Back-to-school season is one of the biggest opportunities of the year for makers—but it can also be one of the most overwhelming.

Between product prep, custom order deadlines, and the back-to-school shuffle at home, it’s easy to feel like you’re already behind before August even begins.

If you want to make the most of this season without drowning in to-do lists, here are five ways to get organized now—so you can sell smarter and stay sane.

1. Clear Your Workspace & Inventory

There’s nothing like a cluttered workspace to slow you down during a busy season. This is the time to:

• Reorganize your blank stock and supplies

• Clear off your work surfaces

• Take inventory of popular materials (acrylic, tumblers, packaging)

Bonus Tip: Pre-label or prep packaging supplies now so you’re not scrambling during a rush!

Example: If you plan to sell 20 personalized acrylic backpack tags, check now if you have enough 1/8" pastel acrylic sheets and keychain hardware. If not, order before you’re slammed.
Bonus: Pre-cut common shapes like apples, pencils, or circles in batches so you can assemble quickly during order surges.

2. Create a Back-to-School Product Plan

Don’t wait until orders roll in to figure out what you’re making.

Instead, plan:

• Your top 3 back-to-school product listings

• Personalization options (keep it simple!)

• The materials and blanks you’ll need for each

Have a few products that are fast, easy wins? Start with those!

 Example:

• Product 1: Teacher name sign with ruler detail (uses 1/4" maple & whiteboard acrylic)

• Product 2: Student bag tags with icons (laser-cut acrylic, printed name)

• Product 3: Classroom reward tokens (engraved MDF with icons for “great listener,” “line leader,” etc.)

Planning these in advance means you can prep files, materials, and even promo images before launch day.

3. Set Realistic Deadlines & Boundaries

It’s easy to say yes to every order—but burnout isn’t cute.

Make sure you:

• Set a firm cutoff date for back-to-school orders

• Schedule in breaks and family time

• Automate common replies (like order status or pickup instructions)

Remember: organized businesses protect their time.

Example:

• Set your last day for back-to-school orders to August 5th for shipped items

• Use an Instagram story highlight with FAQs (turnaround time, personalization options, pickup instructions)

• Try this auto-reply: “Hey there! My current turnaround time is 5–7 days. For rush orders, message me before checking out!”

Boundaries = fewer stressed messages at 11PM.

4. Batch Your Social Media Content

Want to avoid that 10pm panic post? Batch your content now while your head is clear:

• Take photos and videos of each product

• Create a few Reels drafts and story templates

• Write 5-10 captions in advance

Social media doesn’t have to be perfect to work—it just needs to be consistent.

Example: 

• Photo carousel: 3 best-sellers with prices

• Caption: “Which tag would your kid love most? ✏️🍎📚 Comment below!”

• Story idea: Behind-the-scenes of your laser running on fast-forward mode

Even just 3 days of planned content can help you show up consistently without scrambling.

5. Build a Quick Promo Calendar...or use ours!

Even a simple plan can keep you focused. Mark your calendar with:

• Launch days for specific products

• Giveaway or collab opportunities

• A reminder to send an email to your list (or start one!)

Having a rough outline will help you stay visible without being glued to your phone.

Sample back-to-school mini calendar:

• July 28 – Product preview

• August 1 – Launch day!

• August 3 – “Last chance to order for delivery” post

• August 5 – Local pickup only

• August 7 – Showcase teacher gift ideas for late orders

You don’t need a massive strategy. Just a plan that keeps your audience engaged and informed.

Final Thoughts

Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean burnout. A little planning now can lead to smoother days, stronger sales, and more time doing what you love.

Coming up next: I’ll be sharing 10 product ideas that are perfect for back-to-school season—including easy, profitable options you can list this week.

Stay tuned!