Here are some suggestions:

(1)    Clean out those closets.  Go thru and make sure that the clothes in the closets and drawers still fit and that they are divided into play, school and dress clothes.  Group items together like socks, underwear, tops and bottoms.  Use dividers inside drawers so that items stay separated.  For younger children use labels with photos of what items belong where and with older children use word labels.  This will also help children know where things belong on laundry day.  This method also works with toys and games.

(2)    Designate a place for your child to put away their backpacks, lunch boxes, jackets and school mail (all those flyers, newsletters and graded papers that make their way home). 

(3)    Start children out early with a filing system.  This can be small and portable.  Office Supply Stores have the files that are like little carrying cases.  Children love to create these on their own.  Let them decorate it and use colorful files and stickers.   This gives your child a place to put their homework assignments and special projects lists.  Once the important papers have a place they won’t get lost. 

(4)    Put together a craft basket or box.  Place age appropriate art and school supplies in them so that your child does not have to look for the basics when doing a school project.

(5)    Have a place that will be “homework central”.  A designated area of the house that a child can do their homework that has a writing area and the least amount of distractions, if possible. 

(6)    Make a calendar for the family.  Use it for school events, project due dates, sports and family scheduling.

I hope you find these tips helpful.  Have a great school year!

Wanda Baader is a professional organizer, cabinetry designer and founder of Gotta Get Organized LLC.  If you would like more information about our company please visit our website at www.gottagetorganized.biz or call us at 520-631-0086.