35 Genius Back-to-School Dollar Store Hacks

With the first day of school right around the corner, now is a great time to get ahead of the curve and start brainstorming ways to keep chaos at bay. A little bit of pre-planning will go a long way toward keeping things together when the year kicks off. We've put together a list of 35 economical tips and tricks for helping kids (and parents) stay organized amidst the flurry of back-to-school supply runs, morning routines and after-school events. First up: This chic DIY desk organizer made out of PVC pipe and spray paint helps corral small office supplies without sacrificing an ounce of style.

It can be tricky to keep track of tiny essentials like push pins and binder clips. Fortunately, a few sheets of vibrant construction paper and some glue are all it takes to craft these funky trays. Fun and kid-friendly, the “fruits” of this DIY project are an excellent option for containing all those minuscule supplies.

An over-the-door shoe organizer offers an economic solution for clearing up school supply chaos. From pencil pouches to glue sticks, the abundant pockets act as a clutter-catchall. Easy to install, the translucent slots let kids see where everything goes, which can help develop their organizational skills. Get more ideas for teaching kids how to get organized at the link below.

Juggling classwork from multiple subjects can become an organizational nightmare for students and parents alike. Avoid the “out of sight, out of mind” dilemma by rescuing papers from the backpack and placing them on display. Clipboards posted above a desk are a no-fuss way to keep current projects in view and help kids stay up-to-date on their work. Tip: Create a homework tracking system by labeling clipboards “to-do,” “in-progress” and “completed.” For more ideas on organizing schoolwork, follow the link below.