One of the keys to making back to school season easier is to be organized. Organization is key to getting kids out the door on time and getting things done faster. If you want this year to be better than last year, you’re going to want to follow these back to school organization tricks.
Hang a File Holder by the Door for Important Papers
While many teachers are now sending paperwork home through email, you will still receive the occasional paper that needs to be signed and returned. To make it easier for your child to get the papers to you and you get the papers back to him, hang a file folder for the papers to be placed in.
Create a Drop Off Point for Backpacks
Make sure you have a designated spot where your kids can drop off their backpacks (and assorted school items) after school, so they always know where to look to find their books and homework. Plus, hopefully you can avoid having the kids just dropping everything by the door when they walk in!
Create a Homework Station
When your child sits down to do his homework, it's a great idea to have a homework station set up for him (or at the very least a homework caddy) with all the supplies that he needs to get right to work. You don't want to have to waste time each night gathering supplies.
Cut the Clutter by Using One Notebook and an Accordion Folder
Unless your child’s school specifically states she needs certain supplies, use one notebook that has easy tear out pages and an accordion folder that has tabs you can label. Your child can label each tab with one subject. When she takes notes or does an assignment, she can tear the page out and file accordingly.
Create a Supply Closet
Back to school season and after back to school season is the best time to stock up on school supplies. Not only can you get killer prices throughout back to school season, but the clearance prices after school has started are truly amazing. Stock up and create a closet or bin where you keep the extra supplies. That way, you have everything your child needs throughout the year.
We keep all extra back to school supplies in a bin in each of my boys' desks. Whenever they mention they're out of supplies, I tell them to look there first. It keeps me from running out to the store to buy full price school supplies!
Place Lunch Items Together
To make lunches easier to pack, place all the lunch items together in the fridge in one bin. You can do the same in your pantry. Whether you or your child are packing lunch, it’s much easier to do. Also be sure to have a place where all the freezer packs are stored together in the freezer to make them easy to grab and slide into the lunch bag.
If you have younger children, you can split lunch supplies into various bins and tell them to pick one item from each bin. For example, choose a protein from a bin, a fruit from another,a vegetable from another, and a snack from another. Place a variety of options of each type for them to choose from.
Put Together Outfits Once a Week
Last, but not least, let your child pick out outfits for the entire week on Sunday. You can then put the outfits in a hanging closet organizer. Place one outfit in each slot for the day of the week. This makes it so much easier for your child to get ready each morning.
Keep Library Books Together in a Basket
Rather than worry about trying to collect library books from around your house the night before they're due, keep all library books in a basket or bin so that you can easily grab them to return to the library on time.
Back to school season doesn’t have to be crazy. There are so many tricks you can use to get your child and home organized for school. Spend just a bit of time and you’ll be able to get your child out the door each morning without a lot of problems.
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