6 Back-to-School Organizing Tips
Summer is almost over, and it’s that time again to put structure back into our lives – especially for families with kids heading back to the classroom. The beginning of the school year is often paired with some back-to-school shopping for backpacks, lunch totes and clothes.
With these few tips, you can make it less stressful and overwhelming, whether you have a college-bound child or kids in public or private school.
College-Bound
- Use the College Dorm Move-In Checklist to help gather the items your son or daughter needs.
- Keep like items with like items when packing (e.g., linens with linens, school supplies with school supplies). Remember to label the bins or boxes.
- Store everything in one area in your home. When you’re ready to take your child to college, everything will be in one spot, making it easier to load your vehicle.
Public/Private School
- Dedicate a backpack area for your child and teach him or her to give you all the papers in the backpack when he or she gets home. Place a reminder on a Post-it on the wall until this becomes a habit.
- Get the backpack ready the night before, and keep it in the dedicated area.
- Pack up the afterschool activity bags the night before and put them in the car. This will keep you from lugging lots of bags in the morning, and keep your child from forgetting necessary items.
Most children and young adults like structure and routine. This is the perfect time to develop these habits, in addition to good organizational skills.
Barbara’s Pro Tip: Donate gently used backpacks, totes, and clothes that don't fit anymore to a charity like the Purple Heart – you can even schedule a pick up online! In with the new and out with the old.