"Back-To-School Management for Moms"

When the summer comes to a close it can bring a variety of feelings.
For me, I get a little "wiggly" and feel the need to clean out and try to get organized.

Everyone has their own way of doing things, but I thought I'd share a few of mine that seems to have proven both practical and successful over the past few years.
These suggestions can happen over the course of a few days--however it may fit into your schedule.

I have 3 kids ranging from 8- 16. Depending on your situation, you may want to consider attacking this one kid at a time , or assign the older ones specific assignments while working with the younger ones. I've found that the "one kid at a time" approach works better for my overloaded brain:).

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Day One: "Out With the Old"

Bedrooms-

Make a clean sweep of their bedrooms! Here is an opportunity to rid some clutter and share with the less fortunate. My youngest is not the "tidiest" little angel. I'm not embarrassed to tell you that we pulled out a nice old big black garbage bag of miscellaneous nonsense out of her room.

We managed to come up with 2 giant bags to give away!

After the sweeping through we pulled everything out of the room and did a deep cleaning.
No more dust bunnies in there!!

In with the new--- clean room and we even reorganized it a bit. Looks great--feels great and she's ready to do a little back-to-school shopping now!

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Day Two:

School Files-

I have found this trick to be a practical and convenient solution to the piles of paperwork,
tests and treasures that come home on a regular basis. Rather than having a
slowly emerge on the counter that you were hoping to use to make a fresh salad, designate a place for a simple "drawer per kid" for such items. It may take a little creativity on your end, but it's worth it!

I went to Wal-Mart and purchased a 3- drawer plastic cabinet. It's nothing fancy, but oh--so practical! I actually tucked in my pantry right in my kitchen. On each drawer I labeled a child's name.

You get the picture don't you? Papers come home--some get chucked--some you want to keep for a while/ some forever.

Simply toss it in their drawer and it has a home, it's readily accessible and you've
avoided some SERIOUS clutter!

Some time after the school year is over it is fun to go through each drawer and look at the treasures. Report cards, pictures, projects etc... Here is a great time to sort through once more and store them in a special box. I purchased a few of those empty photo boxes and place the memories in there. Label it with your child's name and the school year.

Now, your drawer is ready for the "new year"!

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Day Three:

Shoes!-

Smelly ones, old ones, small ones...get rid of them! Nothing clutters a walkway more than excessive shoes.
Nothing makes me cringe more than the wonderful smell that escapes from my son's baseball cleats!

I have a friend whose home is just far too organized (ALL the time) and ALWAYS immaculate.
Do I sound a little envious?
:) I figured --hey-- let me take a peek and maybe I can steal a few of her tricks!

She has a mudroom and in it was the most organized system for shoe storage.
Practical, simple and fabulous! I decided that I was going to make an executive decision and went
to the local improvement store. Side by side storage cubbies. There are enough cubbies for
30 pairs of shoes. Now-- for a family of five that is wonderful!

It's awesome-- clears the walkway and makes for a happy mommy! The top of the shelves has
proven to be an ideal spot for backpacks and purses too.

The trick to keeping it at its best is simply seasonal organization. No need for flip-flops in
the winter or fancy shoes only worn once in a blue moon. Keep the most frequently worn only.

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Day Four:

Mom's Checklist-

This one is mostly for your own sanity. Sit down and go through the must-do's for each child.

-Physicals
-Eye Appointments
-Medications
-Paperwork for schools , sports and other activities
-school supplies
-school clothing

Get it done now-- mark them down in your planner and be done with it!
Gee...I feel the need for a break here soon...do something fun later!

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Day Five:

Bizzi2Go Planner Tip:

If you haven't received your child's school calendar yet, chances are you can visit
the school's website and print one off. If you or a friend have a scanner, scan the
calendar to approximately 50-66% its original size. Cut it down and then tuck into
the clear sheath of your planner for easy viewing! This has proven to be a valuable
tool for me. The same can be done for sports schedules etc..

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I do hope that my tips were helpful. Until next time....make it a great day!

Tammy ;)