Get Organized for Back to School

It’s getting close to back to school time. Maybe your kids have already started back. I know we will be starting our homeschooling schedule soon. But I’m using these last few weeks to get organized and to be ready.

Here are a few things you can do to get organized for back to school and get the new school year off to a great start.

Finish School Supply Shopping Early

If you haven’t already, it’s time to get those school supplies purchased. If you need a price list you can print the one I made for free. I know having a price list makes it easier to spot a deal when you are looking at the back to school sales flyers each week. When you shop the sales you can really save a bundle on your back to school supplies.

If you already have your back to school shopping done, good for you. Let the kids help you organize those supplies into their backpacks and be ready for the first day of school.

Make Lunch Packing Easier with a Little Planning Ahead

You’ll want to stock up on a few items to be included in lunches for the kids. You can purchase them or make them at home. I like to make some items and purchase some. I try to avoid the little packages of things like cookies and chips. We make our own with zipper baggies and purchasing the bigger bags, then making them into smaller packages for lunches or snacks.

I’ve found I can make two or three days worth and if they are sealed up they stay nice and fresh. This can make packing lunches so much easier in the morning. Also be sure to wash and cut up fruits and vegetables. These can be added to individual bags and stored in the refrigerator so you just have to grab one and place it in the lunchbox.

It can make packing lunches in the morning so much easier. Or better yet make the lunches the night before so they are ready to go when the kids go out the door.

Organize the Kid’s Wardrobe

For some kids, it’s hard to get going in the mornings. You get them up and tell them to get dress. Then you go to check on them and 10 minutes later they are still staring at their clothing wondering what to wear for the day. I might know this from experience.

If your kids have trouble figuring out what they want to wear each day, have them coordinate some outfits ahead of time. It can give them something to do for those last few days before school starts and you won’t have to nag them to hurry up and get ready so they aren’t late. Be sure to go through the kids clothing and see what has been outgrown over the summer and to see which items still fit and are in good shape too.

It’s also a good time to stock up the dresser and closets with new summer clothes off the clearance racks. When you are out and about shopping take a peek at what on those racks and save for next summer. Be sure to buy a size or two up for next year.

Make an After School Drop Area

Set up an after school station, a place where backpacks, shoes, and coats can be stored. If those items have a place near the door, they are less likely to get lost in the shuffle. Plus if the backpacks and shoes have a designated spot in the house they’ll be easier to find when it’s time to get ready for school.

Have an Important Paper File or Box

When school starts up again, there are always important papers that need to be kept or need to be signed and returned. Set up a box for those papers to be put in. Then they can be taken care of during the week and returned on time. If these papers have a designated spot, they are less likely to misplaced.

Plan for Special Evenings or Days

Once school starts and everyone is busy with activities and homework. Be sure to set aside an evening or day when the family can get together to do something fun. Make a game night on the calendar or a movie night. Set up a time to go out and pick apples on the weekend.

Make a plan to do something fun every once in a while that the kids have to look forward to. It will help to motivate them to keep up on their schoolwork and feel like the fun of summer has been extended too.

What kind of things are you doing to get your family ready for back to school? I know I’m doing lesson planning and getting our binders organized and planning easy to make lunches for the busy school days ahead.

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