BUYING SCHOOL CLOTHES AND SUPPLIES

• paper, folders, pens, pencils, markers, crayons, etc.
• shop ahead of time for sales throughout the year
• buy extras of "essentials" and put them away for later
• buy off-brands whenever possible to cut costs
• simplify your child's wardrobe to "mix-and-match"
• take an inventory before heading out to the stores
• shop with a list to avoid buying things you don't need

CLEARING OUT THE CLUTTER

• go through closets and give away clothes / shoes that don't fit
• help your kids let go of old toys and outdated interests
• clean out old school supplies to make room for the new
• spend one day before school starts organizing your child's storage
• do it "with" your kids, and not "for" them
• have each child's room spotless by the night before school starts

CONTACT THE SCHOOL

• find out if any physical examinations or immunizations required
• see if any new registration requirements this year
• get your child's schedule and names of teachers
• names and contact info for your child's classmates' parents
• give school emergency phone numbers to reach you
• designate others who may care for your child in your absence
• get copy of school policies (absence, illness, discipline, etc.)

CREATING A LAUNCHING PAD

• set up a spot near the door for items that need to go to school
• backpacks, school books, sports equipment, instruments, etc.
• spend 15 minutes each night gathering supplies for tomorrow
• use a cubby for each kid if you have several children
• no more hunting for missing books and supplies in the morning

GETTING READY AHEAD OF TIME

• make lunches the night before to save time in the morning
• do "non-perishables" (juice box, chips, fruit) a week at a time
• put in pantry in lunch bags labeled with child's name and day
• lay out your child's clothes for the entire week on Sat. or Sun.
• collect up school supplies for next day before going to bed
• plan out and shop for a week's worth of dinners at once

MAKING BEDTIME EASIER

• have a set schedule (homework, dinner, play, bath, etc.)
• spend 15 minutes before bed straightening up
• gather all supplies for the next day before bed
• create "calming" rituals (bath, reading, soft music) before bed
• help kids get up in time by insisting on a strict bedtime
• stay away from TV late at night

MORNING RITUALS

• set an alarm clock allowing plenty of time to get ready
• complete your AM routine before the kids start to get going
• simplify your morning routine as much as possible
• complete as many "getting ready" chores the night before as can
• have a set schedule (shower, dress, breakfast, chores, etc.)
• make mornings fun with music, but stay away from TV distractions
• create a sense of structure to start off the day
• put breakfast supplies within kids' reach to make things easier
• develop consequences for not being ready on time

PUTTING YOUR SCHEDULE IN ORDER

• set up a central family calendar in a high-traffic area
• family meeting once a week to discuss each person's schedule
• record each person's appointments in a different color marker
• make each child responsible for reporting his / her activities
• schedule in regular appointments (soccer practice, piano lessons)
• immediately transfer dates from other schedules to your calendar
• be sure to block off family time at least once a week
TEACHING KIDS TO SET BOUNDARIES
• limit the number of extra-curricular activities at one time
• limit amount of artwork that may be displayed at one time
• when a new piece of artwork goes up, one must come down

Ramona Creel is a Professional Organizer and the founder of OnlineOrganizing.com -- offering "a world of organizing solutions!" Visit www.onlineorganizing.com for organizing products, free tips, a speakers bureau, get a referral for a Professional Organizer near you, or get some help starting and running your own organizing business. You may contact Ramona at comments@onlineorganizing.com.
Resource from:
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