Back to School Bootcamp: Get Organized and Save $$

[HeatherNYC]

It's here...or almost here. The first day of school. The beginning of that routine, that every day schedule which involves you corralling members of the family to get to the bustop or into the car by a certain time in the morning, nooging homework to be done, chauffeuring various kids to various activities with various gear. And let's not forget about that whole eating thing. 

It is enough to make a mom scream - yet one way to be on top of the controlled chaos that is your life is to be organized. Not just with the schedule, but in the closets and the car and your office area. When there is clutter and an every other day "Mom, where's my ballet shoes?" inquiry, you will end up costing yourself time and probably money and definitely stress. Just as you are getting all of the back-to-school basics ready for them, get yourself and your house ready too.

-- Organize those closets and dressers in every room. Be sure things in there fit, have a place, aren't totally a mess. This can save you and your kids a huge amount of time while getting ready in the morning. Have a place for dirty clothes in their rooms - it can help stave off the start of the floordrobe (a pile of discarded clothes on the floor of a person's room).

-- Fix up the "by the door" area. You know what I'm talking about, that area where shoes, backpacks, shin guards, mittens are ditched when coming home. Use cubbies, hooks, whatever you think will get everyone to put items in the proper place (check out some ideas and more hints next week and over at the Smarter Living hub).

-- List out what kids need to in the morning. Are they in charge of dressing themselves? Brushing teeth? Post a morning checklist in a central location to refer to, so you aren't always on top of them and so they can use to remember what they need to do with those sleepy eyes.

-- Get a file folder for each kiddo. Label it and have it ready by where you pay your bills. You can keep anything from the school or sports leagues or a list of friends' home numbers in that one central location - believe me, this will save you oodles of time and stress.

-- Hang a family calendar. Maybe a week at a glance or a month at a glance. Handy reminder so everyone can see when the soccer games are, who has a doctor appointment and when kids have the day off from school.

-- Stock up your car. Get the essentials in a little bag or small tote box. Think wipes, bottled water, snacks, tissues, band-aids, pen and paper, extra bit of cash - which help you in a pinch or when something is forgotten.

Do you have a family calendar? How about that backpack area? Share your organization techniques! 

©iStockphoto.com/alexsl       

 

[Bob192]

Great ideas!  I definitely feel like our house is closing in sometimes with all the stuff!

[countrygirlkat]

I really need to do this, thanks for the reminder!  I should get a family calander for sure. 

[suziejax]

we have a family calander

[starreyedcutie]

Great tips!

[Madelaine]

Awesome ideas!

[ceciliam]

Great tips! I do have a family calendar and we are already organized.

[MamaMandee]

In my mud room I have hooks, shelves and baskets. In my kitchen I have a board that is half cork & half white board. I use it to keep the kids schedules. 

[dusky_rose]

I don't have a family calendar, just a regular calendar I keep in the kitchen that I write important appointments on. In my youngest son's room I put a coat rack for his coats and backpack. We need to work on a place for shoes though.

[sukainah]

And these ideas are great for when both of my kids are in school and they are involved in more activities as well.  But I should start with folder idea and get some practice.

[kellynh]

Excellent tips... I also check backpacks for homework myself for grade schoolers.