The school year is just around the corner and with it comes schedule changes, after-school activities, and sometimes the feeling of overwhelm. Each year you swear that you’ll actually prepare better so it doesn’t sneak up on you, but then life gets in the way and it’s here before you know it.
So here’s your reminder to start preparing NOW so you and your family can have a stress-free start to the new school year. Here are 5 things to get organized before the school year starts to ensure a smooth transition.
5 Things to Organize Before School Starts
Family Calendar
School means field trips, fall sports, homework, and more. It’s too much to try and keep track of in your head and too often it’s the mom that is the one trying to keep everything straight.
What you need is a family calendar. You can use a magnetic one to put on the refrigerator, a whiteboard, or a good old pen and paper. You can also assign a color to each member of the family so it’s easy to see what event or task is meant for each family member.
This way everyone can easily see each other’s schedules and know what’s going on at any point in the week. You can even go a step further and create a family command center to help keep track of things like homework, permission slips, the weekly menu, and more. Click here to learn how to create a command center.
Declutter Closets and Dresser Drawers
Nothing takes up more time in the mornings than trying to decide what to wear. By removing clothing that no longer fits, pieces that are too worn, or things that your children no longer like to wear, you can eliminate decision fatigue and save time in the morning.
A new school year also means back-to-school clothes shopping. By cleaning out items that no longer serve your children, you can make better buying choices based on what they actually need.
Create a Homework Station
School means homework and if you’ve ever had to fight with your kids about getting it done, a great solution to help is a homework station. This means a designated space without distractions to help them focus on their tasks.
If they have a desk make sure it’s stocked with pencils, erasers, paper, or whatever else they might need. If you use your kitchen counter or dining room table, getting a portable caddy to hold school supplies is a great option so it can be put away and out of sight when it’s not needed.
Declutter the Pantry & Create a Lunch Packing Station
Packing lunches can be a major point of stress during the school season. Ease the tension by first decluttering the pantry. Get rid of anything that is expired. Next, get a bin or two and create a grab-and-go section dedicated to snacks and lunch options.
Make sure it is low enough that younger kids can reach and help pack their own lunches; this will help with after school snacks too when the kids get home from school.
Another tip is to pack lunches the night before so you save time in the morning and don’t feel rushed.
Create a Drop Zone
Kids come through the door and shoes go flying, backpacks are dropped, and coats are flung. Next thing you know, you’ve got yourself a cluttered mess. That can be a thing of the past if you create a drop zone. Use hooks or cubbies in your garage, laundry room, or entryway. Add a space for shoes, coats, backpacks, and even sports equipment.
Do it now before school starts and get your kids used to seeing the space which they will be using. This will help them create a habit of putting things where they belong and ensuring your home stays tidy and nothing gets lost.
Outsource to Get Ready for School
If after reading this you’re thinking, “ok, this all sounds great but I don’t have the time to do this”, don’t worry – we can do it for you!
We love helping busy families tackle projects they might not be able to get to on their own. We’ll take care of it all so you won’t have to lift a finger.
If you want to start off the new school year with less stress and chaos click here to get in touch so we can set you and your home up for success this school year.
