35+ Must Build - Back to School Projects

Get Ready for Back 2 School: Organization Solutions for a Smooth Start

Summer is winding down, and it's that time of year again—back to school! Going from lazy summer days to the hustle and bustle of the school year can be a challenge. 

Base Steps to Get Organized for Back To School

  1. Designate a School or Homework Space - Set up a dedicated space where kids can do their homework. It should be quiet, well-lit, and stocked with all the necessary supplies like pencils, paper, and a calculator.

  2. Create a Family Calendar - Keep track of everyone's schedules with a central family calendar. This can include school events, extracurricular activities, and important deadlines. Digital calendars work great, but a big wall calendar in the kitchen can be a handy visual reminder.

  3. Organize School Supplies - Sort and store school supplies in labeled bins or drawers. This makes it easy for kids to find what they need and helps keep clutter at bay.  I am personally dreading this task...

  4. Get Clothes Organized and Plan Outfits the Night Before - Avoid the morning rush by planning outfits for the week. You can use a simple hanging organizer in the closet to lay out clothes for each day.  Helpful with this step is having closets and dressers organized and in order. 

  5. Create a Backpack Drop Zone: Establish a designated area near the entrance where kids can place their backpacks, shoes, and coats as soon as they come home. This helps keep the rest of the house tidy and ensures that school items are easy to find the next morning.

 

Back 2 School Plans and DIYs to Tackle

Here are the top 35 + must make DIY back to school projects, to help you and your children be more successful this school year!


 

 


1. Wall Cubby for School Supplies

cubby organizer shelf

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material

These cubbies are super easy to build using just 1x2's and 1x3's, and just 2 tools! We love that they help keep surfaces picked up and clean and look great on the wall or on a desktop. Build a drop zone for school and art supplies, easy for kids to keep their space neat and tidy! Reader submitted photo. 

 

 


 


 

 


2. Hanging Shelf for Backpacks and Folders

hanging shelf for backpacks and folders

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x and 2x material, hooks

Check your scrap pile for this simple woodworking project, great for beginners and a great way to have a specific place to hang backpacks and store homework, books and folders. This wall shelf with backpack hooks make it easy to grab school stuff before heading out the door.  We also love this in the kids room for homeschool. This plan is easy to modify to fit your specific needs, add hooks, make wider, add an upper shelf, stain or paint!

 

 


 


 

 


3. Storage Desktop with Base Options

diy storage desktop

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner  
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Nailer, Kreg Jig, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, project panels, hinges

Whether homeschooling or full time back to school, either way the kids need a place to be able to study and/or do homework. This simple storage desk keeps everything tidy with it's flip top storage design. Choose the base to go with this storage desktop, we have you covered with our free plans, for multiple options! 

MORE FREE DESK PLANS

 

 


 


 

 


4. Desktop Organizer

diy desktop organizer

Image Credit: Jaime Costiglio

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Nailer, Hole Saw or Spade Bit, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, 1/4" plywood scraps

Using all 1 x boards, build a nice little desk organizer! Perfect for office supplies or change it up and use it for cosmetics, mail sorting - anywhere you need a little more desktop organization. This is a great option if you have a desk with no drawer. If you are looking to clean up your existing desktop, this is a great option to create more organization inexpensively and easily!

 

 


 


 

 


5. Stack and Store Desks

stack and store floor desk

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Jig Saw, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material

This space saving, stackable storage desk, is a beginner friendly woodworking project! It stacks and stores school supplies and books. Flip and use as a lap desk.

Whether you are homeschooling or going to school full time, these are a great option, they can be brought out while doing school work and easily stored away when not in use.

 

 


 


 

 


6. Library Cart

diy library cart

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner  
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Nailer, Kreg Jig, Sander, Safety Glasses, Casters
Materials: 1x material, casters

We love this DIY Library Cart! This isn't just for books, though it will hold many... Store art supplies, papers, pencils, homework, add hooks for backpacks, mirrors... Add casters for easy accessibility and putting away when not in use. Check out our free plans.

 

 


 


 

 


7. Flip Down Storage Desk for Small Spaces

flip down storage desk

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, 3/4" plywood, hinges, 3D ring hangers, chain

Don't have room for a full sized desk? A fold down murphy desk may be the answer! Using standards tools and minimal lumber, build it easily and inexpensively. Love the added storage on this flip down desk, to keep all those school and homework supplies in one place! Reader submitted photo. 

 

 


 


 

 


8. Family Command Center

diy family command center

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner  
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Nailer, Kreg Jig, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x matierial, galvanized pipe and fittings, S hooks, wire baskets

Consider a family command center with chalkboard, backpack and folder organization, using few tools and materials. A DIY command center is a great way to keep track of multiple activities, as well as having a dedicated spot for everybody in the family to communicate daily and weekly activities, all in one place. A command center can be custom built to fit your space and need. Using our Gabriel Wall System plan, this builder easily added some framed chalkboards to complete the functionality of THIS family command center!  

