Getting organized for the back-to-school season can make the transition smoother for both students and parents. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Create a Dedicated Study Space
- Designate an Area: Set up a quiet, clutter-free area at home specifically for studying.
- Essential Supplies: Keep all necessary supplies like pens, notebooks, chargers, and a calendar within reach.
2. Use a Planner
- Track Assignments and Events: Use a physical or digital planner to keep track of assignments, test dates, and extracurricular activities.
- Daily and Weekly Planning: Review the planner every evening to prepare for the next day and at the beginning of the week to map out major tasks.
3. Organize Backpacks and Lockers
- Sort Materials: Keep the backpack tidy with separate compartments for books, supplies, and personal items.
- Locker Organization: Use shelves or hooks in lockers to maximize space and keep items accessible.
4. Meal Planning
- Prep Lunches Ahead: Plan and prepare lunches for the week to avoid last-minute scrambling.
- Healthy Snacks: Stock up on healthy snacks that can be quickly added to lunchboxes.
5. Create a Morning Routine
- Lay Out Clothes: Have clothes ready the night before to save time in the morning.
- Early Start: Wake up a bit earlier to allow for a calm and unrushed start to the day.
6. Set Up a Homework Station
- Organized Desk: Keep a desk organized with everything needed for homework, like pens, paper, and a computer.
- Homework Time: Establish a regular time each day for homework to build a routine.
7. Label Everything
- Name Tags: Use labels to mark clothing, lunchboxes, and school supplies to avoid mix-ups.
- Folder System: Color-code folders or binders for different subjects to make finding materials easier.
8. Streamline Morning Routines
- Checklists: Use checklists for morning tasks like brushing teeth, packing lunch, and grabbing the backpack.
- Out-the-Door Box: Place a box near the door for essentials like keys, masks, or permission slips that need to be grabbed on the way out.
9. Digital Organization
- Cloud Storage: Encourage students to use cloud storage for digital assignments to ensure they don’t lose important files.
- Shared Family Calendar: Use a digital calendar app shared with the family to keep track of everyone’s schedules.
10. Plan for Extracurriculars
- Gear Storage: Designate a spot for sports equipment or musical instruments to keep them organized and ready to go.
- Activity Schedule: Post a weekly schedule in a common area so everyone knows where they need to be.
These tips can help reduce stress and make the back-to-school season more manageable and organized. If you run out of storage for the kids toys and need a storage unit, we can help! Reach out to us at Across The Tracks Storage at 903-294-9634.