My sister is the real organizing genius in our family. So today I’m going to show you her brilliant kids’ cubbies solution that I’m kind of jealous of. This is the perfect back-to-school organization entry way hack, as it provides a place for each kid’s backpack, multiple coats, boots, and more! The best part? All you have to do is assemble some IKEA furniture and add some hooks!
Most moms I know would love a fancy entryway or mudroom with cubbies… but the reality is, most houses aren’t built like that. The other reality in my house is that the kids and I mostly come and go through the garage. And I think that’s the case for a lot of families. In my house there just isn’t a good spot to put something like this near the door to the garage. And my number one rule of organizing is:
Store things close to where you will actually use them!
My sister had the same problem, so she set up these awesome entry cubbies in the garage- right next to the door to the house. Since they’re in the garage, they can store roller skates, bike helmets, sports equipment and other outdoor items in the cubbies as well. Of course you could put these inside the house too if you have a spot for them. You could also add some trim to make them look more built-in if you like. Growing family? Add more as you need them!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Narrow IKEA BILLY bookcases– these come in a few different finishes and two different heights.
- 3 metal hooks for each bookshelf
- Storage baskets
- Labels- These are my favorite chalkboard sticker labels. Meg loves her Cricut machine, and used it to make labels. If you want to make your own chalkboard labels check out THIS POST.
And this is so simple that I’m not sure there’s much more to explain! It would probably be helpful to install the hooks before assembling the shelves, though it’s probably possibly to do it afterward. You can adjust the shelves in these units to your liking. 
Check out my other Back-To-School Organization posts:
Create a School-Lunch-Prep Station!
More Back-to-school organization posts coming soon!
Maureen says
August 16, 2018 at 1:25 pmThis is such a cute entry cubbies hack. I was pondering on what to do with the space between the hallway and the garage this morning. This looks good, and it’s up my alley.
Jess says
August 16, 2018 at 5:01 pmThanks Maureen! You should totally do it. Send me a picture if you do!
Kansas Bonanno says
August 16, 2018 at 1:51 pmThese are amazing ideas, I have four little ones and if I don’t try and keep it all sorted we are overtaken with clutter very fast. Now the oldest two are in 1st grade and prek we have even more to keep up with.
Jess says
August 16, 2018 at 5:01 pmThanks Kansas! Sounds like a busy place… that’s why I don’t think I should have more kids… I don’t think I could deal with any more kids’ stuff!
Serena Hale says
August 16, 2018 at 3:41 pmIkea is like one of my favorite stores and one was supposed to open near my job but they pulled out:( I do like the idea of cubbies and putting things close to wear you will actually use them. Great advice.
Jess says
August 16, 2018 at 4:59 pmSo sad! They were going to build one ten minutes from me and then it all fell through. Devastating!
Jeannine D. says
August 17, 2018 at 5:05 amThat is really perfect and well organized. I like this kind of style very cozzy.
Emma Riley says
August 17, 2018 at 5:14 amI am a mother of two kids and I need to sort and clean their things every now and then and this tips is such a great help to be more organized to their things.
Laura says
August 17, 2018 at 8:43 amNow I wish I had an entry ☹️
Ranelle Ivens says
August 17, 2018 at 9:40 amNot only is this idea brilliant but its super cute and organized!
Jess says
August 17, 2018 at 10:15 amThanks Ranelle!
Alexis says
August 17, 2018 at 11:21 amAs a large family Mom, I can totally appreciate this organization idea. I’d love something like this in our garage.
Britney says
August 17, 2018 at 2:34 pmI’ve been meaning to get some IKEA storage cubbies lately to organize for homework and toys! Looks great in your home!
Preet says
August 17, 2018 at 3:50 pmWhat an awesome idea, I have to try this. My kids are so excited for school and being organized could make they feel more excited.
Shandi Dews says
August 17, 2018 at 5:26 pmI love your setup! I wish I had the room for something like that, but I can implement some of the ideas!
Michelle says
August 17, 2018 at 6:29 pmThese are so cute! Makes me wish my kids were young again.
Cecilia Harvard says
August 18, 2018 at 10:58 pmThese are great hacks for back to school!
Corina says
August 19, 2018 at 1:51 amI am in dire need of some of those IKEA life-hacks because I have no more place in my apartment for all the clothes I buy, given that I’m a shopping addict 🙂
Elizabeth O says
August 19, 2018 at 5:17 amI love the idea of a cubby for school items, it is such a great idea and really organised and helpful! Great ideas.