The School Year is Already Here
It's time to pack those lunches and backpacks, set our alarms and get back into a routine for the new school year! Going back to school is an exciting time, but it can also be hectic and busy with homework, projects, sports, activities and so much more. We've got easy steps to keep your new routine not only organized but FUN!
_______________________
Treat Your Kiddos (& Yourself)
With all of the busyness that a new school year brings, why not have an occasional treat ready for everyone?! Try your hand at homemade cookies that can quickly be popped in the oven during homework time. This is such a great way to make an every-day afternoon exciting--especially after a long day. Pro-tip: make the cookie dough ahead of time and keep it in the freezer for easy access and baking!
Click here for the best chocolate chip cookies!
Not enough time to bake? No problem! The goal is to keep this fun for everyone. Pick up some unique treats from a local bakery or your grocery store and stash them so it's a surprise! Your family will enjoy this pick-me-up no matter how it's done.
_______________________
Have a Command Center
In need of everyone's schedules and tasks all in one place? A command center is the perfect solution! One easy trick is to simply start with a large calendar. We love the idea of using a dry-erase calendar so you can reuse and customize it! Try hanging it in a clutter-free zone with plenty of space so you can add a mail organizer, clipboards for each kiddo, appointment lists and whatever else you need!
Here are some of our favorites:
Utilizing the wall space near your fridge is perfect for easy accessibility. You can event add drop-boxes for various papers and artwork!
_______________________
Designate An Area For Meal Planning
Having a meal-planning schedule can help save SO much time! It's go-time after school if your kiddos are involved with extra curricular activities and you'll thank yourself when you already have a ready-to-go dish for dinner! Try using a printable menu or list before grocery shopping for planning out those recipes. Once you know your go-to meals, make a couple over the weekend and freeze them for easy access!
Try this notepad from Recipes To The Rescue! This is a great option if you don't want to use a dry erase board or mess with printing a schedule. Their notepad also features a detachable grocery list for portability and ease! (We LOVE that).
Whichever schedule system you choose, make sure to incorporate it in your command center so everyone knows what to expect and can plan accordingly.
_______________________
Set Up Your Entryway For Success
Check out our blog post for tons of entryway + mudroom inspiration HERE!
_______________________
Clear Your Car & Closets
Having organized spaces throughout your home makes your routine a lot easier to follow! Now that the Fall season is just around the corner, it's a great time to clear the clutter in places like your closet. It's recommended to do so at each seasonal transition. Donate your clothes to local thrift stores or trade them in for cash!
Last but not least, clearing out your car will make the back-school-season even better! From snacks to muddy shoes, it's a great idea to routinely clean and organize you vehicle for peace of mind. Sure, it may get messy next week--but consistently adding this to your routine will be easier to maintain than doing a major deep-clean in a couple months.
_______________________
To all of our teachers, administrators, staff, parents, and students, the RJF team wishes you a wonderful and successful 2022-2023 school year!!
_______________________
Check out our other blog posts HERE!
Image sources:
(n.d.). The Most Amazing Chocolate Chip Cookies [Review of The Most Amazing Chocolate Chip Cookies]. https://joyfoodsunshine.com/the-most-amazing-chocolate-chip-cookies/
(n.d.). Sunny Circle Studio [Review of Sunny Circle Studio]. https://www.sunnycirclestudio.com/blog-1/2021/3/10/a-modern-family-command-center
(n.d.). At Charlotte’s House [Review of At Charlotte’s House]. https://atcharlotteshouse.com/man-oh-man-command-center/
(n.d.). Recipes to the Rescue [Review of Recipes to the Rescue]. https://recipestotherescue.com/collections/all-products/products/weekly-meal-planner
(n.d.). Style Me Pretty [Review of Style Me Pretty]. https://www.stylemepretty.com/vault/image/2226210
