Best Back-To-School Checklist for an Organized Home
The back-to-school season can be both exciting and overwhelming for parents. The fun summer days are coming to an end, and it's time to gear up for a new school year. But don't worry!
We've got you covered with this ultimate back-to-school checklist. This guide will help you get your home organized and ensure that your kids are ready to hit the ground running on the first day of school.
Establish a Morning Routine
An efficient morning routine sets the tone for the entire day. Start by waking up at the same time every day and doing the same activities in the same order. This helps children know what to expect and reduces the morning chaos. Here are some ideas:
Wake-Up Time: Make sure everyone wakes up early enough to get ready without rushing.
Breakfast: A healthy breakfast is essential for a good start. Prepare easy-to-make options like cereal, yogurt, and fruit.
Dress and Hygiene: Lay out clothes the night before and ensure that brushing teeth, washing faces, and combing hair are part of the routine.
Create a Bedtime Routine
Establishing a bedtime routine will help everyone wind down and get the rest they need.
Set a Bedtime: Choose a consistent bedtime that allows for 8-10 hours of sleep.
Calm Activities: Include calming activities like reading a book or listening to soft music.
Limit Screen Time: Avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime to help kids relax.
Create a Homework Station
One of the best back-to-school checklist tips: a dedicated homework station! An area designated for homework can foster concentration and productivity. Choose a quiet corner of the house and equip it with the necessary supplies.
Location: Find a spot that's free from distractions. A quiet corner in the living room or a nook in the child's bedroom works well.
Supplies: Stock the station with pencils, paper, scissors, and other essentials. Keep everything organized in bins or drawers.
Comfort: Ensure the seating is comfortable but not too relaxed as this could lead to laziness.
Get School Supplies and Backpacks
One of the most exciting parts (for the kids, at least) of back-to-school preparation is shopping for supplies. Make a list of everything your child needs to avoid last-minute scrambles such as:
Essentials: Pencils, pens, notebooks, folders, and binders.
Backpacks: Choose a durable and comfortable backpack with enough compartments for organization.
Extras: Don't forget items like lunchboxes, water bottles, and labels for marking belongings.
Meal Planning
Meal planning saves time and ensures your children eat nutritious meals throughout the week. Plan breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and prep ahead when possible.
Breakfasts: Prepare overnight oats, smoothie packs, or muffin batches.
Lunches: Think about easy-to-pack options like sandwiches, wraps, and salads. Involve your kids in choosing their favorites.
Dinners: Plan weeknight dinners that are quick to prepare but nutritious. Use weekends to prep ingredients or cook in bulk.
Set Up a Family Calendar
It's hard to stay up-to-date with everyone's activities, so a joint calendar is one of our favorite back-to-school checklist items. A family calendar keeps everyone in sync and helps manage school activities, extracurriculars, and family events.
Type: Choose between a physical calendar hung in a common area or a digital calendar accessible to everyone.
Entries: Include school events, homework deadlines, and extracurricular activities.
Review: Have a weekly family meeting to review the calendar and make adjustments as needed.
Organize Outfits for the Week
Prepping outfits for the entire week can save time and reduce stress in the mornings.
Plan Ahead: Choose and lay out outfits for each day, including socks and accessories.
Weather Check: Consider the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
Laundry: Ensure all clothes are clean and ready to wear. Designate specific days for laundry to keep up with the demand.
Schedule Health Check-Ups
Before school starts, ensure your children are up-to-date with health check-ups, including dental and physical exams.
Doctor Appointments: Schedule annual physicals and any necessary immunizations.
Dental Visits: Book a dental check-up to ensure your child's oral health is in good shape.
Vision Tests: Make sure your child's vision is checked, especially if they've complained about eyesight issues.
Rent a Storage Unit for Extra Space
One of the most underrated back-to-school checklist items is using a storage unit for seasonal items or things you don't use regularly. This can help keep your home organized and create more space for your child's school materials.
Declutter: Go through your belongings and decide what can be stored away.
Categorize: Store items in labeled bins for easy access later.
Convenience: Choose a storage unit close to home for convenience.
Organize School Paperwork
Keep track of important school documents and paperwork by setting up a dedicated filing system. This ensures you can easily find what you need when you need it.
File Folders: Use folders for different categories like permission slips, report cards, and school newsletters.
Labeling: Clearly label each folder to avoid confusion.
Update Regularly: Go through the paperwork regularly to discard what's no longer needed.
Plan Extracurricular Activities
Balancing schoolwork with extracurricular activities is essential for your child's development. Plan these activities to ensure they don't clash with school responsibilities.
Select Activities: Choose activities based on your child's interests and strengths.
Schedule: Make sure the timings work well with your family's schedule.
Balance: Ensure there is a good balance between academics and extracurriculars to avoid burnout.
Prepare Emergency Contacts
Ensure you have a list of emergency contacts readily available for your child and the school. This includes family members, friends, and neighbors.
List: Create a comprehensive list of contacts with phone numbers and addresses.
Share: Provide a copy to your child's school and keep a copy at home and in your child's backpack.
Update: Regularly update the list to ensure all information is current.
Simplify Your Back-to-School Checklist With Midgard Self Storage
We all have things that take up space in our homes and create clutter, especially during the back-to-school season. Renting a storage unit from Midgard Self Storage can help you declutter and keep your home organized. Find your unit today!