Organize and simplify your back to school routine with these 4 tips.
Whether you are super sad to send those little ones back, or you can't wait to get them out of the house,
these 4 tips will help keep you on time and on track this school year!
As a Mom of 4 and a busy business owner, I know how hectic mornings, afternoons, and heck, the whole day can be. These are helpful tricks I have learned over the years not only from designing and organizing spaces for others, but from using with success within my own household.
Whether you are super sad to send those little ones back, or you can't wait to get them out of the house,
these 4 tips will help keep you on time and on track this school year!
As a Mom of 4 and a busy business owner, I know how hectic mornings, afternoons, and heck, the whole day can be. These are helpful tricks I have learned over the years not only from designing and organizing spaces for others, but from using with success within my own household.
1. Make a drop zone
This is a stopping point where kids can drop book bags, shoes and whatever else they drag home from school. This drop zone will keep everyone's things in one spot and save you lots of time in the mornings.
Backpacks, school shoes and jackets can all be kept in one spot to streamline your mornings.
"MOM! where are my shoes?"
The one below is a custom built in but there are many available that are ready to go and at an affordable price click the buttons to see some additional options.
This is a stopping point where kids can drop book bags, shoes and whatever else they drag home from school. This drop zone will keep everyone's things in one spot and save you lots of time in the mornings.
Backpacks, school shoes and jackets can all be kept in one spot to streamline your mornings.
"MOM! where are my shoes?"
The one below is a custom built in but there are many available that are ready to go and at an affordable price click the buttons to see some additional options.
2. Create a communication board
When is that field trip again? When you have a hectic schedule it is difficult to keep up with all of the dates and forms and checks that are due to the PTA, band and whatever sports clubs your kiddos are involved in.
I'm lucky if I can even remember to make myself lunch.
So having a place where each person can place papers that need signed and a central calendar that keeps track of important household dates is super helpful. I like to use a spot right after my drop zone. This forces kids to actually remove the crumpled papers from their bag and shove them into the communication box, rather than letting them stay hidden in the backpacks until the night before they are due. A simple wall mounted file works great for this.
The wall system pictured below is from Pottery Barn But check out the buttons for some other great options.
When is that field trip again? When you have a hectic schedule it is difficult to keep up with all of the dates and forms and checks that are due to the PTA, band and whatever sports clubs your kiddos are involved in.
I'm lucky if I can even remember to make myself lunch.
So having a place where each person can place papers that need signed and a central calendar that keeps track of important household dates is super helpful. I like to use a spot right after my drop zone. This forces kids to actually remove the crumpled papers from their bag and shove them into the communication box, rather than letting them stay hidden in the backpacks until the night before they are due. A simple wall mounted file works great for this.
The wall system pictured below is from Pottery Barn But check out the buttons for some other great options.
3. After School To do List
This sounds too simple, but is a super helpful tool to help kids stay on track and remind them of daily tasks.
This is also a great way to make kids accountable and save yourself from the constant repetition: "Hey did you empty your lunch box? " This is obviously something that can be adjusted to be appropriate to your child's age.
This sounds too simple, but is a super helpful tool to help kids stay on track and remind them of daily tasks.
This is also a great way to make kids accountable and save yourself from the constant repetition: "Hey did you empty your lunch box? " This is obviously something that can be adjusted to be appropriate to your child's age.
4. Do This the night before
A little preparation goes a very long way. Doing things like lying out outfits and packing up lunches the night before will save you mad time in the mornings, not to mention decrease your stress level. You may actually have some time for coffee and conversation. Try it, I promise you will not regret it.
Happy Back to school!
May all your mornings be pleasant and all your afternoons be organized.
Sincerely,
Christina Cruz and the Design Team at Cruz Interiors Inc.
A little preparation goes a very long way. Doing things like lying out outfits and packing up lunches the night before will save you mad time in the mornings, not to mention decrease your stress level. You may actually have some time for coffee and conversation. Try it, I promise you will not regret it.
Happy Back to school!
May all your mornings be pleasant and all your afternoons be organized.
Sincerely,
Christina Cruz and the Design Team at Cruz Interiors Inc.