How To Organize For Back To School: 10 Easy Tips
Does preparing for back to school stress you out?
Um, let me raise my hand…
The struggle is real because there are SO MANY THINGS to do! Well, have no fear this year! I’ve gotcha covered! I’ve put together all of the things we need to do to organize for the best back to school transition yet!
Here are 10 items on the back to school calendar!
1. CLEAN OUT THE FREEZER
Fall brings a rush of hurried dinners and more packed schedules. Let’s prepare by first figuring out what’s in that icebox! And take inventory!
As you go through the freezer, put foods that need to be used up towards the front, and discard what is past due. This article from funcheaporfree.com contains a great how-to for how to inventory your freezer as well as an easy printout!
Then, make a meal plan that includes the foods you put on top. Cleaning out the freezer will help you use up the old but also make room for some freezer meals we’ll make later in the month!
2. ORGANIZE THOSE SCHOOL SUPPLIES
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Next, buy school supplies if you haven’t already. Then, organize the materials by child so that everything is in bags and ready to go.
Don’t forget to label the items that will stay with your child!
And if you’re really motivated, it’s also a great day to wash lunch boxes and backpacks that will work for another year!
The best part of this step is that you’ll realize if you’re missing anything essential! Is there anything you still need to get? Write it down now.
3. FREEZE BACK TO SCHOOL BREAKFASTS
Now that you’ve cleaned out the freezer, organize for back to school by making a few breakfasts ahead for easy grab and go meals!
Our favorites include:
- breakfast burritos
- breakfast sandwiches
- granola
- overnight oats (make three ahead for the fridge NOT freezer)
- eggs bowls
Related Post: 11 Healthy Make Ahead Breakfasts
4. PUT TEACHER GIFTS TOGETHER
For this day, buy or make something easy for teachers. Put it together, and have your child make a card to go with it.
Easy diy teacher gift ideas are everywhere. Check out some cool gift tags HERE.
Plus, the kids will love having something special to give to their teachers when they meet them for the first time!
5. PRACTICE BACK TO SCHOOL ROUTINES
What will you expect from the kids when the school year starts?
This is the time to set those expectations and help them understand what they need to do!
So, create kid checklists, print off weekly customizable chore charts, or simply have kids practice making their lunches and finding their snacks. Show them where they will put their backpacks and do their homework.
This little bit of prep work will make your kids more self-reliant and save you TONS of work down the road.
*Print out the free routine checklists!
Related Post: 10 Tips that WORK for a Relaxed Morning Routine for School
6. DO BACK TO SCHOOL TRADITIONS
This is the time for family relationships to shine! Take pictures, read books, and get excited about this unique time of year.
It’s a perfect opportunity to add a new family tradition! See the article below for amazing ideas!
Related Post: Fantastic Back To School Traditions & Ideas
7. MAKE A HOMEWORK STATION
Pick a spot for the kids to do homework and buy a cheap container to put all of their home supplies in!
The Target spot and dollar store have cheap caddy containers for pencils, glue, tape, and coloring materials.
Then, make sure the kids know where it is and can get to it themselves! It will make it easy for them to work on their own projects without mama finding supplies for them!
Related:
8. WRITE THE SCHOOL CALENDAR & EVENTS
As moms, we live and die by the calendar!
Therefore, take a few minutes to write down the school calendar and any events this semester that you need to be aware of.
Also, figure out when you’ll need to fit in doctor’s appointments and necessary tasks.
And if you’re feeling ambitious, take note of days off and plan fun things for those as well!
9. CREATE A WEEKLY MEAL PLANNING SYSTEM
Now that we’re back to routine, make dinners easier!
Where and when can you make a plan for what to eat on any given week? Will you have the same meals? Could you try a taco Tuesday or themed meals?
Buy a cheap marker board to post the meals every week! By using a system, you’ll always know what meat and food to get out beforehand, and will be able to look ahead on a consistent basis.
Related post:
- How to Meal Plan {Free Meal Planner Printable!}
- Free School Lunch Ideas Pdf (great for packing lunches!)
10. DECLUTTER ANYTHING LEFT FROM SUMMER
Finally, what is left lying around that needs to be put away from summer?
This is the perfect day to put away those water guns, summer clothes, and the pool bag if you haven’t already. Start fresh and be ready for Fall!
Now, grab a full calendar to truly get your life together this year 🙂
Other Great Fall Posts…
- Ultimate Fall Bucket Lists for Your Family {Free Printables!}
- How to Block Schedule Your Time {Free Printable!}
- 50 Healthy Kid Snacks for Back to School
Tons of great ideas! I’ve found that I also need an intentional activity for my kids when they get home while I’m making dinner. Transitioning home after a long day has been challenging for my first grader with pent up energy:)
So true! Making dinner tends to be the “witching hour” at our house too! Great idea to have something for them to do! Thanks for sharing!