The Back-to-School Plan
Whether you boohoo or whoop with joy when it’s back-to-school time, it helps to be organized.
What do you do with all those back-to-school clothes and school supplies? Do you eat on the go because of the after-school activities? Are the mornings wrought with angst because backpacks, homework, and permission slips are misplaced or forgotten about?
With a little organization, school days can be smooth and hassle-free.
Here’s where to start:
1. The Clothing Zone
Hang school outfits up as a set. A top, bottom, and belt (if needed). For girls you can even add jewelry and other accessories and set them on a dresser or table. Make sure socks are set aside and shoes are selected so you aren’t hunting down one shoe that has gone missing. This process reduces the amount of time spent on deciding what to wear or looking for a particular piece of clothing.
2. The School Zone
Set up an area where backpacks, coats/jackets, hats and gloves, and paperwork go. I like having mine as close to the door as possible. This way, as the kids head out the door, they just have to grab their stuff as they walk by it. When setting up the School Zone, consider having hooks for coats and backpacks and trays for papers that need to be signed and returned. Having a magnetic dry-erase board and calendar to track important dates and reminders is a good idea, too.
3. The Sack Lunch Zone
Reduce time spent making school lunches by keeping the lunch stuff together. In the pantry, I have a basket in which I keep dry goods, plastic forks and spoons, baggies, and napkins. In the refrigerator, I have a plastic bin in which I keep drinks, fruit, cheese, yogurt, vegetables, and anything else that is perishable. When I go to make lunches, I pull out the bins and quickly assemble lunch. I don’t have to keep going back and forth. This method also easily lets me see what I have on hand. This also makes it easy for children who are able to pack their own lunches.
4. The Dinner Zone
When school is back in session we have to add after-school activities such as sports and clubs to the schedule. Sometimes, this can make it difficult to prepare dinner. Consider preparing meals that you can take out of the freezer and put into a crock pot or oven. Prepping meals and freezing them is a great way to still be able to provide good, healthy meals for your family on those busy school nights.
The first day of school will be here before you know it. Take some time to plan and prepare to help smooth out those school days. Start the school year off right for your kids and for you.
