7 Organizational Tips to Prevent Back-to-School Stress
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It’s coming… The back-to-school season. And it’s bringing all the stress that you forgot about since school ended. Now you have stop spending lazy days of unscheduled fun with your children and replace it with crowded shopping malls, disgruntled clerks and high energy kids on your endless hunt for school supplies. Desks are being cleared of summer toys and replaced with crayons, folders, glue sticks, pencils and books. The fact that your children dread returning to the classroom makes the process even more difficult. Talk about a high stress level!
Even if you’re the most organized mom on the block, back-to-school season is the time where everything seems to be chaotic. Lessen your stress by following these seven simple organizational tips.
1. Make an Inventory
Step one in making the back-to-school bustle easier is to clear out all the junk your kids have accumulated over the summer. After sorting through the excess clutter you will be able to do a quick inventory of any supplies you have on-hand, saving you the time and money you would spend going out to buy those supplies instead.
Most schools have back-to-school shopping lists available in July. Check online, at office supply stores and retail stores, like Walmart & Target, for the list. Obtaining your list as soon as possible will give you time to determine what you already have and what you will still need to get.
2. Shop Early
Summer flies by and before you know it, it's the week before school starts. The school supply isle is a battle ground...notebooks and pens scattered across the floor, moms charging ever onward with their carts. Last minute shopping is like going out on Black Friday.
Shop smarter! Lower the stress by shopping for school supplies early and beat that last-minute, first day of school frenzy. Many stores and outlets start their school sales midsummer, so there is no need to wait! Once the shopping bags are home, take the opportunity to get organized. Pack up the backpacks for each child and you’re done.
3. Closet Organizer
It’s amazing how much more you can fit into a closet that has an organization system installed. Clothes, shoes and boots, and stuff for all seasons can fit neatly into one closet. No more searching under your bed, in laundry baskets or on the floor for just the right outfit. Creating an organized space means less stress in the mornings.
4. Backpack Space
Just like at school, it’s a great idea to have a special place for backpacks and bags at home. You’ll have more room to go about your lives when school is out for the day without tripping over bag and shoes. Getting out the door in the morning is easier when your kids know where their backpacks, books and shoes are.
First designate a space that you think would work just for backpacks like a garage, laundry room or mud room. Then it’s easy to install hooks or small locker-style spaces. It makes the morning as easy as "Grab and go!" – that’s the motto in our house.
5. Work Space
The best learning environments are quiet, clean spaces that are designated for studying. Before school starts, create a comfortable work space for homework in your child’s bedroom or other designated area. Make sure there is good lighting, no distractions and lots of storage space, so your kids can stay focused and organized throughout the school year.
6. Make Organizing Fun
There is no reason to do all of this organization yourself; get your kids involved! If your kid’s room is a mess, try to make cleaning it up fun. Following the advice of Mary Poppins: make it a game! Throw dirty clothes into a basketball hoop hamper. Turn on the music and see how many toys you can pick up before the song ends. How about having a kids’ garage sale for all their unwanted toys and they can keep the money from the sales? There are many ways to make the process a fun activity for you and your children to do together.
7. Ease Into Routine
Routines help children feel comfortable. Switching from a summer schedule to a school schedule can be stressful to everyone in the household. Practice your school routines a few days in advance of the starting day. Set the alarm clock, go through your morning rituals and get in the car or to the bus stop on time. This can allow you and your children to adjust to the new schedule as well as ensure that there are no snags in your morning routine. And since you’re all up early, do something fun to celebrate your last days of summer freedom. Enjoy!
Let's hear from you. What helpful tips do you have to offer from your back-to-school experience? Tell us in the comments!
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