1. Set up a meal planning system
Over the summer I tend to stop meal planning as carefully- after all, if I really need to, I can always run to the store in the middle of the day on a Tuesday and pick up a few things. But during the school year? Meal planning is my lifeline. As back to school season approaches I start meal planning again to get back into the rhythm again and update my menus and systems if I need to so I don't have to think about grocery shopping and cooking when school starts back.
If you're new to meal planning or want to upgrade your systems a little, get started right here and be sure to read all the other articles linked in this post:
2. Stock the freezer
I really started doing this last summer and it was SO AWESOME when school started last fall and I had a freezer full of pre-made meals! When summer starts to wind down, I start making big batches of meats and stews in the crockpot and freezing large portions of them in freezer bags. Then when I'm just too tired to cook, all I have to do is pull a bag out, reheat, and dinner is ready!
If you are looking for some easy crockpot recipes to make ahead, check out my crockpot dinners Pinterest board :)
3. Set up a command center / family calendar
I always need written reminders to get things done, but especially in the fall when I'm trying to get back into my school routine, I need constant reminders to keep track of everything! Besides my personal planner, my calendar that I have posted in my command center is so helpful. I can look at it as I'm cooking or getting ready in the morning, add a quick note when I need to, and keep track of the most important information I need to start each day.
Here's a post (from a LONG time ago) on my command center. I highly recommend some kind of dry erase family calendar at a minimum to keep track of everyone's schedules!
4. Set up your planner
If you've been around this blog for any length of time you know I am a HUGE fan of paper planners! Summer is a good time to make sure you have everything set up in your calendar/ planner for the upcoming school year. I sit down and go through all of the important holidays and important dates for school, doctor's appointments, and any other long-term dates I need to write down in my planner, and I put in reminders for bills I need to pay or errands I need to take care of for the first few months of school and write everything in. That way when school hits I don't have to worry about forgetting them!
If you're wondering what things to start writing in your planner now, here are a few posts to get you started:
5. Purge / organize / clean the house
My house always ends up a mess by the time the end of the school year rolls around! I try to get everything back in its place before the school year begins (so I have space to make a mess again). I also try to do a little more cleaning than I have time for during the school year, and look for anything I can purge to help de-clutter. If you want a checklist of things to do to get cleaned up, organized, and ready for the new year, here's a free one you can download!
I hope you found some helpful tips to get you ready for the start of school! Hopefully these strategies will help make your Back to School season a little less hectic.
Have your own organizing tips to share? What do you do over the summer to get your home life ready for back to school? Share your tips in the comments below!
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