Five Simple Tips to Get Organized For The School Year

As summer winds down and the new school year approaches, it's the perfect time to reset, refresh, and get organized. A little planning now can make the months ahead run much more smoothly. 

Here are five tips to help you stay on top of schedules, reduce daily stress, and create a more focused, functional school year:

1. Create a Central Command Center

Designate one spot in your home for all things school-related: calendars, reminders, and important papers. If you haven’t done so already, talk about where your child can keep their backpack and where Chromebooks will be charged.

Tip: Use wall-mounted or an over the door file holder. Each child should have their own slot and at least one folder to contain school paperwork.

2. Declutter and Restock School Supplies

Before you buy anything new, take inventory of what you already have. Toss dried-out markers, broken pencils, and outdated materials. Then make a list of what’s actually needed for the year ahead.

Tip: If your school offers a program where you can buy a premade box of supplies I highly recommend this option as it saves so much time and effort. Try it for a year and find out if it makes sense for you and your family.

3. Establish Routines 

If you don’t already have a bedtime routine then it is time to start one. Sleep is one of the most important things you can do to help your child’s brain development. 

Tip: The morning starts the night before. Involve your child with the things that need to be done. If they are too young to make their own lunch then they can at least help make their own lunch. Do everything you can the night before to minimize stress and needless arguments in the morning. 

4. Organize Clothing and Outfits

Clear out clothes your child has outgrown or no longer wears to make it easier for them to put clean laundry away. As you sort, think ahead to what they’ll need for school and activities - like a backpack, shoes, or a picture day outfit.

Tip: Consider visiting second hand stores for more budget friendly options and to reduce clothing waste.

5. Communication

Involve your child in a discussion of how much time they will need in the morning to get themselves ready for school. Build in buffers, especially if you know that your family runs late. Think about bathroom times, what are they eating for breakfast, do they need some time to wake up, how long does it take to get to school. This will help you determine the best wake up time. 

Tip: Set timers throughout the morning to keep you on track. 

Getting organized doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few simple systems in place, you can reduce stress, foster independence, and start the school year feeling prepared and confident.