How to set up a go zone to get the kids out of the house faster

"It's not just for school kids. Parents with babies and even adults need an assigned space, to help get out of the house with minimal stress."

Julie Whiting

3 min read

January 11, 2024 - 11:46AM

Lifestyle

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Julie is a Professional Organiser and a mum. She shares a step-by-step guide on how to set up a Go Zone at your home to get out the door with less stress.

One of the most important parts of a parent’s routine is getting the kids out the door as smoothly as possible. Many a departure has been delayed in the mad hunt for socks, shoes, backpacks and school forms. These items always seem to be strewn throughout the house at the crucial moment of leaving.

One of my New Year’s resolutions was to get some good systems in place to reduce the stress on school mornings and other appointments. So I set up a Go Zone in the form of a bookcase-style unit containing all the essentials for a smooth exit.

The Go Zone lives near the front door and is like a set of starting blocks. Once you have corralled the children there, the chance of them leaking back into the far recesses of the house is minimised. They are strapping on bags and boots and out the door in no time.

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Back to school organisation: How to set up a go zone. Image: Supplied

How to set up a Go Zone

What do I include?

Go Zones contain all the necessities.

School bags
Activity bags (swimming, scouts, playdate etc)
Jackets
Sunhats/beanies
Shoes and socks

Each child gets a hook for their bag and maybe a shelf, a shoe tub and even a document tray for school forms and homework.

There may also be a communal section for shared things like sunscreen and umbrellas. I have seen some zones that incorporate a bench or a couple of chairs for lacing up shoes.

Chore charts, calendars and reminders can give the Go Zone a command centre vibe. Personally, I prefer to keep those things in the kitchen for easy reference. Having said that, a blackboard with a word of the day or inspirational quote can be a nice touch.

Car keys and wallets are a debatable inclusion because they may make it easy for an intruder to snatch and run. However, I am prepared to take the risk. I love giving the car keys a designated spot so they are less likely to be absentmindedly left lying around.

Do you have a spot for keys. Image: Supplied

Dumping ground or departure lounge?

Some call this sacred space a mud room, and if you have the luxury of an entire room, you can really get creative. Garages and dead spaces under the stairs will do the job well. Others call it a Bag Station or a Command Centre.

It is also commonly known as a Drop Zone, where shoes and bags are dropped on entry. I prefer Go Zone because I want less dumping ground and more quick departure.

We particularly enjoy the baskets for "stuff" and "more stuff". Source: Nikky Connell.

Where do I start?

Have a think about what you walk in and out of the house with. You can begin by assigning a chair to each family member to accommodate the basics. Then look up Drop Zone on Pinterest for different ideas and suppliers, to see what will work for your family.

IKEA and Kmart are good resources, as well as the more luxe storage shops. You can choose between functional plastic tubs, cosy woven baskets and even cool industrial lockers. Customised labels, colour-coding for each kid and a few plants on top will style your Go Zone into something special.

The Go Zone is a crucial element in an organised home, but it doesn’t run itself.

You need to set aside a few minutes in the afternoon or before bed, to make sure it’s in shape for tomorrow.

Bags need to be emptied. Water bottles need to be washed and refilled. Signed forms, clean socks, and shoes that made their way in, must all be marched back to the Go Zone. The kids can definitely help with this, instilling good organisation habits early on.

The Zone will need regular re-evaluation. If there are gaping holes in the system, or if items are lingering longer than they should, revise accordingly. Any kids entering the house and leaving wet swimming towels or collections of pet rocks here can expect a stern talking-to.

The Go Zone is not exclusively for kids

Parents with babies will know the effort involved in leaving home with an arsenal of equipment so large, that it’s easy to forget bubs.

Even adults need an assigned Go Zone space, to put things like sunglasses and shopping bags. I have also indulged in a spare nook for items I need to return. Library books, the jacket someone left in my car last week, the salad bowl mum forgot at my barbecue and the magazine I have been meaning to loan my friend. It’s all at the door ready to go.

My friend’s Go Zone even has a nook for her dog, including leash, poo bags and car blanket. Cos why should Rover miss out?

Julie is a Professional Organiser and the founder of The Decluttering Co. You can also follow her on Facebook.