How To Prepare Your Home For Back To School!

Summer quickly came to an end and out of nowhere the school year was underway. It’s not always an easy transition to get back on schedule, but there are ways you can better prepare yourself- and your home- for the rest of the year.  Try a couple of these organization tips to make hectic mornings and busy after school schedules a little more manageable this year.

How to prepare your home for back to school:

Clothing Organizers. Cut in half the amount of time it takes to get ready in the morning by setting your kids up with clothing organizers.  These simple closet buddies prompt kids to figure out what they’re going to wear the night before and have it ready to go for the next day. No more running around for a missing sock or their favorite t-shirt minutes before the bus leaves.

Create Calendar Central. This area will be the central hub for the organization of all assignments, after school activities, sports, etc.  Use white boards or chalkboards for easy revisions and color code by family member for easier organization. Have it located in a common space that everyone can easily see and be reminded of what’s going on for the week.

Prep the Kitchen. Especially in the first couple weeks of the school year, premade meals are going to be a lifesaver as you get back into a routine.  Plan meals and healthy after school snacks before the week starts and make a trip to the grocery store for everything you need.   Store the meals in the freezer and have the snacks in a designated spot, so they know where to go when hunger strikes.  You’ll thank yourself later.

Filing System. Despite so many things going digital, there will be certain files that you’ll need to keep organized and easily accessible.  Figure out the best way to categorize important papers like birth certificates and medical records in a way that’s easy to remember and accessible when needed.

Stock Up on Extra School Supplies. Pencils, pens and notebooks will all go missing or break throughout the year.  Take precautionary measures and make sure your home is fully equipped with the essentials for when that time comes.

Create a Homework Station. Especially as kids get older, it’s important for them to have a designated space to study and do homework that isn’t the dining room table.  Create a distraction-free space in a bedroom, living room or an office with a desk or bookcases and no TV, so they have one less reason to not get straight-A’s.

Sweet Surprises Stash. A simple surprise may be all it takes to make a tough assignment and stressful test seem not so bad. Keep candies, post-its and other little surprises on-hand to stick in their backpacks and lunchboxes when they have a big day ahead.  Nothing like an afternoon sweet or pick-me-up note to get them through the day!

The start of another school year doesn’t have to be a struggle if you take advantage of a couple of these home organization tips.  Your kids may not be ready to let go of summer and go back to school, but at least your house will be!

Hodorowski Homes is the Capital Region’s premier home builder building single family homes in Schenectady, NY and its surrounding areas. Please visit www.hodorowskihomes.com for more information.