Back to School Week: Organizing Tips

It’s just about time….Summer is almost over and it’s time for Back to School!

What lies ahead? Schedules, sports practices and games, homework, lunches, events, meetings, we can go on and on.

It was my intention to just post some ideas for you once, but when I started looking around, there are simply too many great ideas to fit into one post. So, all this week and maybe next week, I will be tackling some of those issues for you like; Organizing Tips, Easy Make Ahead Recipes, First of School Photo Ideas and of course, more Back to School Cupcakes, just to name a few.

As I’ve mentioned a few times, my boys go back to school this week. And although they are older {one in college, one in high school and one in middle school} I still need to stay organized to keep up with everything I need to accomplish.

Today we are chatting about Organizing Tips. While I like to think of myself as an organized Mom, at least most of the time, there is always room for new ideas and improvement.

Create a Command Center

I love this area! I have seen the photo on several different blogs and couldn’t seem to trace it back to it’s original owner. One of the blogs I came across during my search was Beach and Barn, they share more great ideas for Command Centers too! I love how even though it’s a small space, it accomplishes a lot. We have an area near our back door that I have been wanting to re-do almost since we moved in nearly 3 years ago. Maybe it will happen soon.

This Command Center that was shared by Katherine Marie, is brilliant! I love the little clipboards to hold information for each day of the week. And the chalkboard…to die for!

Family Calendar

We currently have this simple system, with a large calendar that holds all the events and appointments, and I color code each family member. Doug thinks I’m crazy for doing it like that, but honestly, it has helped so much. The boys come into my office, look at the calendar and know exactly what item is theirs. The wipe-off board is for all my posts that are due.

Organize Papers

One of the organizing tools I used when my boys were younger was this box for papers. There are tons of artwork, school papers, certificates, awards and so on that you need to keep. Any file box will do, then just get some hanging folders to divide out the years and simply slip the papers into the appropriate folder.

This box is also another good place to keep medical and dental records.

Taming Homework Time

Creating a Homework Box to hold all the supplies that might be needed during Homework Time is easy and can save you tons of time when you are searching for the supplies.

Organize Dinner Time

I know you have heard me talk tons about Menu Planning, specifically Monthly Menu Planning. It’s absolutely one of the easiest ways to organize your time in the kitchen, especially now, when the kids come home from school and there is homework, sports practice, games, and meetings.

Share your organizing tips with us!!

Linking to…Works For Me Wednesday, Show and Tell Friday