It’s hard to believe, but it’s already back-to-school season! Whether you’ve already started shopping for school supplies or you’re just getting started, now is the perfect time to get organized.
These back-to-school organization tips will help you save time, stay on budget, and reduce stress before the first day of school. From taking inventory of the supplies you already have to finding the best sales and organizing everything for a smooth start, a little planning can make all the difference for your family.
Take Inventory Before Shopping
Before heading to the store, take a few minutes to go through the school supplies you already have. You may be surprised by what you find!
Check closets, storage bins, desk drawers, backpacks, and last year’s school supplies for items that are still in good condition. For example, you might discover unopened boxes of crayons, markers, pencils, notebooks, folders, or glue sticks that can be used this year. Reusing supplies helps you save money and avoid buying duplicates.
As you sort through everything:
- Throw away broken crayons, dried-out markers, empty glue sticks, and damaged supplies.
- Test pens, markers and other reusable items to make sure they still work.
- Sharpen pencils and restock pencil cases.
- Separate supplies by child so everyone is ready for the first day of school.
Taking inventory first not only saves money, but it also helps keep your home organized and reduces last-minute stress when school starts.
List the Remaining School Supplies
Now that you’ve gone through your closets, storage bins, and school supplies, it’s time to make a list of the items you actually need to buy. Having a list will help you stay organized, avoid duplicate purchases, and stick to your budget.
Many schools post their supply lists on their website or social media pages. My daughter’s school even offers the option to purchase a prepackaged school supply box that includes everything on the list. While this is convenient, I prefer to shop for the items myself because I can often find sales and discounts or I may already have some of the supplies at home.
Once you’ve made your list, you can shop online or visit your favorite stores to purchase the remaining supplies.
Don’t forget to look for back-to-school sales and your state’s Sales Tax Holiday. If you live in Florida, the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday typically runs from late July through August, making it a great time to save on qualifying school supplies, clothing, and other eligible items.
Label and Organize Everything
Before the first day of school, take time to label everything your child will use. Trust me, teachers appreciate it! Clearly labeled supplies help prevent lost items and reduce confusion in the classroom.
We purchased a set of personalized labels in different sizes and colors. We used them on notebooks, folders, water bottles, lunch boxes, pencil cases, and other school supplies.
Each label included my daughter’s name, along with my husband’s name and phone number. If an item was misplaced, it was much easier for someone to return it.
Once everything is labeled, organize the supplies in your child’s backpack or designated area so they’re ready to go on the first day of school. Starting the school year organized can make mornings much less stressful for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Back-to-school shopping may feel overwhelming, but with a little planning and organization, the process can be much less stressful. By preparing ahead of time, you’ll save money, stay organized, and help your family start the new school year with confidence.
Best wishes,
Mel
