1. Set Up a Homework Zone
Minimize struggles over homework by setting up a homework
zone stocked with all of the supplies your student will need, like notebook
paper, glue and markers for special projects. A spacious desk is great for
spreading out books, but if your child prefers to work at the kitchen counter,
consider stocking a portable homework cart instead.
2. Give Bedrooms a Mini Makeover
If your child is making a big transition this year (say,
from preschool to kindergarten, or elementary to middle school), it can be nice
to mark the moment with a mini makeover, honoring how your child has grown. And
it doesn’t need to be expensive to make a big impact: Put up a world map or new
poster, do a DIY project like repainting a chest or swap out the bedding.
3. Record Important Dates on the Calendar
Between school holidays, birthdays and extracurricular
activities, it can take some awe-inspiring mental gymnastics to keep everyone’s
schedules straight. Whether you use a digital calendar or a big family wall
calendar, take the time before the beginning of school to record all of the
important dates for the year ahead — you’ll thank yourself later.
4. Make Some Meals Ahead
If you can find an hour or two to get ahead on meal planning
and prep, you’ll appreciate it when life gets super busy. Make a few meals to
store in the freezer, chop veggies for upcoming recipes and stash them in
containers in the fridge, or gather lunch-making components in one central
location. Even simply sitting down with a notebook (or your smartphone) and drawing
up a meal plan for the next few weeks’ worth of dinners can be a huge help.
5. Create an After-School Snack Zone
When the troops come home tired and hungry, it’s a relief to
be able to point the way to a self-serve healthy-snack station. Fill a few
baskets at kid height with choices like seeds, dried fruit and whole-grain
crackers. Tuck a special snack basket in the fridge too, with fresh options
like precut veggies, fruit, yogurt and cheeses.
6. Stash Get-Out-the-Door Essentials Where You Use Them
After the hundredth time I found myself running upstairs to
grab the hairbrush and sunscreen stick, I realized (duh) that it would be
easier to keep these items near the front door instead. Think through your
family’s morning routine and keep your own list of essentials (lunch money? a
pen for signing permission slips?) in a drawer near the door.
7. Plan Ahead for Paper Chaos
It’s amazing how quickly the paper can swamp you, especially
at the beginning of a new school year. To help tame the chaos, create new files
for school papers, and pick up a portfolio for artwork and a keepsake box for
storing mementos and 3-D projects. When school starts, you will have a few easy
spots where you can sort and stash items, so you’re not tempted to let things
pile up.
8. Take Stock of Wardrobes
Have kids try on clothes to see what still fits and make a
list of what they need before you buy anything else. Keep hand-me-downs that
don’t fit yet in another spot (like underbed bins) to make more space. Pick out
a few outfits for the first week of school and put them together on hangers or
in easy-to-grab baskets.
9. Decide on Guidelines for Screen Time
Minimize the inevitable battles over after-school screen
time by setting some guidelines before the new school year begins. Take the
time to consider what is most important to you as a parent. Do you want to be
sure your child is getting outdoors and being active, getting homework done or
helping out with chores around the house, or a combination of these? Make a
chart of items your child can check off, clearly outlining what needs to happen
before screen time is allowed.
10. Create a Dedicated Space for Each Child’s Daily Gear
If you have the room, providing a separate cubby, locker or
shelf and hook for each family member is a smart way to stay organized. If your
entry is combined with another space (like the kitchen or living room), choose
storage with doors that close so you can hide the mess. Short on space? Hang a
few wall hooks for holding backpacks and clipboards (good for keeping school
papers neat and within reach), and place a basket on the floor to hold shoes.
11. Pick a Central Spot to Stash Library Books
Whether it’s a certain shelf or basket, or a bookbag on a
hook, be sure everyone in the house knows where the spot for storing library
books is, and get in the habit of using it. It also helps to keep a list posted
(or access your record online) of all the books currently checked out, so you
know which ones to track down before you head out to make returns.
12. Inspire Your Clan With a Family Photo Wall
If you’ve been procrastinating putting all of those
treasured family pictures and vacation photos into frames and up on the wall,
set a date to get it done before the rush of a new school year sweeps away your
motivation. Walking by your family photo wall as you come and go each day is
one of those simple pleasures that can really lift your spirit and remind you
of the best parts of being a family.
13. Schedule Downtime
Article by Houzz - Get Your Home Organized With This Back-to-School Checklist