Getting ready for a new school year usually means checking uniforms, buying stationery and making sure school shoes still fit. But have you thought about your child's bedroom? Your child will spend a lot of time there over the coming months, not only sleeping but possibly reading, doing homework and relaxing after school. Taking a fresh look at the room before term starts can help you create a space that works better for their new routine.

Check whether your child has outgrown their bed

Start with your child's bed. Children grow surprisingly quickly, and a bed that was comfortable last September may feel much smaller a year later. Check whether your child still has plenty of room to stretch out and whether the bed suits their age. If they're approaching the point where a toddler or shorty bed feels too small, you might want to consider moving them into a standard single bed 

Give the bedroom a proper clear-out

Before you start looking for more storage, work out what actually needs to stay in the bedroom. Go through clothes with your child and remove anything they've outgrown. You can do the same with old toys, books and games. If your child hasn't used something for a long time, ask whether it still needs to take up valuable bedroom space. Once you've finished, you'll have a clearer picture of how much storage you really need for the new school year.

Find a home for school essentials

If you don't decide where school bags, PE kits, books and stationery belong, there's a good chance they'll end up on the floor, the bed or the nearest chair. Try to give the things your child uses every day an easily accessible home. Storage beds can prove particularly useful when you have a smaller bedroom because they make use of space that the bed already occupies.

Depending on the design you choose, you can find children's beds with drawers, shelves and cupboards. Cabin beds and captain beds are also worth considering if you'd like to add storage without filling the room with additional furniture.

Create a practical homework area

Your child's homework needs are likely to change as they move through school. A younger child may only need somewhere to read or complete a short worksheet, while an older child might regularly use books, a laptop and other equipment. If you have enough room, you can create a dedicated study area with a desk. Try to leave enough clear surface for your child to work comfortably rather than filling every part of it with storage.

If floor space is limited, consider whether a mid sleeper or high sleeper could work in your child's room. Some designs combine the bed with a desk and storage underneath, helping you use the same area for several purposes.

Check the bedroom lighting

Your child needs suitable lighting for different parts of their routine. Natural daylight can make a good study area during the day, while a desk lamp provides more focused light when they're reading or writing. You may also want a bedside light if your child likes to read before going to sleep.

If your child uses a computer for homework, check where the screen sits in relation to the window. A small change in position can reduce glare and make the workspace more comfortable.

Get ready for school-night bedtimes

During the summer holidays, your child's bedtime may be later than usual. Returning immediately to an earlier bedtime the night before school starts isn't always easy. You can make the change less abrupt by gradually moving bedtime back towards its usual school night time before term begins.

Check the mattress and bedding

While you're looking at the bed, check the mattress as well. You don't need to replace it simply because a new school year has arrived, but make sure your child still finds it comfortable and look for obvious signs of wear or sagging.

If you're buying a new bed, check which mattress size it requires. You should also follow the manufacturer's mattress depth guidance for raised and bunk beds. This is also a convenient time to wash bedding and check whether duvets, sheets and pillows need replacing.

Organise the room for easier mornings

Think about what happens in your house on a typical school morning. If your child regularly struggles to find socks, their PE kit or their school bag, a little organisation could save you both time. Keep school clothes and frequently used belongings where your child can easily reach them. You can use less accessible storage for seasonal clothing, spare bedding and belongings they don't need every day.

The aim isn't to create a perfectly tidy bedroom. It's to make sure your child knows where the important things belong and can find them when they're rushing to get ready.

Think beyond this school year

If you're buying new bedroom furniture, try not to base your decision solely on what your child needs this September. Think about how those needs could change over the next few years.

At Children's Bed Shop, we offer toddler beds and single beds alongside cabin beds, captain beds, bunk beds, mid sleepers, high sleepers and beds with storage or desks. You can therefore look for a bed that suits the space you have now while considering how your child's bedroom may need to work as they get older.

You don't have to completely redecorate your child's bedroom every September. By checking their bed, clearing unnecessary clutter, organising school belongings and giving them suitable places to sleep and study, you can get their room ready for the school year without turning it into a major project.