The Back to School “To-Do” List You Need To Read To Get Organized
Is your family ready for back to school? If you are like many of us, you have thought about back to school, but really haven’t done anything to start preparing for it. With the school year quickly approaching, it’s important that you make a smooth transition. Being prepared will make things less stressful on your family when the alarm goes off on the first day of school and as you get adjusted to your new schedule this September.
Make A To Do List!
Perhaps the most constructive thing that you can do to start getting organized and prepared for the school year is to make a to-do list. Brainstorm with the family about the things that you need to do, buy, and prepare before school starts. Having a list in hand will make things much more efficient when you are out shopping. Plus, it also helps to ensure that you don’t forget anything important.
A List of To-Do’s For Back To School
1. Prep the family calendar
Get out the family calendar for the school year and start filling it out. Include things like work hours, appointments, after school activities, work phone numbers and emergency numbers. Make the calendar the place to go for all family information and scheduling.
2. School transportation schedule
Are your kids taking the school bus? Driving with dad? Commuting with Billy down the street? Walking to school? What time do the kids have to leave in the morning? How are they getting home after school? Planning this out in advance will help everyone adjust and know where to be at all times.
3. Bedtime schedule
Start getting the kids in the habit of going to bed earlier and waking up in the morning to adjust to the school year schedule. This could help prevent some grumpy mornings once school starts!
4. Take inventory
Before going out and buying new school supplies and clothes, take inventory of what you already have. This will save you money on school supplies and clothes. It also help you prevent buying stuff you already have and don’t need.
5. Clean out the closet
As you are taking inventory, it’s also the perfect time to clean out the closets. Start putting away some summer clothes and get some fall clothes out. Get rid of items you no longer need. Hopefully you don’t find any surprises from the last school year – like last year’s lunch on the last day of school.
6. After school activities
What after school activities will your kids be part of? Are they on the school sports teams? Are they part of an after school club? Do they go to the baby sitters? Plan the after school schedule accordingly.
7. Shop early and often
One thing that you quickly learn is that it’s best to shop for school supplies and clothes early and often. Shopping early will help you get some great deals and beat the mad rush on the weekend before school starts.
8. Lunches
School lunches are a big deal for your kids. This is why it’s important to plan out lunches well in advance and make sure the refrigerator is well stocked with a good mix of items they like and healthy snacks.
9. Prep the homework area
It’s time to get that homework area prepped again for another school year. It is also a good idea to schedule homework time.
10. Get the computer ready
Computers are now a huge part of the education process. Before school starts, make sure your home computers have the programs your kids will need, make sure it’s clear of viruses and issues, and make sure it’s running optimally.
Is your family ready for the school year? What do you find the most challenging part about the rush to get ready for back to school?
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