 

 


 


 

 


9. Sitting or Standing Desk

diy sitting or standing desk

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Nailer, Kreg Jig, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material

Whether you prefer to sit or stand at your desk, this DIY woodworking plan is for you! Another easily customizable project that is beginner friendly, using just a few tools. This is a great option for the whole family, and could be used just about anywhere in the house, whether it be office work or schoolwork. This desk system would look great stained or painted, and it packs tons of storage, we love it, especially the option to make it a standing desk!

 

 


 


 

 


10. Kids Storage Bookshelf

kids storage bookshelf

Image Credit: Shanty 2 Chic

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Jig Saw, Nailer, Kreg Jig, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, 1/4" and 3/4" plywood

This DIY Storage Bookshelf is an easy build that can store anything from books, to toys, to school supplies! Another beginner friendly woodworking project and our step by step plans make it even easier to build. Another shelf project that is easy to modify to desired size, or build TWO if it suits your needs! 

 

 


 


 

 


11. Hidden Desk Apothecary Cabinet

https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/hidden-desk-apothecary-cabinet

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Intermediate 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Nailer, Kreg Jig, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x and 2x material, 3/4" and 1/4" playwood, drawer pulls

This cabinet desk looks great in a main area of the house, and works well for homeschooling and tucking it all away when the kids are done for the day! The apothecary style and design conceals that it's a desk at all. Would make a great homework station too. 

 

 


 


 

 


12. Small Locker Cabinet

small locker cabinet plan

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, 1/4" plywood

A small locker cabinet ideal for helping children organize and hang their own belongings. This small locker is ideal for backpacks, jackets, lunch boxes and shoes! Think of it as a back to school all-in-one drop zone.

 

 


 


 

 


13. Leaning Hall Tree

leaning hall tree

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 2x material

Low on space? A leaning hall tree will keep the kids organized before and after school! This is an easy build and will work well in rentals, since it's doesn't require attaching anything to the wall. This exact unit has been used for 2 school years now and still going strong!

MORE FREE MUDROOM AND HALL TREE PLANS

 

 


 


 

 


14. 2x4 Hall Tree

2x4 diy hall tree

Image Credit: Always Making

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Kreg Jig, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 2x material, hooks

Sometimes you just need a quick and easy spot to hang things and sit to take off your shoes. A hall tree is a great option to keep things organized and easy to use! This easy to build 2x4 hall tree has lots of hooks and a sturdy bench, perfect for the garage or entryway.

 

 


 


 

 


15. Wall Locker and Bench

diy locker on bench

Image Credit: Shanty 2 Chic

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials:  1x and 2x material, project panel, 1/4" plywood, hooks

Add lockers to an existing bench or build this entire unit! I love that it doesn't take up much space and it's easy to clean under as well as add extra storage. 

 

 


 


 

 


16. Mobile Mud Rack

mobile mud rack diy

Image Credit: WorleyFab

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Nailer, Kreg Jig, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1/4" and 3/4" plywood, casters, hooks

This flexible design could be used at home in the entryway or garage. It's easy to move as needed. It would make a great addition to in home daycare as well!

 

 


 


 

 


17. Wall Cubby Organizer

wood wall cubby organizer

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner  
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Nailer Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, 1/4" plywood

A cubby wall shelf is great for organizing smaller items. Things like gloves, hats, sunglasses, and keys. Think about adding hooks to each end for backpacks to hang!

 

 


 


 

 


18. School House Desk

diy schoolhouse desk

Image Credit: Jaime Costiglio

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Nailer, Kreg Jig, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x and 2x material, L brackets

This plan is so fun for younger children to experience "school time" if they are schooling from home or working on a project! It doesn't take up much space and stores books or art on the bottom shelf. 

 

 


 


 

 


19. Kids Table and Chairs

small table and chairs diy

Image Credit:  JJUNGE08 

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Kreg Jig, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x and 2x material

These little table and chairs are perfect for little learners. Give them a space of their own to work and be creative!

 

 


 


 

 


20. Floating Shelf Hidden Closet

floating shelf closet

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses, Stud Finder
Materials: 1x material, dowels

You may be asking how this has anything to do with going back to school. Help the kids be more efficient with their morning routine by encouraging them to lay out their clothes the night before. This is an easy and quick solution that looks great and is easy to modify!

 

 


 


 

 


21. Wall Mounted Clothing Rack

diy clothes rack

Image Credit: Sammy on State

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner  
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses, Stud Finder
Materials: 1x material , galvanized pipe and fittings

Just another great option for laying out school clothes the night before! If you love more of the industrial look, this is it.

 

 


 


 

 


22. Simple Vanity with Storage

simple make up vanity with mirror

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner  
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Nailer, Kreg Kig, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1 x material

Speaking of getting ready in the morning, it doesn't make sense to tie up the bathroom if you're not showering or using the "bathroom". Create another space for the kids to do hair and make-up! When you have mulitple kids and one bathroom, this one can be a life saver.

