Like it or not, the summer is coming to an end and preparations are beginning for heading back to school. One of the most important things you can do to prepare your kids is to give them a place to put their things when they arrive home at the end of each day.

A Backpack Landing Station is a great way to keep backpacks, papers, homework and other school items all in one spot and easy to find. The Landing Station is simply one area where kids can pack or unpack their bags, put away their papers and keep track of their school belongs. Establish a routine with your children from the first day of school to walk in the door and unpack their bags. The morning routine is also simplified because everything will be at the Backpack Station and ready to pack.

Here are four essential components for a Backpack Station:

1. A simple hook to hang a backpack. The 3M hooks are easy to mount and work well. Place the hook on the wall next to the backpack station or mount directly on the side of the table or station.
2. Table or surface for papers, lunchboxes, library books and other items.
3. Bin for lunchboxes and books.
4. Magazine file for papers and homework. Putting the school papers in a magazine file makes it easy for kids and parents. Parents can quickly scan to see if anything needs to be filled out and returned and they can keep and eye out for homework. Kids have a place to put their homework and paperwork when it is complete so that they can pack it the next morning.

Kristin Lindstrom is a Professional Organizer and Blogger. Her blog, the Imperfect Home is all about inspiration for organizing life, home and family.