HOW TO PREPARE CHILDREN AND YOUR HOME FOR GOING BACK TO SCHOOL

Practical Back to School Tips to Get Children and Your Home Organised

The summer holidays always feel like they’ll last forever, don’t they?

Do you feel conflicted? You don't want the holidays to end but the juggle of working, childcare, boredom (how can they be bored - I would pay good money to have 6 weeks off!) and keeping on top of your home can be overwhelming and you are possibly very excited to drop them back on the first day of term. I had a friend once who had 4 children and told me she went back home after school drop off and just sat and listened to the dishwasher run - in peace for a whole hour!

Either way, it's suddenly the end of August, you’ve had one too many ice creams at the beach, and reality strikes: school is about to start again. If you want the new term to run smoothly (and avoid morning meltdowns over missing shoes or forgotten PE kits), now’s the time to get organised.

Here are my favourite back to school prep tips to make the transition as stress free as possible.

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1. Ease back into school bedtimes

After weeks of late nights, sleepovers, and “just one more film,” the first week of school mornings can be brutal. Start nudging bedtimes earlier by 15 minutes each night during the final week of summer. Your future self will thank you when you’re not trying to drag a sleepy and grumpy (or any other of the 7 dwarfs names for the matter) child out of bed at 7am.

2. Do a uniform and shoe stocktake

Children have an uncanny knack for growing two inches over the summer. Before the panic sets in, try everything on. Make sure you’ve got enough shirts, socks, and that all important pair of shoes that actually fit. If you need extras, now’s the time to order.

Here are some ideas on Amazon to help you - School Essentials

3. Prep the PE and kit bags

PE days always seem to come as a “surprise” (usually when your child announces it over breakfast). Get kit bags ready now, label everything, and store them in an easy to grab spot.

When my children were younger and at school, they both did many after school activities.

I had a large basket near the front door which kept everything in.

So when we got home from swimming, dancing, karate or football I would wash the kit, put back in the appropriate bag and put in the basket - no morning stress.

4. Create a school year calendar

Schools love a themed dress up day, and they rarely give you more than 24 hours notice. Start a calendar (paper or digital) where you can immediately jot down trips, dress up days, and parents’ evenings. Keeping everything in one place saves those last minute scrambles.

Family wall planner

5. Organise a homework station

Homework is less painful when everything is in one place. A small box with pencils, rulers, glue sticks, and paper means no more running around the house hunting for a sharpener. It doesn’t need to be Pinterest perfect, just functional.

This desk caddy is brilliant for storing items in one place and comes in multiple colours.

6. Meal prep for the week ahead

Back to school also means back to chaotic evenings. Even a little batch cooking will make life easier. Think pasta sauces, lunchbox bakes, or freezer friendly snacks. Future you will be smug when there’s a meal ready to reheat instead of resorting to toast at 7pm.

The trick is to start small and do a little each day this week. Remember - doing it now means your future self will be grateful! By the time that first school bell rings, you’ll have uniforms washed, bags packed, and the calendar ready to roll. That’s one less thing to worry about and one more reason to enjoy these last golden days of summer.

Thanks for reading, I'm Jo, a Professional Organiser for 20 years and your new partner in creating an organised home. 

Based in Petersfield, Hampshire but covering Surrey, West Sussex and London (upon individual request basis).

I help busy professionals, families and home movers, organise and declutter their homes, paperwork and photographs.

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