Back to School Parking Tips: Making the School Run Less Stressful

September brings the usual back-to-school buzz: new uniforms, fresh routines, and, of course, the return of the school run. For many parents, that also means dealing with crowded streets, parking chaos, and the morning rush outside school gates.

But with a little preparation, you can take the edge off. Here are some practical tips to make parking at drop-off and pick-up less stressful this term.

1. Give Yourself Extra Time

It sounds simple, but those extra 10–15 minutes can make all the difference. Roads are always busier once term begins, and circling for a space can quickly add pressure. Leaving earlier helps you avoid the last-minute panic and helps you get back into the school routine this September.

2. Book Your Parking Space In Advance

One of the biggest frustrations parents face is unpredictability. You never quite know if the street by school will be packed, or if you’ll spend 15 minutes circling in vain.

With JustPark, you don’t have to gamble. You can:

• Reserve a space before you leave home — no need to rush out early just to “beat the crowd.”
• Choose from driveways and private car parks near schools that aren’t available through traditional on-street parking.
• Save time and reduce stress by heading straight to your guaranteed spot.

Pro tip: Many parents set up rolling monthly bookings on JustPark during term time so they never have to think about parking again. It’s one less moving part in an already hectic morning.

3. Park and Stride

If the school gates are gridlocked, think about parking a little further away in a side street and walking the last stretch. It often saves time, reduces congestion right outside the school, and gives kids a chance to stretch their legs before class.

4. Team Up with Other Parents

Carpooling is a win-win: fewer cars mean less chaos, and you can share the stress (and the cost) of commuting. Rotate who’s on driving duty each day, and you’ll find mornings feel much calmer.

5. Tailor Your Space to Your Needs

Not every family’s school run looks the same. Some parents are in a hurry to get to work, others are juggling multiple kids and bags, and some need spaces that accommodate specific cars.

On JustPark, you can filter your search to find spaces that match your situation:

• Disabled access: Essential for parents or children with mobility needs.
• Gated security: Peace of mind while you head to work or errands.
• EV charging: Top up your electric car during school hours.

By choosing the right space, you’ll make your morning drop-off smoother and safer.

6. Plan For More Than Just Drop-off

It’s not only mornings that get busy. Parents’ evenings, after-school clubs, and weekend sports can all bring added congestion. Having a reliable parking option sorted in advance for those times makes the whole experience much smoother.

The back-to-school season will always bring busier roads and a bit of morning mayhem. But with some planning, whether it’s leaving earlier, carpooling, or reserving a space nearby, you can make parking one less thing to worry about.

And, in Motherland terms, if you’d rather arrive in style like Amanda than scramble like Julia, booking ahead with JustPark makes the school run a whole lot easier.