As a mom, the “back-to-school” season feels less like a vacation and more like a second full-time job. The list of to-dos seems to stretch on forever: school supplies, new clothes, doctor’s appointments, and adjusting schedules.
Amidst this whirlwind, the state of our homes can quickly spiral into chaos, adding another layer of stress to an already overflowing plate.
As the owner of Now It’s Clean, I’ve had the privilege of serving thousands of families across the Greater Toronto Area. Every day, I speak with parents who are juggling more than ever before, demanding careers, school drop-offs, sports practices, and the never-ending task of keeping a home in order. I’ve heard it all, and I understand the challenge.
When I started this business, my core mission was simple: to give busy parents, especially moms, the gift of time.
We believe that a clean, organized home isn’t just about appearances; it’s about creating a peaceful sanctuary where you can connect with your family without the constant distraction of a messy house.
That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive back-to-school cleaning checklist. It’s a guide to reclaiming your home, and your sanity, for the year ahead.
Your Ultimate Back-to-School Cleaning Checklist
Ready to tackle the to-do list? Let’s break it down room by room to make the task feel less daunting.
1. The Homework Zone
A clutter-free homework station is a non-negotiable for a productive school year. This space is where your child will spend hours focusing, and a clean environment can make all the difference.
- Before you can organize, you need to declutter. Starting with three simple piles – Keep, Donate, and Toss. It is the perfect first step to creating a clean and productive workspace. Next, give every item in the “Keep” pile a designated home.
- For papers, try the “One-Year Rule”: keep only the current school year’s work and important documents. For old supplies like pens and crayons, have a designated “Broken Bin” to collect items for a final purge.
- Once the desk is clear, give it a thorough wipe-down. At Now It’s Clean, we meticulously choose our products to be safe and effective for family homes.
- Don’t forget to wipe down computer keyboards, mice, and tablets, as these are some of the germiest spots in the house.
2. The Kitchen & Pantry
The kitchen quickly becomes the command center of the home during the school year—the hub for making breakfasts, packing lunches, and a place to decompress after a long day.
Fridge & Pantry Purge
Go through your fridge and pantry and toss out expired condiments, stale snacks, and any leftovers that have been forgotten. A great tip is to create a “Use First” bin in your fridge for items approaching their expiry date.
For the pantry, transfer snacks, cereals, and grains into clear, airtight containers and label them. This not only makes things look tidier but also helps you see exactly what you have at a glance, making grocery shopping and lunch-packing much easier.
Countertop & Appliance Deep Clean
Wipe down all countertops, appliance handles, and sinks.
For a quick microwave clean, place a bowl of water with a few lemon slices inside and microwave for two minutes; the steam will loosen grime, and the lemon will leave a fresh scent.
For the toaster, simply pull out the crumb tray and empty it, then wipe down the exterior. These little things make a huge difference.
3. The Entryway & Mudroom
This is the first and last stop for your kids each day. A messy entryway can set a chaotic tone for the entire morning.
Organize & Contain
Establish a system for backpacks, shoes, and coats. Install a hook for each family member for their backpack and coat.
For shoes, try to implement a one-in, one-out rule: one pair for school, one pair for play. Use a basket or bin to contain all those miscellaneous items like hats, gloves, and scarves, which can easily create clutter.
Finally, set up a small “drop zone” for mail and keys to prevent them from piling up on your kitchen counter.
4. Bedrooms & Closets
The bedroom is your child’s personal space, and a clean room can help them relax and recharge.
Clothes & Toy Overhaul
This is the perfect time to go through last year’s wardrobe. Try the “reverse hanger trick”: turn all the hangers backward on the rod. As your child wears an item, return the hanger facing the correct direction.
At the end of a few weeks, you’ll know exactly what was worn and what can be donated. For toys, try a rotation system. Put half the toys in storage and bring them out every few months. This keeps things fresh, and your child will be excited to play with their “new” toys.
5. Bathrooms
A clean, well-stocked bathroom helps everyone start their day on the right foot.
- Give the bathroom a full scrub-down.
- To prevent soap scum and mildew build-up, teach everyone to use a squeegee on the glass shower door after each use.
- Organize under the sink with small plastic caddies for toiletries.
- Finally, take a moment to declutter the medicine cabinet and discard any expired medications or products.
Read More – Bathroom Cleaning Tips
A Partnership for Peace of Mind
I know looking at this checklist can feel overwhelming. It’s a lot to ask of one person, on top of everything else you manage. That’s where Now It’s Clean comes in.
Our team is dedicated to providing more than just a cleaning service. We’re a partner you can trust. Our staff is meticulously trained, kind, and respectful of your home. We’re experts in deep cleaning and are happy to work around your family and even your pets to ensure you feel completely comfortable. We’ll make sure every job is done to your specific standards, from the dusty corners under the beds to the smudged windows. Our goal is to take on the biggest, most time-consuming tasks so you can get back to what matters most.
We are so proud to be helping families throughout the Toronto area reclaim their time and create a peaceful home environment.
Give yourself the gift of a clean start this school year without having to lift a finger. You deserve it. Contact Now It’s Clean today for a personalized quote.
FAQs
The back-to-school checklist is great, but I just don’t have the time to do it all myself. What’s the solution?
I completely understand that feeling. Our core mission at Now It’s Clean is to give parents back their time. This comprehensive checklist is a great starting point, but we know that life gets in the way. Our team of professionals specializes in handling those deep, time-consuming tasks from sanitizing the homework station to decluttering and organizing the pantry, so you don’t have to. Think of us as your partners in creating a peaceful home, freeing you up to help with homework, pack lunches, and just spend quality time with your family.
I’m worried about having strangers in my home, especially with my kids and pets around. How does your team handle this?
This is one of the most common concerns we hear, and it’s something we take very seriously. Every member of our team is thoroughly vetted, professionally trained, and deeply committed to our mission of providing a kind, caring service. We pride ourselves on being respectful of your family’s space and routine. If you have a family dog, for example, our team is trained to make sure they’re comfortable and safe while we work. We’ve built our reputation on trust and treat your home with the same care and respect we would our own.
Are your cleaning products safe for my children and pets?
Absolutely, we know that families in the Toronto and GTA area have unique needs, and the health of your loved ones is our top priority. We’ve put time, energy, and effort into selecting professional-grade cleaning products that are effective yet gentle and safe for everyone in your household, including children and pets. You can rest easy knowing that your home will be meticulously clean without the use of harsh or harmful chemicals.
The house gets messy again immediately after cleaning. How can I keep it this way once it’s organized for back-to-school?
It’s a common challenge! The key is to establish simple, daily habits, like everyone putting their shoes and backpacks in the entryway bins. However, maintaining that “deep clean” feel can be tough. That’s where we can help. Our ongoing maintenance cleanings are designed to keep your home at a consistent level of freshness, tackling the build-up that happens in high-traffic areas. We can set up a recurring schedule that fits your family’s needs, ensuring your home stays organized and clean all year long.
Is a professional cleaning service really worth the cost for a busy mom like me?
I encourage you to look at it not as a cost, but as an investment in your well-being. Think about the value of your time.
How many hours would you spend on this back-to-school deep clean?
By entrusting Now It’s Clean with these tasks, you’re not just paying for a service; you’re buying back the hours you’d spend scrubbing and organizing. You’re buying the peace of mind that comes from walking into a clean, tidy home and having the energy to enjoy your family. For thousands of families across the GTA, this investment is priceless.