Getting Organized for Back to School

GET ORGANIZED FOR YOUR RETURN TO SCHOOL

September 1st is just around the corner, so children and adults will be returning to school and establishing a fall routine. Making the transition from the lazy days of summer to a more structured routine can be challenging.  Here are 10 great tips to get you started.

1. Assess your fall wardrobe, retrieving items from storage as needed. Now is a good time to remove items from your summer wardrobe that were never worn before you pack them up and move them to storage.
2. Make a clothing shopping list for each member of the family, keeping in mind items that will be needed for extracurricular and sporting activities.
3. Inventory your school and computer supplies and make a shopping list, using lists provided by the schools as a guide.Watch the newspaper and internet sites for coupons and specials for items on your list.
4. If you are planning to take a fall course, mark the registration due date on your calendar and fill out necessary paperwork in advance.
5. Maintain one family calendar to keep track of family member's activities and appointments.
6. Determine who will be emergency contacts for your children so that you will be prepared to fill out necessary school forms.
7. Establish good routines and habits as soon as school starts. This should include having children empty backpacks when they arrive home and having a place for them to place information that must be reviewed by parents.
8. Make sure that all students have a good place to complete homework. The area should be well lit and have necessary supplies, such as pencils and erasers, handy.
9. To eliminate morning chaos, teach students to prepare as much as possible the night before. This includes packing the backpack, laying out clothing, and preparing as much of the lunch as possible.
10. Start transitioning to a new schedule several days in advance of the start of school to allow your body to adjust.

Remember, don't agonize, organize!