Is the thought of back to school and the routines with it making you break out in a cold sweat? Fear not – preparing for back-to-school season is an excellent time to focus on decluttering and home organisation.
Get ready to conquer the clutter and kick off the school year with these six tips:
- Out with the Old: Tackling Last Year’s School Supplies:
- Sort Through the Supplies: Go through last year’s school supplies, including backpacks, lunch boxes, stationery, and notebooks. Discard anything broken, outdated, or no longer needed.
- Reuse and Recycle: Determine which items can be reused or repurposed for the new school year. This not only saves money but also reduces waste.
- Donate Unused Items: If there are supplies in good condition that your child no longer needs, consider donating them to local schools or charities.
2. Pick a Homework Spot
- Choose a Quiet Place: Designate a specific area in the home for homework and study. This space should be free from distractions but have all necessary supplies within reach.
- Easy to Reach Supplies: Use drawer organisers, bins, or caddies to keep pencils, pens, paper, and other essentials neatly organised.
- Incorporate Shelving: If space allows, add shelves above the desk or homework station to store textbooks, reference materials, and school projects.
3. Prep for Smooth Mornings and Easy Lunches
- Declutter your Closets: Go through your children’s wardrobes and remove clothes that no longer fit or are out of season. This simplifies the process of deciding which outfit to wear that day.
- Create a Weekly Outfit Plan: Go one step further an lay out outfits for the entire week. This not only saves time but also reduces decision fatigue during those busy mornings.
- Organise the Entryway: Designate a space near the door for backpacks, shoes, and jackets. Use hooks, cubbies, or bins to keep everything organised and easy to grab on the way out.
4. Prepping for Smooth Mornings and Easy Lunches
Turn your kitchen into a well-oiled machine with these ideas:
- Purge the Pantry: Out with the old, expired items. Organise what’s left so breakfast and lunch items are front and center.
- Lunchbox Station: Dedicate a shelf or drawer to lunch-packing supplies. Stock it with containers, water bottles, and non-perishable snacks.
- Meal Prep Madness: Spend an hour on Sunday planning or prepping breakfasts and lunches for the week. Future you will be so grateful!
5. Get everyone aligned
Establish a family ‘command center’ to keep everyone on the same page:
- Get the right info: Hang a large calendar, whiteboard for reminders, or a bulletin board for important papers.
- Paper Tamer: Use wall-mounted file holders or pretty baskets to corral school reminders or extra curricular activities.
- Everyone Chips In: Create a chore chart or responsibility list. Make it fun with stickers or a point system for completed tasks.
6. Go for a Digital Declutter
Don’t forget about the digital world:
- File Frenzy: Create folders on your computer or cloud storage for each child’s school documents. No more frantic searches for last month’s report card!
- Email Overhaul: Set up a dedicated email account or folder for school communications. Use folders or labels to sort messages by child or subject.
- Screen Time Smarts: Establish clear rules for device usage, especially during homework hours. Consider using app timers to keep everyone honest.
Remember, getting organised is a process, not a one-time event. Start small, celebrate your victories, and don’t be too hard on yourself if things get a little messy sometimes. With these tips and a positive attitude, you’ll be well on your way to a clutter-free, stress-free school year!