Back to School Prep for busy mamas
As summer winds down and the new school year approaches, it’s time to shift gears and get your home ready for the busy days ahead. For busy moms, this can be a hectic time, but with a little preparation and organization, you can make the transition smoother for the whole family. Here are some tips to help you prepare your home for the back-to-school season.
1. Create a Dedicated Homework Station
Designate a quiet, well-lit area of your home as a homework station. This can be a corner of the living room, a spot in the kitchen, or even a small desk in your child’s bedroom. Stock it with all the essentials: pens, pencils, paper, a computer or tablet, and any other supplies your child needs. Having a dedicated space for homework can help kids focus and stay organized.
2. Organize School Supplies
Before school starts, take inventory of the supplies you already have and make a list of what you need to buy. Use bins, baskets, and drawer organizers to keep everything in its place. Label each container so your kids know where to find (and put away) their supplies. This not only helps keep the house tidy but also makes mornings less chaotic when everyone knows where to find what they need.
3. Set Up a Family Calendar
A family calendar is a great way to keep track of everyone’s schedules, from school events and extracurricular activities to doctor’s appointments and family outings. Hang a large calendar in a central location, like the kitchen or mudroom, where everyone can see it. Use different colors for each family member to make it easy to see who has what going on each day.
4. Establish a Morning Routine
Mornings can be hectic, especially when everyone is trying to get out the door on time. Establish a morning routine to help things run smoothly. Create a checklist for each child that includes tasks like getting dressed, brushing teeth, eating breakfast, and packing their backpack. Post the checklist where they can easily see it and encourage them to follow it every day.
5. Create a Command Center
A command center is a central hub for all important family information. This can be a bulletin board, a wall organizer, or a section of your kitchen counter. Use it to keep track of permission slips, school schedules, meal plans, and other important documents. Include a spot for keys, wallets, and phones so everything is in one place when it’s time to leave the house.
6. Plan Meals in Advance
Meal planning can save you a lot of time and stress during the school week. Spend some time each weekend planning your meals for the week ahead. Prep ingredients or cook meals in advance if possible. Consider using a meal planning app to make the process easier. Having a plan in place can make dinnertime less stressful and ensure that everyone gets a healthy meal.
7. Organize the Entryway
The entryway is the first place everyone comes into and the last place they leave, so keeping it organized is crucial. Use hooks or a coat rack for backpacks, jackets, and bags. Place a bench or a shoe rack for shoes. Consider using bins or baskets for smaller items like hats, gloves, and scarves. Keeping this area tidy can make it easier for everyone to grab what they need and go.
8. Declutter Regularly
Clutter can make it harder to find what you need and can add to the stress of busy mornings. Take some time before school starts to declutter your home. Go through closets, drawers, and cabinets and get rid of anything you don’t need or use. Encourage your kids to do the same with their toys, clothes, and school supplies.
9. Set Up a Backpack Station
Create a designated spot for backpacks, lunchboxes, and other school gear. This can be a cubby, a hook, or a shelf near the door. Teach your kids to put their backpacks in this spot as soon as they come home from school. This way, everything is in one place and easy to find in the morning.
10. Prepare for Emergencies
Make sure your home is prepared for emergencies by updating your emergency contact list, checking smoke detectors, and restocking your first aid kit. Discuss your emergency plan with your kids so they know what to do in case of an emergency.
By taking some time to get your home organized and prepared for the back-to-school season, you can help ensure a smoother transition for everyone in the family. These tips can help you create a more organized, efficient, and stress-free home, making the busy school days a little easier to manage. Happy back-to-school season!
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