Our Christmas decorations have come down and New Year’s celebrations are now behind us, which means it won’t be long before the kids are back to school and life can return to normal! As the new school year rolls around, the stress of picking up the back-to-school basics can start to set in.
To make things easy for you and the whole family, we’ve put together a nifty guide to help you get organised for the new school year without breaking a sweat.
Organisation is key!
Getting organised early can really help you start the new school year off on the right foot. We’re not just talking about getting your back-to-school shopping started. Instead, invest in some organisational products that will make your life a whole lot easier when it’s time for early mornings again.
There’s nothing worse than finding out your child has misplaced their brand new pencil case, lunchbox, water bottle, etc., on the first day back in the classroom. To reduce the chances of this happening, grab a pack of personalised labels to tag all of their belongings. Upgrade your label game with waterproof, dishwasher safe, washing machine and dryer friendly labels that can withstand the test of time and washing!
Between after-school activities and bus timetables, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Keep track of your kid’s schedule with the help of a weekly or monthly planner! Whether it’s an individual planner, or one for the whole family, it not only helps you follow everyone’s whereabouts, but also teaches your young ones how to keep track of their schedule, helping to build important organisational skills and a sense of responsibility.
School storage solutions
A new backpack isn’t an essential purchase every year, but it does pay to make sure your child’s one is up to scratch. Some schools require branded backpacks as part of their school uniform, so check their policy before diving in and buying a new bag.
It’s also wise to think about storage inside the backpack.
Next, turn your attention to school lunches. Cut your prep time in half and reduce waste with a handy bento box lunchbox. Not only is it easy for little hands to open, but the individual compartments are convenient for helping to reduce waste, while making packing a nutritious and delicious lunch a breeze. We also recommend picking up an insulated lunch bag to keep your kid’s food cool throughout the day, but make sure to check it’s big enough to fit their lunchbox!
To make things easy for everyone, we suggest designating a backpack storage area somewhere in the house that’s easily accessible for both you and the kids. That way, you can grab their lunchbox at the end of the day and don’t have to worry about finding it when you’re rushing out the door for the school run.
School supplies
Not all school supplies need replacing annually, so it’s best to cross-check the school supplies list with what you already have on hand before stocking up for the year. As a rough guide, here’s some basic items that are likely to make the list:
- Pens
- Pencils
- Highlighters
- Erasers or whiteout
- Pencil sharpener
- Glue sticks
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Calculator
- Notebooks
Make life easier for yourself by heading to one-stop shops where you can pick everything up in one hit, or better yet, shop online from the comfort of your own home and have it delivered straight to your door.
Uniform and clothing
Whether it’s a regular, daily uniform, sport’s uniform or protective gear for arts or science, making sure your kids are dressed appropriately is an absolute must. Socks, shoes, hats, hair ties, you name it, uniform policies can be incredibly specific, so find out what to shop for before pulling out your wallet.
Electronic devices
From laptops to smartphones and wearables, there’s no doubt that the world we live in is becoming increasingly more high-tech, as is the schooling system. As always, check with your child’s school for guidance on specific rules surrounding electronic devices and technology.
As your children transition from primary school into high school it’s important to make sure they have access to adequate technology to assist in their education. As they move through the grades, an increasing amount of homework is often required to be completed and submitted electronically, so home access to a laptop or computer is essential!
If you’re not in a position to purchase a laptop or other electronic device required for their school learning, there are often a number of educational programs that are dedicated to providing students with the equipment they need.
Although the new school year is often a time of great relief mixed with the stress of trying to get everything organised, our back-to-school guide is a great starting point to make this period as stress-free as possible for the whole family.
This content was published in partnership with Myer.
