Back to School Sunday Reset: Simple Steps for a Successful Week

There’s something about Sunday evenings this time of year—the air feels just a little different. Backpacks are packed, lunchboxes are clean, and everyone’s mind is on the week ahead. That’s where our Back to School Sunday Reset comes in.
It’s a rhythm that helps our home feel calm, organized, and ready to tackle the school week with as little stress as possible.

If you’ve been looking for ways to bring more peace and productivity into your family’s routine, these tips will help you create a Sunday reset you’ll actually look forward to.

7 Sunday Reset Tips You Will Want to Try

Our 1. Reset the Spaces That Matter Most

Before the week begins, I focus on the “high-traffic” areas:

+ Kitchen counters +

Wipe down (we use our fav thieves), declutter, and make sure lunch prep stations are ready.

+ Entryway +

Shoes lined up, backpacks by the door, jackets hung.

+ Homework zone +

Restock pencils, charge tablets (if needed), and clear off the space.

Amazon Favorites:
I love this clear acrylic organizer for school supplies and this rolling cart that can move between rooms for homework time.

2. Lay Out Outfits for the Week

One of the biggest Monday morning stressors? Last-minute outfit scrambling.
We use labeled bins or hanging organizers for Monday through Friday outfits so the kids can grab and go. This simple switch has been a game-changer.

Trending tip: Let your kids help pick their outfits on Sunday to avoid mid-week meltdowns.

3. Meal Prep Made Simple

We’re not talking about a full “Pinterest-level” spread—just a few basics to make mornings and evenings smoother:

+ Cut up fruits and veggies for lunchboxes +

+ Portion out snacks into grab-and-go containers +

+ Pre-cook breakfast options like egg muffins or overnight oats +

Mom Hack: freeze coffee in fun ice cubes and pour over your favorite cold brew for a quick morning treat!

4. Restock and Refresh Backpacks

Every Sunday, we do a quick backpack reset:

+ Check for papers to sign +

+ Restock pencils, erasers, and supplies +

+ Replace water bottles with fresh, clean ones +

Hack: Keep a “Backpack Restock Basket” with extra supplies.

5. Plan the Calendar Together

Sunday night, we gather as a family to look over the week:

+ Sports practices and games +

+ School events or projects +

+ Family commitments +

We use the Skylight calendar in the kitchen so everyone knows what’s happening.

6. Set the Tone for the Week

Part of our Back to School Sunday Reset is about energy, not just organization.
We dim the lights, diffuse a calming essential oil blend (lavender creme), and have a “family wind-down hour” before bedtime.

This helps everyone transition out of weekend mode and into a school-week mindset.

7. Don’t Forget Self-Care

Parents—you matter in this reset, too.
Take 20–30 minutes for something that fills you up before the week begins:

+ A quick workout or walk +

+ Reading a chapter of your book +

+ Journaling your weekly intentions +

You’ll be amazed how this small step can shift your whole week.

Why a Back to School Sunday Reset Works

It’s more than cleaning or prepping—it’s about creating a rhythm that keeps stress low and joy high during a busy season.
When Monday morning comes, we’re not scrambling—we’re ready. And that’s a gift to everyone in the house.

 What’s one thing you always include in your Sunday reset? Comment below—I’d love to add your ideas to our list!