Where has the summer gone? It’s hard to believe that within a few short weeks, kids will be heading back to school (virtually and in-person). My little guy will be walking into an actual classroom for the first time.

Whether your kids are young or not-so-young, attending school in person or online, we’ve got tips to switch you from summer-mode to school-mode.

1. Update Wardrobes and Organize Closets

Have your kids had a growth spurt? Or maybe you’re returning to office life. Whatever life is throwing at you this fall, the seasons are changing and it’s a good time to start preparing your wardrobe for cooler days.

Donate or discard outgrown or worn out clothes to make room for what you want. Once you’ve gone through everything, take an inventory of what items you (or your child) have, and note where you need to fill in the gaps with new purchases.

2. Create a command centre and update your family calendar

Once school is in full swing, you’ll appreciate a system that keeps the family on the same page. Setup a large calendar in a common space like the kitchen or mudroom and include space to jot down reminders, grocery lists and meal plans.

Make sure your digital calendar is also updated with any important school days or sports events.

3. Grab school supplies

Schools generally send out a list of required/recommended supplies for the classroom, but you can always ask another parent from the school (check your local Facebook Groups) if you’re not sure what you need. There’s something so satisfying about crossing off items as you work through the store (or your online order).

4. Create a homework station

Regardless of where your kids do their schoolwork, homework stations help kids stay organized and focused.

Whether they're working from the kitchen or a bedroom, create a space where they can focus, with easy access to the supplies they need. Use a peg board or stock a caddy with school supplies.

5. Organize the Mud Room/Entryway

With kids back to school and extra activities, it’s inevitable that we forget things as we leave the house. Take a look around your entryway and assess how you can organize the stuff that will be coming and going. Maybe the closet could benefit from a few bins or hooks.

Swap out the summer jackets and flip-flops for fall items and go through what your morning routine will look like to avoid forgotten items.

6. Ease into your routine

Summer days often come with a more relaxed schedule. We find that a slower approach to more structure can be the easiest way to get kids (and parents) ready for the change. Shift bedtime and wake-up time a little earlier about a week before school starts for a way easier morning on the first day.

If your schedule allows it, do a run-through of your morning routine, like getting dressed, having breakfast and packing up.

7. Pick your outfits for the first day

If your kids are old enough, include them in picking what their first day outfit will be. Sometimes, a new shirt they’ve just gotten becomes the shirt they’re most excited to wear.

Just make sure to check the weather forecast to make sure their picks lineup with mother nature - you don't want them roasting in their new knit sweater if it's 30 degrees outside.

Next week we’re tackling back to school meal planning so you can stay cool like a cucumber and enjoy the heat, we’ve got you covered.

If you want any of these tasks checked off and done for you, just send us a message and we’ll be happy to help!

7 Tips to Get Organized For Back to School