August 1st may seem like just another day to many, but for those of us with kids (soon to be back) in school, anxiety is starting to build.

Here are a couple of things we’re doing at our house to make the transition a little easier:

Back to School Checklist:

Each of my kids has a B-to-S checklist. This one page visual helps them see the whole picture AND the smaller steps.

Adding color makes more visually appealing to kids and adults!

TIP:  I love these durable clear pockets. It keeps together back up stuff (like the book report guidelines, summer math homework) and can easily be placed in a binder or filed when not in use.

 Ready to Go Clothes: 

After taking an inventory of back to school needs, I put outfit for each day on a hanger – we’ll add socks / shoes to each the night before.

Uniforms make this extra easy, I know. Regardless, pulling together stuff for the week – BEFORE the week starts – is worth the effort.

TIP:  Make this a weekly thing. When we start off our week with outfits ready to go, it always makes the mornings smoother. (smoother mornings = priceless)

BONUS!

Not only do these activities help them – and me – now, they are super beneficial down the road:

• Checklist = project management!
• Clothes ready = being prepared!

These little things become valuable habits your kids take with them.

And another bonus:  Getting more organized here and there allows you and your family to enjoy more – and stress less – these last weeks of summer!