neat Tip Of the Week
Children's clothing is much smaller, use smaller hangers to maximize space
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by Clare Kumar
I hope you’re enjoying the summer! I’m writing that message first because I always feel somewhat resistant to hearing messages about heading back to school when I’m right in the middle of what is supposed to be a relaxing time off. It’s a time away from rigid schedules, numerous activities and what we might call the “daily grind”. Never-the-less, depending upon where you live, we are now a few days or weeks away from school routines, and to make the start less stressful it is worth doing a little planning.
Here are 5 tips to ease the transition back to school life, and please, if you’re not ready to read it today, just bookmark this site until the right time for you!
1. Wardrobe
This is a good time to assess the fit of the current wardrobe and determine the clothing and accessories you need to buy. Catch back to school promotions to stock up. This is also the time to take worthy fall clothes to consignment stores. The money you generate can help fund this year’s wardrobe. Donate or hand down other outgrown clothes. If you’re saving items for younger siblings, store them in bins labelled by size and season.
Label current clothing and personal belongings with initials and a phone number so if misplaced there’s a chance it can find its way back to you. Don’t forget to label eyeglass and retainer containers! This is a good idea for grownups as well as kids.
2. School supplies
Some schools provide lists of supplies that are required so you’ll already have your shopping list. If you aren’t so lucky, chat with kids who have been to the school to learn what’s required, or allocate time in the first week to do a shop. This is a good time to stock up because there is a wide range of supplies on offer and promotions are on. Label any expensive supplies (i.e. calculators) and items that may easily get lost in the classroom.
3. Activities
Think about each activity that you or your children will engage in and prepare a bag to carry supplies. If you have the space a separate tote or backpack is ideal. If not, use shopping bags which can contain the supplies and be placed inside the tote or backpack on the day. For the first while it can be helpful to have a checklist posted by the way out to ensure all supplies are ready to go.
4. Communication
Throughout the year you will be required to communicate with teachers and school staff. Print notes with your contact information on them in advance so it will take less time to complete when you have to dash off a quick note. You may wish to add your phone number or e-mail address.
You will also want to discuss the upcoming change in schedule with your kids, to let them know what to expect and how routines will shift.
5. Calendar
Select your calendar solution. This might be a large paper calendar which is visible to the whole family, something I used for many years. We have recently transitioned to using electronic calendars on google which can be shared amongst family members. This helps keep everyone on the same page so-to-speak no matter where they are. We still keep the large calendar but it serves as an easy place to jot down funny incidents or things the kids say.
Hopefully these ideas will help ease your path from summer back to school. I welcome you to send me your back to school ideas at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
