Back to School Organization Tools + Tips
Every summer growing up, I couldn't wait to go back to school shopping! Beefing up my collection of Lisa Frank products, multi-colored gel pens (one color per class) and planning out my locker decorations made me borderline giddy to get back to good ole' Stillwater Junior High.
Over the summer, I had the chance to help a young client get organized for the school year and came across some amazing products that would help make the transition back to school so much easier.
Here are some products and tips to help ease back into the school year in the most organized way fashion:
GETTING KIDS ORGANIZED AT HOME:
Taking the time to pick out outfits for the next day, or better yet, the week ahead is a great way to make the mornings a bit less stressful. I love these hanging canvas organizers (Crate & Barrel | $20) that help kids sort out each day of the weeks clothing and accessories.
Another option are these Weekly Hanger Markers (Amazon, $13) that pop right onto your hangers. Heck, I'd even recommend these for adults.
An alternative using supplies around the house could be to label wooden hangers with a Sharpie, one for each day of the week.
Finally, I love the Umbra Accessory Organizer from Container Store. At $9.99 for a package of four, these be placed on any closet rod and are great for hanging backpacks, if you don't have a mudroom or locker system with a dedicated space for bags.
Also, make sure that you have hooks or systems that are at your littles level. Meaning, if you expect them to pick out their outfits and have things set out for the next day, they can easily reach their clothes and any hooks are hung high enough for their hands to reach (not yours).
GETTING KIDS ORGANIZED AT SCHOOL:
It's all about the planner in my book! Teaching kids to be responsible for their own homework, exams and due dates is a way to teach responsibility early on. Having a planner that they like the look of, and one that has a helpful breakdown inside that is geared to the phase of life or school schedule they work off is incredibly helpful.
I recently discovered Me & My Big Ideas and love the flexibility of their products. Their student planners, starting at $24.99, can be customized and are just plain fun to carry!
Something that I began doing to stay on top of assignments in junior high and high school, and continue to do to this day, is to put a note on my calendar two days before something is due. I also use my weekly agenda to keep track of things I need to remember to bring to specific appointments. Instilling habits like this at a young age can benefit your kids throughout the rest of their lives.
STAYING ON TOP OF ARTWORK & MEMORIES:
Each year, dedicate a space to store artwork and special pieces that kids bring home from school. Limit the number of items to what can fit inside a specific folder or container for storage, and have your kids be a part of the process.
I love utilizing scrapbook organizers for oversize pieces of memorabilia, since there is less folding and crushing happening. These Project Boxes from Creative Options are perfect and every once in awhile I'll find a pack of 5 for $19.99 at Costco. Keep your eyes peeled!
At the end of the school year, go through what was saved and whiddle down items to a specific number. For everything else, consider the ARTKIVE app. The gist of ARTKIVE is that you fill an ARTKIVE Box with your kiddos masterpieces and send it to ARTKIVE where they professionally photograph each piece and turn it into a stunning, keepsake book..
What are your favorite tools or strategies for staying organized throughout the school year? Tell me all about it in the comments below!!
The Baer Minimalist helps busy families create ORGANIZED + STYLIZED spaces and events throughout Indianapolis.
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