Organizing Tips for Going Back to School

Mornings can sometimes be hectic, between getting yourself ready and making sure the kids make it to school on time, it seems there are a thousand things to do. Don’t forget that after school can be just as chaotic, as well as the night before. When it comes to tackling clutter, start with the source. Here are tips on ways to stay organized.

Schedule, rotate, and designate. When there is sharing involved with the bathroom, find a schedule that works for your family, then keep it! While one child is having breakfast, the other should be using the bathroom, then rotate. These are ways to save time. Ways to stay organized can be just as simple; outlets put under the counters, for items like electric toothbrushes, hair dryers, etc. keep counters clean. Another way to keep counters clean is by putting opaque storage units on walls, for older children and teens, which can be easily accessed or able to be taken from the wall, all while hiding the contents. We have a solution for smaller children too, keep a basket for each child to put his or her belongings in- make it fun, have them label it their own way. By bathing at night, small children clam down easier for bedtime and older kids and teens free up time in the morning.

Being used to summertime cookouts, after school activities may make family dinners infrequent. Saving one night a week to have dinner with the family is a way to keep in touch. On the other nights, take advantage of the one-on-one time with your kids. Also by using a crock-pot or warming drawer you can save time during the week by preparing meals ahead. Scheduled meals also free time for parents. For little children occasionally make dinner fun, have a picnic-in. Prepare the table with a picnic style tablecloth and serve food from a basket.

Bedrooms are great spaces to teach organization skills. By laying clothes out the night before, you save time in the morning. Alarm clocks are great tools to teach independence from having parents waking them up. By putting in a black out shade, going to bed is a lot easier when bed times still have daylight.

Family rooms are great areas to spend quality time. When bedtime gets nearer, lowering shades about an hour before helps calm and relax children. Another great thing to do is to set up a special corner, whether it’s a chair or loveseat, and make it just for reading with the family, privately, or for story time before bed.
Other great ideas are to keep a calendar by the door used the most. Children and teens can get in the habit of looking for their name and activity to do. This teaches children responsibility of scheduling and planning, as well as lets parents know what their children are doing, when and where. Keep a file system, organizing it by each child and the activities, from school to sports to clubs, he or she are in. Each night have bags packed and ready by the door, this eliminates rushing around in the morning. Last but not least, keep your car packed with items like folding chairs, blankets and a cooler with drinks and snacks, so you’re always ready to go when for the next game!