 

 


 


 

 


23. Full Length Sliding Mirror with Storage

sliding mirror cabinet

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Nailer, Kreg Jig, Sander, Safety Glasses, Stud Finder
Materials: 1x material, drawer slides, mirror

Here's another great option for kids to get ready in the morning. This can be in their own bedroom with all of their daily routine items. Less mess and more organized, yes please!

 

 


 


 

 


24. Clothespin Art Display

clothespin art display

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Sander, Safety Glasses, Stud Finder
Materials: 1x material, clothespins, glue

This is an easy and inexpensive way to display the kids art work and then just switch out as more comes in! 

 

 


 


 

 


25. Easy Change Artwork Frame

kids art frame

Image Credit: A Beautiful Mess

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: square dowels, small metal hinges, picture frame, magnets, foamcore board, canvas hangers

Another option for displaying kids artwork or achievements is with this diy easy change frame! Not only will the kids love seeing their work displayed, this will add a sweet touch to any room in the house. 

 

 


 


 

 


26. Paper or Homework Organizer

paper organizer

Image Credit: IHeart Organizing

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, label holders

A place for paper and homework is a must! This organizer makes it easy to keep the kids work seperate and easy to access. 

 

 


 


 

 


27. Snack Stand

diy snack stand

Image Credit: 100 Things to Do

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x and 2x material, 1/4" plywood for bottoms

Whether you pack school lunches or not, having handy and healthy snacks is a must for kids on the go! This is a great way to see what you have and when it's time to refill. A snack stand is easily accessible so the kids can help pack their own lunches or help themselves to an after school snack. 

 

 


 


 

 


28. Drawer Organizer

drawer organizer

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Scissors, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 3/8" material, mounting tape, 3/8" plastic c-channel

Give the kids a "school drawer" at home. This simple drawer organizer method is a game changer. Oraganize any drawer in your home. From Chromebooks, to chargers and notebooks, keep it neat and tidy for howework clean up!

 

 


 


 

 


29. Ziploc Bag Organizer

ziplop in drawer organizer

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Nailer, Jig Saw, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, 1/4" plywood

Chances are if you are packing school lunches everyday, you're using some ziploc bags. This organizer keeps every size handy and neat! A simple organizer like this can be a big time saver and make the daily process of packing school lunches that much easier.

 

 


 


 

 


30. Adjustable Desktop Organizer

desktop organizer

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material

Build a simple desktop organizer to stay organized, this plan is easy to customize and is adjustable. 

 

 


 


 

 


31. Peg Board Organizer

peg board organizer

Image Credit: Ryobi Tools

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Forstner Bit, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: Plywood and wood dowels

Here's a fun way to add some organization to any room of the house. Paint it and customize it to fit your style!

 

 


 


 

 


32. Backpack Storage Organizer

backpack organizer

Image Credit: Her Toolbelt

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner  
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Nailer, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material and lath, hook, clips

This backpack organizer incorporates everything you'll need to stay organized. From a place to clip the monthly calendar to daily and weekly papers, plus a place to hang their backpack!

 

 


 


 

 


33. Family Command Center

diy family command center

Image Credit: Kreg Tool

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Kreg Jig, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, mdf board, cork board tiles, wood dowel, dry erase board

Keep the family organized with a command center. This design includes everything you need to keep the entire family informed of important dates and daily activities!

 

 


 


 

 


34. Computer Stand with Storage

computer riser

Image Credit: The Handyman's Daughter

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Kreg Jig, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material

Here's a perfect addition to the homework station to keep everything neat, tidy and tucked away!

 

 


 


 

 


35. Device Charging Station

diy device charging station

Image Credit: Tidbits

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Kreg Jig, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, magnetic catch, pull, hinges

Add a central place for phones and devices to be charged and left at the end of the day. Here's an easy beginner friendly plan that looks great too!

 

 


 


 

 


36. Wall Mounted Charging Station

wall mounted charging station

Image Credit: Houseful of Handmade

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner  
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Kreg Jig, Nailer, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, plywood, wood dowel, hinges

If you need more charging options to include headphones, tablets and phones, this is it! Perfect for a homework or study station. 


 

 


37. U Shaped Desk for Homeschool, Preschool and More

 

u shaped desk

Image Credit: Jeff McClure on Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level:  Intermediate 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Brad Nailer, Miter Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 2x4, 2x2, 1x3, 1x10

This U Shaped desk seats 6-7 kids, promoting learning and teaching for students and instructors.  We made it easy to build using standard lumber, it's also easy to customize in size, finish and details.  Free plans from Ana-White.com

 

 


 


 

 


38. Three Month Rotating Wall Calendar Shelf

rotating wall calendar shelf diy

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material 

The must make calendar project for organized households, this shelf is designed to three fit standard 14" x 14" dry erase calendars, so you can stay organized three months out!  Rotate calendars upward as months pass, for easy transitioning between months.

 

 


 

35+ Must Build - Back to School Projects