Preparing for back-to-school can be daunting especially if you wait until the last minute. That’s why I’m going to try and make it easy by giving you chronological tips you can use for the next 6 weeks. If you read last week, I suggested you go through last year’s clothes, school supplies, back packs and other items and make a list of what you can use for this year.
Before you shop:
Get each child’s list of what they need ready in the form of clothing and supplies for each child. You can usually find the lists for each school at Walmart, Target or Staples or on your child’s school website.
If you purged their items last week cross off those items you already have to save some money. When clothes shopping, take your clothing list and your clothes that don’t fit to a consignment shop like Trendy Tots. You can find items for your child and save money by cashing in on your old ones.
When you’re out shopping, here is what you can do to get organized for the upcoming school year –
What you need to buy to get organized:
1) 3-Ring Binder – If you don’t have one, purchase a 3-ring binder for each one of your children, or buy a big binder and buy tabs and dividers for each of children.
2) 3-Ring Clear Sleeves – If you don’t have them, buy clear sleeves and place one yearly calendar in each of your kids’ sleeves.
What you need to do to get organized:
1) Print the Yearly Calendar – Go on your child’s school website and print out the 2016 – 2017 calendar.
2) Print Calendar of Weekly Schedule – or type and print a calendar of each kid’s weekly schedule
3) Print Activity Schedule – Type out and print a calendar of each kid’s activities schedule including sports, dance, piano lessons, etc.
4) Make and print a list of contacts – Parents on sports teams, carpooling, teachers etc. Put that list in each kids’ section for easy reference
Finally, take the time to labeling everything – backpack, sports gear, lunch box, etc.
Voila, you’re on your way to an organized school year.
This week’s Back-to-School checklist
Make a list
Buy a binder for each kid or one binder with tabs.
Buy a clear sleeve
Print a yearly calendar
Print a weekly calendar
Print an activity calendar
Make and print contacts
Label, label, label
