Back to School Checklist: A Handy Reference for Preparing for School

Preparing for back to school can be hectic, but a little preparation goes a long way. Use these simple tips for making your transition into the school year a little easier.

Get Your Shopping List in Order: Most schools now provide a list of supplies you will need to purchase for your child’s use in the classroom. Combine this list with more personal items your child will need--such as a backpack, school clothes, and a reusable lunchbox--to make sure you are organized when you begin shopping. Check out our article “Back to School on a Budget: Inexpensive Ways to Stock Up on Supplies” for some great tips on saving cash.

Cut the Clutter: New school years often mean new items to fill our closets. Take a few hours before school begins to go through old stuff and identify what can still be used or repaired, and donate whatever you no longer need. This will help you gain a better understanding of what supplies you have to purchase and what can be carried over from a previous year.

Get Organized: Cutting the clutter is only half the battle in gaining an organizational system that will carry you through the school year. Identify areas that need improvement over last year and tackle them. Start by making sure you have a designated place for books and backpacks, a clear rule for who washes out the lunchboxes every night, and a neat and accessible area for storing supplies that will need to be replenished regularly.

Read Up on Recipes: Whether it’s the morning meal, a healthy lunch, or a dinner that fits into your schedule--preparing yourself with some handy recipes will keep things simple and interesting. Make a file of your favorites to pull out in a pinch. Take a look at “Breakfast Nutrition: Simple Solutions for a Healthy Start” and “School Snacks: Five Wholesome Treats the Kids Will Love” to get you started.

Breakdown Your Day: Smooth school days often depend on good planning. Examine each aspect of your day--from morning routines to evening meals--to determine how you can best structure those times. Don’t be afraid of lists, and don’t underestimate a child’s power to stay on schedule when encouraged. Make sure everyone clearly understands what they are supposed to do, and when, to avoid confusion.