Tools and tips to help your teen get organized

Do you have a middle school or high school teen who’s very disorganized? Learn tips and tools to help your teen, like how to color-code their belongings, organize their locker, and declutter their room.

Overview

Added

March 8, 2026

Audience

parent

Grade range

Grade 9 (Freshman)–Grade 12 (Senior)

Page kind

Article

Introduction

Organization Strategies for Teens

  • Planners: Use physical planners (weekly/monthly views) or digital calendar apps with reminder notifications to track assignments, deadlines, and social schedules.
  • Backpack Management: Utilize multi-compartment backpacks to separate books, notebooks, and personal items; use a checklist to ensure all necessary supplies are packed.
  • Time Management: Use watches, smartphone timer apps, or physical timers to help teens budget time for specific tasks and improve time-estimation skills.
  • Color-Coding: Assign specific colors to individual school subjects (matching textbooks) or family members to visually organize belongings, gear, and household items.
  • Decluttering Tools: Use office supplies like accordion files for small items, binder clips/folders for papers, and pencil boxes for writing utensils to maintain order.
  • Locker Organization: Create a system using shelves and a "map" of where items belong; schedule regular cleanup days to prevent clutter.
  • Implementation Advice: Start with small changes, be patient as teens develop these skills, and consider assistive technology if needed.

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