The lazy days of summer are coming to an end more quickly than we’d like – some schools in DC start as early as the end of August! (Enjoy the extra time, you lucky folks who don’t start until after Labor Day!) As a parent, you know what back to school means. Besides being a change in schedule for the kids, it’s also a change in your whole world: rushing out the door, running carpools for after school activities, racing back home for forgotten permission slips, backpacks and lunches. Some organization and planning can go a long way toward minimizing back to school insanity – and make this time of year easier on everyone.
 
Check out these suggestions from California Closets, the leader in custom home storage solutions and an authority in design, for arranging your household to be more school-friendly, and your first day back will earn an A!  

1. Plan Ahead for a Smoother Shopping Trip.
Everyone benefits from a well-organized list before they go on a big shopping excursion, even people who usually resist list-making. Effective list-making can have items grouped by retailer or category, ensuring that related and accessory items are purchased at one shot. Of course, there are always a few surprises in store once that first bell rings. Forgot a notebook or a pack of Crayons? Keep a running list somewhere accessible so everyone in the family can add to it as items come up.  While you’re planning ahead, get carpool and transportation schedules set up as far in advance as possible, especially for the mornings.
 
2. Clean Out The Closets Early.
A change of season and a new school year make this the perfect time to go through your children’s closets and eliminate what they no longer need nor want. It’s sometimes easiest to do this when they aren’t home. Last year’s sneakers, sweaters, pants and shorts likely don’t fit anymore; donate anything that’s too small but still in good condition and make someone else’s school preparation easier too! Bonus: You’re making space for fall and winter clothing that does fit!
 
3. Organize From the Ground Up
Organize that freshly cleaned closet while stowing away all the new school items you purchased. It’s never too late to take this step! Group clothing by type and color, and put their favorite (or most needed) clothes where they’re easiest to reach. Make it simple for sleepyheads of all ages to find their wardrobe when they stumble out of bed in the mornings. Speaking of sleepyheads, it’s a good idea to start preparing them for the school year sleeping schedule, gradually, as summer wanes. Bring back consistent bedtimes to make things easier in a week or two. Get them going to bed 15 minutes earlier each night and try to put electronic devices to bed an hour before the kids are.
 
4. Set House Rules Ahead of Time
Everyone made it through the school day, and the first thing that happened at home is...chaos: backpacks on the floor, lunch boxes in the hall, and shoes, well, pretty much everywhere. Give your kiddos simple rules when they come home, and an accessible place to things away (plus maybe a healthy snack to hold them over until dinner?). If they know to place their shoes on a rack, store their backpacks in the closet and put their lunch boxes on the kitchen counter, you’ll at least have an organized starting point to launch them into homework and studying.
 
Make your home work for you, instead of against you during this busy time of year. It’ll help your kids focus on the things that matter – and in the process, you’ll be able to, too. For more on making your home school-ready and organizing your home, contact FirstService Residential, the DC Metro area’s property management leader. 
 
Wednesday August 24, 2016