21 Clever Hacks & Helpful Ideas for Back to School

Back to school is a hectic time of year (I know, I didn’t really need to say that.) There’s only so much a busy mom can handle with all the paperwork that’s going to be coming back into the house, documents that need to be signed, and just the household organization that goes a little crazy when everyone’s on a new schedule.

Here are a few back to school hacks and helpful tips to make things a bit easier!

Dealing with Paper Clutter

1. Get a basket or standing file folder and label one for each child. These can be found at your local local dollar store.
2. Easy way to organize homework, permission slips, etc.
3. Take your child’s class schedule and snap a picture and keep it as your screensaver on your phone so you have easy access.
4. Keep a plastic see-through folder in your child’s backpack for important papers that need to be signed. Label it the “Post Office.”
5. Another clear plastic folder you can try is the “homework safe,” where you can make sure all the completed assignments are returned in one folder.
6. For multiple notebooks jammed into one backpack, use colored markers to color code the tops so that when your child looks inside, they see exactly what they need.

Organization

1. Coat racks hung for each child for backpacks and personal items right near your main entrance to house is a lifesaver.
2. Keep a poster or white board hung up with your child’s morning routine. This is an easy way to give your child a visual reminder of what they need to do each day.
3. Keep a large tote in the trunk of your car to throw everything in so only one trip to and from the car is needed.
4. Try color coding your kids lunch bags to their backpacks so you have an easy visual for matching up the right bags.
5. If you’re using paper bags, draw notes or reminders on them.
6. Create a homework station with bins, extra school supplies, and assign someone each week to tidy it up.
7. If you have a forgetful child, make them a reminder bracelet for the task they have to remember.
8. Send along a pack of baby wipes in your child’s backpack for easy hand washing during the day to cut down on germs.

Lunches and Snacks

1. Fun apple hack: slice an apple and secure it with a rubber band so it fits like a puzzle. This will prevent it from turning brown.
2. Try a bento box-style lunch. Easier than making sandwiches. Think small foods and place in the compartments of the bento box. (Here’s a great box we love!)
3. Get reusable zip-top or zipper bags for snacks, lunches, and everyday use. Cuts down on waste and you never run out of bags.
4. Prep healthy breakfast bowls the night before. Use oatmeal, fruit, and yogurt layered in mason jars is also an easy and fun option.

Clothes

1. For smaller children, get the large zip-top bags and put their outfits in them for the week. One bag for each day.
2. Just label the days of the week, and there’s no question in the morning what to wear.
3. Make it a rule that your kids place their shoes for the next day at the end of their bed or at your front door to avoid that hectic morning search.

For Older Kids

1. There are awesome LED locker lights are perfect so they can see everything in the locker and be less likely to forget something when packing up for the day.
2. For older kids, check out scholar.google.com for help with homework and writing essays.
3. Tell your teen to screenshot their schedule in the beginning of the school year. Then, have them text it to you so you have a copy.