Guide to a back-to-school home

Getting your home in order ahead of time can mean the difference between rushed, improvised, chaotic mornings and well-organised days that start calmly.

Our guide contains useful tips to help you maintain a tidy, efficient, safe, and energy-optimised home during the new school term, all important points that will contribute to a harmonious family routine.

Organised study spaces  

Setting up a dedicated area for studying and homework will lead to better concentration and improved academic performance. Ensure the following conditions when you set up learning areas:

• A quiet spot: Provide exclusive study areas, far from noise and distractions like the television and video games. 
• Proper lighting: Remember the importance of good lighting —providing natural light, if possible. If necessary, add a source of low-consumption white LED light.
• Ergonomic furniture: Having comfortable chairs and a spacious desk at the right height, where all school supplies, books, and materials are within reach, is essential for maintaining good posture. This will also stave off fatigue.
• Organised school supplies: Use boxes, files, and shelves to keep books and school materials tidy, helping to avoid wasting time when searching for something.

Balancing technology and education

Technology is extremely helpful and a useful learning tool if used wisely, but it can also be a distraction. To use devices wisely, it is advisable to set specific times for switching them on and to allocate dedicated periods for study and screen time.

We also recommend activating parental control apps on tablets and mobile devices to limit access to social media and video games during designated hours for school work. Instead of completely restricting their gadget use, you can encourage them to download educational apps, such as Duolingo and Smartick, a or to watch educational TV shows.

Non-screen-based activities during free time or breaks between schoolwork are another way to maintain the right balance between studies and technology. Reading, playing sports, and board games are great options.

Switching off the home WiFi at certain times, such as during homework hours and at bedtime, is another method for controlling online access outside of permitted periods.

Practical, grab-and-go wardrobes for busy mornings

The early morning rush is often part of daily life for many families, especially those with young children. These can be minimised if their wardrobes are well organised in advance, allowing you to find everything you need in the shortest possible time. Here are some tips to streamline school-day mornings:

• Lay out school uniforms and shoes the night before to save time. Keep shoes handy and avoid last-minute searches.
• Use labelled boxes or drawers for socks, belts, ribbons, and other school accessories.
• You can organise clothing by days of the week using separators or sort wardrobes by categories: uniforms, sportswear, and leisure clothes to speed up daily choices.

Healthy eating and weekly planning

In addition to organising clothing, school supplies, and technology schedules, the kitchen and the daily eating habits of the students in your household are also aspects to consider, as they are important for saving time and ensuring a balanced diet.

Good nutrition is crucial for academic performance. That's why planning your weekly menu —for school and home— is a great way to ensure your child eats well.

Make school lunches the previous night. Choose easy-to-make, convenient, and healthy foods such as sliced fruit, nuts, wholemeal sandwiches, low-fat dairy products, juices, and fresh water. Avoid ultra-processed products and added sugars.

If you want to save time when you get home after picking the kids up from school, leave an afternoon snack ready. You can even create a healthy snack area in the fridge to encourage them to go for quick, nutritional options.

Post-holiday home maintenance

Before the new school year kicks off, check that everything at home is working properly, such as the plumbing and electricity (including lighting), the air conditioning, and the gas boiler.

The summer heat can damage materials such as pipes and structural elements of both houses and apartments. If you've been away for a few days or weeks, it's especially important to conduct a thorough inspection of your home to prevent any unpleasant surprises that could disrupt your organisation and the smooth return to school.

• Plumbing (taps, cisterns, and pipework) is crucial and should be checked to prevent leaks through cracks. They may be tiny, but they can easily develop into a major problem.
• LED bulbs and motion sensors will keep your study areas functional when it gets dark, enhance security throughout the home, and reduce energy consumption to save on your electricity bill at the end of the month.
• Ensure the filters of your heating and air conditioning systems are clean to improve their performance and energy efficiency. Make sure to test your home's systems when you get back from holiday. This is especially important if you were gone for a long time, as it ensures everything is working properly.
• Just like heating and air conditioning systems, gas boilers should also undergo preventive maintenance and a comprehensive inspection after the summer holiday. Endesa's comprehensive gas maintenance service offers an initial diagnosis and an annual review of your gas installation and heating system. It also includes repairs for any faults, so your home is always in top condition.
• You will also have access to urgent technical assistance and repairs from Endesa’s network of qualified technicians, who are available 24/7 to ensure your home's safety and energy efficiency.
• Additionally, you can also get a 10% discount during your first year, with a monthly subscription of just €11.55 (VAT included). Find out more about this Endesa service:

Save electricity during the school term

The back-to-school season is also a good time to improve your home's energy consumption and make adjustments that will help you save more on your electricity bill all year long, not just during the school year. Simple habits, such as using natural light for study and turning off lights and appliances when not in use, can make your home more cost-effective. By educating your children to also turn off taps and lights when leaving a room and unplug chargers when not in use),you will see even greater savings. 

Additional energy-saving measures include setting the immersion heater to run only during off-peak hours and maintaining an ideal temperature of 21°C in winter and 25°C in summer. You can also benefit from the time-of-use tariffs available with Endesa electricity plans.

Checklist to stick on the fridge

To avoid forgetting things and make your morning routine run smoothly, create a to-do list or step-by-step plan. This can be a huge help  in the early hours of the day, when you're battling against sleep or a lack of motivation. Print out this checklist and place it somewhere visible, like on the fridge:

• Backpack packed with books and school supplies (prepared the night before).
• Lunch ready and stored in the fridge.
• Healthy breakfast served at the table.
• Clothes and shoes chosen and ready to wear.
• A filled water bottle and a lunchbox or Tupperware container for bringing food.
• Check the school timetable (arrival and departure times).

The start of the school year is a perfect time to reorganise spaces, optimise resources, and foster healthy and responsible habits. Follow these tips and your home —and you— will be ready for a safe, efficient return to school. A proper plan is a win-win: it will not only help to reduce morning stress and ensure a punctual departure without forgetting anything but it will also improve safety and save energy.