The lazy, unstructured days of summer are wrapping up, the time to start getting ready for a new school year can be exciting – a fresh start. Switching from summer-mode to having a full-on schedule, with even more stuff can be easier with some tools and techniques.
That’s why we’ve partnered with Whitney Reynolds, owner of Hook & Basket to bring you some simple organization tips that can be put into action right now, so when school begins, you’ll be ready – whatever the situation.
4 Back to School Organizational Ideas For Your Home
1-CLEAN OUT CLOSETS
Before you go out and buy a whole new back-to-school wardrobe, go through your child’s closet with them, and have them try on their clothes.Donate any outgrown clothes, or previously loved items. This will make room for needed clothes and keep their closets organized.
*Hook&Basket tip: Any new article of clothing, means one article has to go. One in, one out.
2-CREATE A FUNCTIONAL ENTRY SPACE
School comes with lots of clutter – backpacks, papers, coats, shoes, hats/gloves – so make sure you have a functional entry space for containing the chaos. Keeping things simple and organized when you enter the home prioritizes a feeling of calm.Having a designated “home” for each child’s backpack and belongings will make it easier to find items quickly, and to maintain the space throughout the year. Create the habit even before school starts. :)If extra-curricular activities are in the schedule, organize their equipment and make sure you you have anything you need to order in the next size up.
*Hook&Basket tip:Limited with space- a few hooks on the wall for backpacks and coats with a simple basket or two underneath for shoes can have a huge impact!
3-SET UP A PARENT INBOX FOR PAPERS
One of my favorite back to school organization ideas is setting up a “parent inbox”. A place for kids to put any permission slips, notes from their teacher or homework to check over. And we all know there is an abundance of all this stuff!
*Hook&Basket tip: Label one side “in box” – for the arriving papers. Review the inbox in the evening. Label the other side “outbox” – for any papers that need to be returned to school.
4-CREATE A BIN OF AFTER SCHOOL SNACKS
Almost as soon as kids get through the door after school you will be hearing “can I have a snack?” If you are like me and prefer your kids to eat healthy rather than searching through cupboards or eating too much junk food, create a bin of pre-planned snacks.This can be a drawer in the refrigerator with pre-cut fruits and veggies. Or a bin in your cupboard with pretzels or dried fruit.
*Hook&Basket tip:Set it up with healthy snacks. Friendly reminder -it is ok for your kids to eat the same snacks everyday. Keep it simple :).
Enjoy the remainder of your summer, time sure does fly! If you need assistance with organizing your life and home feel free to email Whitney – info@hookandbasket.com