Homeschooling can be such a rewarding experience for both parents and kids—but let’s be honest, it can also get a little chaotic. Between juggling lessons, keeping track of materials, and making sure your kids stay focused, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
When I first started homeschooling, I thought I just needed books and a table. I quickly learned that having the right tools makes a HUGE difference. The right supplies can keep your homeschool organized, help your kids stay engaged, and save you from losing your mind in the middle of math time.
Whether you’re new to homeschooling or you’ve been at it for years, these are my 10 must-have supplies for homeschooling without the chaos—all things I personally use and love.
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1. A Sturdy, Spacious Homeschool Planner
Why you need it: If you’re anything like me, you think you’ll remember everything… until you don’t. A dedicated homeschool planner keeps lesson plans, schedules, and assignments in one place.
How it helps: You can plan out your week, jot down important reminders, track progress, and even note special activities or field trips. I also love adding motivational quotes to keep myself encouraged.
Tip: Look for one that’s undated so you can start any time of the year, and choose one with enough space for multiple kids.
Why you need it: A dry erase board is like your homeschool’s command center. We use ours daily for spelling practice, math problems, and quick lessons that don’t need to be written in a notebook.
How it helps: Visual learners benefit from seeing problems worked out step-by-step, and it’s easy to erase and redo without wasting paper.
Tip: Get a magnetic one so you can stick up flashcards, charts, or daily schedules. And trust me—buy extra markers. Somehow, they always disappear.
Why you need it: Homeschool supplies tend to multiply—books, pencils, craft supplies, binders, you name it. A rolling cart keeps everything in one spot and can easily be moved to wherever you’re working that day.
How it helps: No more running back and forth to grab materials. Everything your kids need for the day can be organized into sections—one shelf for reading, one for math, one for art, etc.
Tip: Go for a sturdy one with deep trays. Bonus points if it has hooks for hanging small baskets or tools.
Why you need it: I never realized how much a laminator would change my homeschool life. Worksheets, flashcards, maps, and charts can be reused over and over once laminated.
How it helps: Saves money and time because you don’t have to reprint things. Kids can use dry erase markers on laminated sheets for practice and wipe them clean afterward.
Tip: Keep extra laminating pouches on hand—you’ll go through them faster than you think.
Why you need it: Wiggly kids often get distracted simply because they’re uncomfortable. Having chairs that are the right size and offer support can help them focus longer.
How it helps: Less fidgeting and fewer “Can I get up?” moments during lessons.
Tip: If your kids are different ages, go for chairs with adjustable height. Pair them with a supportive cushion for extra comfort.
Why you need it: Labeling isn’t just for organizing—it helps your kids learn responsibility for their materials.
How it helps: No more “Mom, where’s my math notebook?” because everything is clearly labeled and has its place. Plus, it makes your homeschool area look tidy and professional.
Tip: Label drawers, shelves, bins, and even chargers. Future you will thank you.
Why you need it: Clutter is the enemy of a peaceful homeschool. Having a place for everything helps you reset your space quickly at the end of the day.
How it helps: Bins keep supplies out of sight when not in use, while magazine holders keep workbooks and papers upright and easy to find.
Tip: Use clear bins so you can see what’s inside, or color-code bins for each child.
Why you need it: If you have more than one child working on different subjects at the same time, background noise can be distracting.
How it helps: One child can focus on reading or a video lesson while the other works on math without getting distracted.
Tip: These are also great for parents if you’re trying to grade work or prepare lessons without interruptions.
Why you need it: Homeschooling isn’t just about academics—it’s also about creativity. Having art supplies ready means you can easily switch gears when your kids need a mental break.
How it helps: Keeps creativity flowing without the “Where’s the glue?” scavenger hunt.
Tip: Stock up on colored paper, scissors, glue sticks, markers, crayons, paint, and a smock or old T-shirt for messy projects.
10. A Reliable Printer (and Plenty of Ink)
Why you need it: You’ll be printing more than you expect—worksheets, coloring pages, unit studies, charts, schedules, and more.
How it helps: Having your own printer means you’re not rushing to the library or office store every time you need something.
Tip: Consider an ink subscription or refillable ink tank system to save money.
How to Keep the Chaos Away (Even With All the Supplies)
Having these 10 supplies will make a huge difference, but here are a few extra tips I’ve learned along the way:
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Declutter weekly – Get rid of broken pencils, dried-out markers, and papers you no longer need.
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Set up a “done” bin – A place where completed work goes so it doesn’t get mixed up with new assignments.
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Involve your kids in cleanup – Part of homeschooling is teaching responsibility.
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Keep a master supply list – I keep a note in my phone of things we run out of so I can restock quickly.
Final Thoughts
Homeschooling without the chaos isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being prepared. When your space is organized and your supplies are ready to go, you’ll spend less time hunting for missing scissors and more time actually teaching and enjoying the process.
Every family’s homeschool looks different, so start with these essentials and adjust as you go. The goal isn’t to recreate a traditional classroom—it’s to create a learning environment that works for your kids and your lifestyle.
If you’re just getting started, don’t feel like you have to buy everything at once. Invest in one or two of these must-haves each month, and soon you’ll have a fully equipped homeschool setup that runs smoothly.
Happy homeschooling—and here’s to a more organized, peaceful learning space!
Leave a comment ❤️
I’d love to hear from you — comments make my day and help other parents too.
Tell me in the comments:
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Which of these 10 must-haves is your absolute can’t-live-without item?
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Do you have a genius organization hack I should try?
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What’s one homeschool supply you wish you discovered sooner?
Drop your thoughts below — I read every comment and usually reply. If this post helped you, pin it on Pinterest or share it with another homeschooling parent who might need fewer chaos-filled mornings.
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Thank you for reading my blog! Stay tuned for more tips, resources, and printable materials to help make your homeschooling experience enjoyable and effective. Check out my store for a variety of educational products and printables to assist you on your homeschooling journey.
~With love,
Nancy at Cleverly Kindred ❤️
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