HOW TO GET ORGANIZED FOR BACK TO SCHOOL (AND STAY ON BUDGET)

You may very well be ready for back to school already. You may have even started school already! But if you’re like I have been in this season, my brain could not wrap itself around getting back to school ready yet… and here we are with it fast approaching! Regardless of where you are at, here is my tried and true, yearly back to school survival prep plan to help you get organized, my friend. Now to apply it myself so we are ready for September!

This will be our 15th year getting my kiddos ready for back to school. It really is crazy how fast each school year comes, isn’t it? In fact, our oldest just moved out of the house for the first time, so now we are down to only two kids to prep. Thankfully our live-in exchange student does her own prep for back to school.

Yep, I guess that dreaded and sweet time of year is fast approaching. It is so bitter sweet, isn’t it? I love the simplicity of summer not having to watch the clock and be able to go on holidays or on a day trip on a whim. But I find it hard to keep focused and get all the work done when all I want to do is hangout with my family. They can be super distracting! So, for that reason back to school is kinda lovely. Are you ready for the routine to start? Or you dreading that first day back?

I am actually taking full advantage right now of a rare moment where everyone is at work and the house is empty to get all the things accomplished and write this post for you! I think this may be the first quiet moment all summer! Someone always seems to be around.

No matter where you are at my friend, here is my tried and true, back to school checklist to help you get organized for that bittersweet day (download it here and if you don’t have my access code, be sure to pop your email here to gain access to this fabulous freebie along with many other freebies!)

Your Back to School Checklist

1. MAKE A LIST: Based on your school supplies list, spend some time with each kid going through their last year’s school supplies and clothing in their drawers. This is a good time to get them to try their clothes on to make sure they are not storing anything that doesn’t fit them anymore. Get rid of anything that needs to be given away or thrown out. I try to do this once a year with my kiddos, and back to school is a great time to do this as we start a new season. Recycle the clothing that is too small, but in good shape, by giving the clothes to the next kid in line, or to a friend who’s kids could use them. As you go through all your kiddos items, write down what you need to purchase new on your list so you know what to shop for.
2. SET YOUR BUDGET: Be realistic… good planning helps keep your shopping from getting out of hand and helps you know how much money you need to set aside. If my kids decide “But I really, really want this mom”, is to make them pay for the extras themselves. If it’s a more expensive backpack than I want to purchase, they can pay the difference. If it’s another pencil case they don’t need, they can pay for it. That way they feel like they have some say in their must have items, and you don’t have to get guilted into spending more than you needed to. If they don’t have money to spend, get them doing house chores to make up the money they need… there is always something they can do to earn the extra money. It is also a great way of teaching them responsibility and the value of money.
3. GO SHOPPING: I so love that we can do shop online now (where was this when my kids were little?). I know it can feel daunting to shop with your kids, but how special to spend some one on one time grabbing a special coffee or ice cream on your way, and taking them to pick out their special back to school items for what can be a bit of an unnearving day for them. This is why I have made this list printable. Print off one for each kid.
4. MEAL AND SNACK PLAN: Go through your favorite recipes and write down your meal and school snack plan to help you get through your first few weeks (anyone else’s kids lose their marbles the first week of school? They can get so tired getting back into it all). Pinterest can be such a great place to find dinner and snack inspiration. Take each kid shopping with you to find out their favorite (healthy) food items too. It may surpise you what they choose (obviously you can pull out your mom card to say no when needed). They may even actually eat their lunch or snacks if they feel invested in the process with you! Check out some great freezer meal planning here to help you and your budget stay on course.
5. ORGANIZE ALL THE THINGS: A couple of days before, go through all your school supplies and clothing. Make sure everything is labeled and ready to go for their first day. Wash and put all new clothing away. Set their first day outfit aside to make your first morning a breeze. Your kiddos may be anxious enough, so making sure your ducks are all in a row can sure help everyone feel at peace for that first. sleepy. morning.

Bonus tip: I have found is to get one or two special outfits for the first day back to school (everyone needs something fresh to make that first day special. That was always my fav part growing up), and then go shopping a week or so after school starts to hit the sweet clothing sales. Mid-September is when all the faboulous sales hit the stores!

What are some of your fav tricks and tips to make back to school a breeze? Like what you reading? Be sure to pop your email below for access to your free printable!