If you have school-aged kids, it’s almost that time of year again where you have to get ready for the new school year. The right preparation at home can make the transition from holiday mode to school routines much smoother. Here are some ideas to get your home ready so you’ll be organised and ready to go from day one.
Declutter and organise your home
Declutter all common areas, bedrooms and study spaces in your home by:
- Sorting school essentials: Gather all school-related items like stationery, backpacks and lunchboxes. Discard anything damaged or outgrown from last year and/or donate what you no longer need.
- Organising wardrobes: Streamline your morning routines by organising school uniforms. Consider using labelled bins or hangers for each weekday.
- Refreshing study areas: Clear desks and add essential items like pens, notebooks, digital resources, chargers and a comfortable chair. Minimise distractions and ensure there is good lighting. A tidy, dedicated and quiet study pace boosts focus and enhances learning.
Stock up on healthy snacks and meals
Proper nutrition is vital for a successful school year. Stock your pantry and fridge with:
- Easy breakfast options: Think ‘grab-and-go’ items like fruit, yogurt or home-made muffins.
- Lunchbox staples: Include a mix of proteins, whole grains and fresh produce.
- After-school snacks: Keep healthy options like nuts, dried fruit, cut vegetables or cheese sticks within easy reach.
Bulk meal prepping over the weekend can also save you time and reduce our weekday stress.
Set up essential school information resources
These essential resources could include:
- A calendar: Use a large wall calendar or digital app to track school events, extracurricular activities and deadlines.
- A to-do board: Assign responsibilities and deadlines for packing school lunches and completing homework, as well as other household chores.
- An inbox for paperwork: Designate a tray for permission slips, newsletters and bills to avoid misplacing them.
Create an effective morning routine
School mornings can be chaotic, but having a solid routine ensures a smoother start to the day. Here’s how to create a successful morning routine:
- Prep the night before: Encourage your children to lay out clothes, pack lunches and organise school bags before going to bed.
- Use checklists: Create visual checklists for your younger children to follow independently.
- Use time management tools: Set alarms or timers to keep everyone on track.
- Encourage consistency: This will make school mornings less stressful for everyone.
Prepare for extracurricular activities
Extracurricular activities are an essential part of a well-rounded education. Stay organised by:
- Designating storage space: Use bins or hooks for sports equipment, musical instruments or art supplies.
- Tracking schedules: Sync activity times with your family calendar to avoid conflicts.
- Pre-packing essentials: Keep a ‘go bag’ ready with water bottles, uniforms or gear to grab on busy days.
Get the whole family involved
You can do this by assigning age-appropriate tasks. For example, younger children can pack snacks, while older kids can help with organising your home or meal preparation. You and/or your partner don’t have to do everything.
Getting your Greater Springfield home ready for the new school year doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a bit of planning and teamwork, you can create a supportive environment that sets your family up for success. You will be glad that you did and it will be the Easter holidays before you know it!
About us
If you are looking to buy, sell or rent a Greater Springfield home, or you would like your rental property professionally managed, then contact our experienced local real estate team at Purple Cow. We’d be happy to answer any real estate questions you have and provide you with advice.
