How to prepare for the new school year?
I don’t believe it’s necessary to buy all new gear for the new school year though the marketers are trying hard to convince us otherwise. Still, there are things we should do/check before the new school year starts to make sure things will go as smoothly as possible.
Buying things may feel like it brings security by preparing us as well as possible. And to some extent it does. But we can never quite prepare ourselves for what life brings at us and it’s good to practice being okay with that uncertainty.
So leave the just-in-case items and buy them later if you end up needing them. Choose items that are long-lasting both in quality and in style. And try your best to acquire things that truly spark joy for your child because these will get taken care of better than something they don’t really like.
CHECK SCHOOL GEAR
Start by checking their current school gear. Is it still in good condition and appropriate or do they need something new?
Backpack
Check to see if your kid’s backpack is in good condition and make sure it is the right size. Wash away last year’s dirt to start the new school year fresh.
If you end up getting a new backpack, I’d try to avoid anything with characters. It’s likely these will go out of style, or your child no longer wants it, faster than a backpack without characters.
Pencils, erasers, notebooks, etc.
Does your kid's school provide these? If not, do your kids have enough of these supplies or does something need to be purchased?
Try to use what you have before assuming you need to buy more. Many supplies last more than one school year. Of course, if your child for any reason needs a different type of supplies, then go ahead and purchase them.
Lunch boxes & water bottles
Check to see if your kid’s water bottle and lunch boxes are in good condition and the right size for their needs.
Again, If you end up getting a new lunch box or a water bottle, I’d avoid anything with characters just like with other gear.
Clothing & Shoes
Check to see if your kid’s clothes and shoes are in good condition and the right size.
Do they need any special types of clothing or shoes? Check that you have those as well and purchase what you need ahead of time.
GET YOUR HOME READY
Next, check to make sure your home is ready for the school year.
“Setting the stage for success begins with optimizing our home environment.” (Psychology Today)
Entry
Make sure your entryway works as an easy entry & exit. Hang hooks for jackets & backpacks, make sure there is enough space for everyone’s shoes, and store items that are needed daily, like sunscreen, keys, etc., in a convenient spot.
Find a solution that is easy enough for all family members to use and is pretty enough for you to look at. Don’t expect perfection.
Homework space
If your child is old enough to get homework, make sure they have a space to do it. Make sure that everything they need to get the job done is close by and they know where it is.
If your child plays an instrument, think also where they will practice that and have everything needed close by for that.
Papers
Do any schools send out paper anymore? If yours does, it’s best to deal with them right away.
Marie Kondo recommends that “you dispose of anything that does not fall into one of three categories: currently in use, needed for a limited period of time, or must be kept indefinitely.”
If the papers need to be stored for a longer period of time, make sure there’s a dedicated spot where to store them and don’t forget to discard the ‘needed for a limited period of time’ papers afterwards. (More about papers in my previous blog post: Paper Clutter)
Consider also where the homework should be stored and make sure your kid knows this!
Create space for all the school gear
Whether that is lunch boxes, sports equipment, or musical instruments, make sure all these items have a dedicated spot that is well organized and easy for everyone in the family to keep up.
This is important! The nicest, most Instagram-worthy organizing system is not worth a lot unless it truly works for your family. Make sure whatever system you set up is super easy.
Almost always, what is needed to create the required space for the required items is not pretty storage systems but letting go of other items that are no longer needed or wanted and crowd the space.
This is a great time to gather a donation bag or two (or more!).
Since you’re already going through the items, make sure you remove anything that you no longer plan on using and let go of it. This way you will have room for any new items needed for the new school year. If you’re letting go of any items that are still in good condition, you can also help out another family getting ready for the new school year.
Wishing every child a good school year and smooth mornings for every parent!