The NEAT Method For Successful Back-To-School Mornings
Can you believe it's almost time for Back to School? I love this time of year and often think of it as my "New Year" - it's a great time to set up new systems or start new routines! At NEAT Method, we know that having systems in place will help streamline your mornings, get your kids involved, and relieve stress for everyone!
Our "Method" is simple no matter what space or area you're tackling:
Take everything out
Sort and categorize
Edit (anything expired, broken, or you just don't use)
Use products to contain your items and label
Three Back-to-School Areas I Recommend Tackling:
Lunch Supplies
Take a look at all the water bottles, lunch boxes, and reusable bags, and get rid of anything broken, stained, or that your kids have outgrown. Maybe you want to set up a Lunch-Packing Zone - this could be a dedicated cabinet or drawer near the pantry or fridge. Find bins or baskets that fit the space and will hold all of the loose items.
Mudroom/Drop Zone
The same rules apply here! I recommend having a dedicated bin for each member of your family - this could hold shoes, backpacks, umbrellas, and eventually winter items. This is also a great area of the home to set up a family calendar, keeping activities and schedules visible to everyone!
School Supplies
Create a system for school, homework, and art supplies that your kids can maintain and easily access what they need - it could be as simple as pencils in a mason jar or as complex as categorized supplies in drawer inserts in a desk. Keep like items together, toss anything broken, and once again, contain it all!
Good luck and happy stressless mornings to all households returning to school soon!
