6 Organizing Tips for Back to School – The Lazy Hazy Days of Summer are Almost Over!

Summer is almost over, and it’s that time again to put structure back into our lives.  We can hear the crickets and see that the days are getting shorter.  The beginning of the school year is always a good reason to buy that new backpack, lunch tote, and/or outfit.

I am not saying that this time might not be emotional, but you can make it less stressful and overwhelming with these few tips, whether you have a college-bound child for the first time or children still in public or private school and living at home.

College-Bound

• Use the attached College Dorm Move-In Checklist to help gather the items your son or daughter needs.
• Keep like items with like items when packing (e.g., linens with linens, school supplies with school supplies). Remember to label the bins or boxes.
• Store everything in one area in your home.  When you are ready to take your child to college, everything will be in one spot, making it easier to load your vehicle.

Public/Private School

• Dedicate a backpack area for your child and teach him or her to give you all the papers in the backpack when he or she gets home.
• Get the backpack ready the night before and keep it in the dedicated area.
• Pack up the afterschool activity bags the night before and put them in the car.  This will help with not being laden-down with lots of bags the next morning.