5 Ways to Organize your Home for Back to School

Can you believe it? Summer is coming to an end!

If you've been dreading sending your little one to school for the first time, or have been in the rodeo for a while and can't wait to get everyone back on a schedule, nothing is better than being prepared, feeling stress-free and organized!

As families and kids are getting ready to head back to school across the province, it's time to get the home ready and organized for a smooth and stressless transition.

Here are 5 things to do before the school bell rings for the first time this September:

1. Organize the Kitchen. From hurried breakfasts to running out of snack for lunches, mornings in family households are not for the light-hearted! Depending on the age of your children you can designate parts of the refrigerator for snacks that are only for school lunches. Store dry snacks that don't need refrigerating in a bin and out of site. You can keep “after school” snacks in an area where children can reach them without asking for help.
2. Keep your front door entry and foyer clean and clear. Be sure to have a designated place to hang coats, backpacks and hats for the kids. Keep purses, wallets, keys, water bottles and phone chargers in the same place and easily accessible to make your morning mad dash, as smooth as possible.
3.  Purging old clothes and unused toys is the way to go! If it's worn, too small, or out of season, donate clothes or pass down to younger siblings.
4. Designate a specific room or space for study and productivity. Keeping a quiet, organized space for a desk and chair is important for homework and school projects. Be sure there are no electronics in the room or keep them unplugged during homework and reading time.
5. Use a calendar or planner to keep all your meal plans, papers and events organized. You can buy really fun large format or magnet organizers locally. Or keep an electronic version which you can share with everyone.

Let’s face it. Life is busy. Being organized is possible and rewarding! Schedule some time - either half a day or 1-2 hours for a few days and get started. It's easy to think about it - but the reward is in action.

Let's clear space and time for connections and conversations and get ready for a stress-free and organized household and routine today! Be sure to share pictures and tips on how you get organized using #erinsimcoecounty.

Happy organizing!

Erin