner of the dining room or a desk in your child’s bedroom, stock the space with essentials like pencils, paper, and a good lamp. Natural light is a plus—especially in scenic East Tennessee where views can help reduce stress!

3. Plan for Busy Evenings with Easy Meals: Back-to-school means busy evenings with practices, homework, and activities. Prep your kitchen with quick meal staples and plan a weekly dinner schedule. Consider doubling recipes on weekends or using a slow cooker so dinner’s ready when you walk in the door.

4. Organize Clothing and School Gear: Sort through your kids’ clothes and donate anything they’ve outgrown. East Tennessee weather can be unpredictable, so keep layers and rain gear handy. Make weekday mornings easier by planning outfits for the week ahead or using a labeled organizer system.

5. Set Routines and Expectations Early: Ease the transition by re-establishing bedtime and morning routines a week before school starts. Post a family calendar with school events, sports schedules, and deadlines in a central place—like the fridge or hallway wall—so everyone stays in the loop.

Getting your home back-to-school ready doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A little preparation goes a long way in creating a smooth start to the school year—helping your East Tennessee household feel more organized, calm, and ready to learn.

To buy or sell this coming season, contact Tennessee Real Properties at (931) 248-6785.