We just redid our kitchen. Well, everything except the ceiling. The floors were redone, new cabinets, counters, kitchen sink…it’s all new, it’s all freshly organized…and we have so much more cabinet space. Tons more. Enough that I was able to save some space for a family homework station to have everything the kids need for their school work right here in the kitchen, just a few steps from the counter or the table where they will be doing their work. It’s not that we have a large house, too large to run up and down the stairs to grab things the kids need, but I have learned over time that for my kids, doing homework is more efficient when they have all they need right at hand. Getting up to go find markers, a glue stick, or a ruler adds more time to doing the homework, which makes my son especially frustrated- he wants to do it and get it done. Having to go look for things means more time doing homework and less time to play outside, which isn’t something my kids want to lose. Creating a family homework station where things are all in one place, all the time, was an easy task that took about an hour (hey, the kids helped!)
This was my starting point. As you can see, lots of empty space, and a general mess.
The first thing I did was find my label maker. I love labeling things. It makes me me happy. It also helps remind the kids (and my husband) where things should be kept!
The kiddos, of course, saw the bright colors and were all “USE THE COLORS!! We love colors!” so naturally, we did. Or I started to, then the kids got so excited they kind of took over the labelmaking process. We had a few containers at home that we chose to repurpose, but I did have to grab some drawer-style units to keep papers and workbooks in.
All of the paper has it’s own place. Plain, lined… and the bottom holds odd sized supplies that don’t always fit other places.
These small bins work great for pencils, erasers, pencil sharpeners, etc. The bonus? They stack really well!
We labelled the bins on the top and the front, so that it’s super easy to tell what you are grabbing and what will be inside.
Changing from one color to another is really simple with the DYMO Embossing Labelmaker that we used- pop the handle open, pull the existing roll out, slip a new one in. Just feed the new color into the guide and you are set to go- close the handle back up and label away! This DYMO label maker really reminds me of the label makers we had when I was growing up (am I showing my age here?)- no bells, no whistles (no batteries!), just a basic tool that does a simple function. Easy to use, easy on the wallet.
I’ve lost the labelmaker to the kids. It’s too fun for them. On the plus side, EVERYTHING in their bedrooms is labelled. Every. Single. Thing. That’s fine, because I have another label maker that I will NOT be sharing with them, but that’s another organizing post for another day! You can grab one for your house at Amazon.com, local office supply stores, or DYMO.com, for under $15!
What do YOU like to use your label maker for?
Thanks to DYMO for sponsoring today’s homework station. Opinions are my own.
Paol Trenny says
This is such a great idea. I seriously need to organize my homework area for my kids. Thanks.
D. Durand Worthey says
We’re gearing up for a kitchen redo and as you’ve shown labeling is the way to go. Nothing saves time and heads off a lot of frustration when trying to locate “that thing” you’re looking for. Great idea. This is my first visit to your wonderful blog and I LIKE IT!
Yona Williams says
I am obsessed with label makers and love the way they make things look neat and organized. I use them on art and craft projects too. I’m so jealous at the colors you have!
Nickida says
I love the idea of a homework station. That way I don’t have to hunt down items for the kids it always in the same place.
HilLesha says
I love this idea! Something like this will help my family stay organized. Thanks for the tip!
Uplifting Families says
I need to set up something like this for my kids. They currently do their homework in their bedrooms. They even have a desk to use but they usually end up sitting in bed.
lisa @bitesforbabies says
I’m a Type A person so I love anything organized! What a great job!
aaronica (the crunchy mommy) says
i don’t have one now (frowny face) but my mom had one when we were growing up and i swear i labelled EVERYTHING!!!
but i need one now so that i can bring order to my work space!
Jeanine says
Oh boy! I need a label maker. I haven’t ever had one but pretty sure I would get great use out of one! I love the homework station! Such a great idea!
Shaney Vijendranath says
Love this post! Hubby and I work from home a lot so the office is in a mess at the moment and my toddler brings all her arts and crafts in the office. Definitely need to get more organized.
Jenni E. {Sweet Pennies from Heaven} says
I love this! We really need a dedicated area like this for a homework station! I think kids would be more motivated and equipped to get their work done.
Lynndee says
I love it when things are organized around the house. And I actually labeled all the boxes of office supplies in our office nook. Things are easier to find when they’re organized and labeled.
Ron says
Awesome! Never thought about creating a homework station! Will definitely follow your idea too!
Dina says
What a great idea. We don’t have a station for homework per say because I watch tv in the living room and it distracts my girl (usually I’m working and watching). So she does it in her room now. lol
Annemarie LeBlanc says
Oh my! I remember this Dymo label maker! My dad made sure all my school stuff was properly labeled. I didn’t know they were still around!
rika says
so neat and organized. I need to start labeling. We put away everything in a big box but hard to find when we need the item
Julie (xfallenmoon) says
I like dymo label maker. I’m also working on a homework station at home with a desk and a family computer.
Dogvills says
You are so organized! Creating a homework station is a good idea. I love how you organized each and every item.
Chubskulit Rose says
Wow, that is super organized. Our dining table serve as the homework statuin for my kids, sometimes it gets messy!
Emily says
What a great organization system! I can see this cutting down on homework distractions because kids won’t have the excuse of being unable to find a certain supply that they need.
Mistee Dawn says
I love my label maker and I may or may not label just about everything in my house. lol
Liz Mays says
The new station looks very organized. Those labels will definitely keep it from becoming too messy.
Jeanette says
This is a really good idea! I just have him do it at the table. This is a way more organized way to doing homework. I am going to try to apply this to our house!
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
I think that is an awesome idea. I really need to set up something like this for my kids.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
This is such a great idea! I know my kids are more than happy to use any excuse they can find for either not having done their homework or not having done it well!
Diana Villa says
You are so talented, I love your idea, as a mom I really need one of those homework stations 😀
Alli says
I love to label things, too. I’m thinking of labeling my pantry shelves so maybe they will stay organized. Love your homework station!
lisa says
I really need to do something like this in my house. We always have homework items like pens and pencils all over. I need to make a neat space for homework to be done well.