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	Back-To-School Checklist

	By Ramona Creel

Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.

BUYING SCHOOL CLOTHES AND SUPPLIES

paper, folders, pens, pencils, markers, crayons, etc.
shop ahead of time for sales throughout the year
buy extras of "essentials" and put them away for later
buy off-brands whenever possible to cut costs
simplify your child's wardrobe to "mix-and-match"
take an inventory before heading out to the stores
shop with a list to avoid buying things you don't need

CLEARING OUT THE CLUTTER

go through closets and give away clothes / shoes that don't fit
help your kids let go of old toys and outdated interests
clean out old school supplies to make room for the new
spend one day before school starts organizing your child's storage
do it "with" your kids, and not "for" them
have each child's room spotless by the night before school starts

CONTACT THE SCHOOL

find out if any physical examinations or immunizations required
see if any new registration requirements this year
get your child's schedule and names of teachers
names and contact info for your child's classmates' parents
give school emergency phone numbers to reach you
designate others who may care for your child in your absence
get copy of school policies (absence, illness, discipline, etc.)

CREATING A LAUNCHING PAD

set up a spot near the door for items that need to go to school
backpacks, school books, sports equipment, instruments, etc.
spend 15 minutes each night gathering supplies for tomorrow
use a cubby for each kid if you have several children
no more hunting for missing books and supplies in the morning

GETTING READY AHEAD OF TIME

make lunches the night before to save time in the morning
do "non-perishables" (juice box, chips, fruit) a week at a time
put in pantry in lunch bags labeled with child's name and day
lay out your child's clothes for the entire week on Sat. or Sun.
collect up school supplies for next day before going to bed
plan out and shop for a week's worth of dinners at once

MAKING BEDTIME EASIER

have a set schedule (homework, dinner, play, bath, etc.)
spend 15 minutes before bed straightening up
gather all supplies for the next day before bed
create "calming" rituals (bath, reading, soft music) before bed
help kids get up in time by insisting on a strict bedtime
stay away from TV late at night

MORNING RITUALS

set an alarm clock allowing plenty of time to get ready
complete your AM routine before the kids start to get going
simplify your morning routine as much as possible
complete as many "getting ready" chores the night before as can
have a set schedule (shower, dress, breakfast, chores, etc.)
make mornings fun with music, but stay away from TV distractions
create a sense of structure to start off the day
put breakfast supplies within kids' reach to make things easier
develop consequences for not being ready on time

PUTTING YOUR SCHEDULE IN ORDER

set up a central family calendar in a high-traffic area
family meeting once a week to discuss each person's schedule
record each person's appointments in a different color marker
make each child responsible for reporting his / her activities
schedule in regular appointments (soccer practice, piano lessons)
immediately transfer dates from other schedules to your calendar
be sure to block off family time at least once a week

TEACHING KIDS TO SET BOUNDARIES

limit the number of extra-curricular activities at one time
limit amount of artwork that may be displayed at one time
when a new piece of artwork goes up, one must come down

Copyright 2000-2009 Ramona Creel -- you are welcome to reprint any article, but you MUST include this resource box.

Ramona Creel is a Professional Organizer and NAPO Golden Circle Member. A former Social Worker, she has always enjoyed helping people find the resources and solutions they need to improve their lives. Ramona now travels the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of simplicity with everyone she meets. She leads by example -- having worked for more than 10 years as a Professional Organizer, and having radically downsized and simplified her own life as a full-time RVer. Ramona now considers herself a "Renaissance Woman" -- bringing all of her passions together into one satisfying career. As a "Virtual Organizer", she can create a customized organizing plan for your home or office. As a "Simplicity and Accountability Coach ", Ramona provides a proven program for making every area of your life a little bit easier -- perfect for those who want to make the time and space to focus on their true priorities. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a freelance writer and blogger, she shares organizing techniques, travel tips, and social commentary with others. You can see all these sides of Ramona -- read her articles, browse through her photographs, and even hire her to help get your life in order -- at www.RamonaCreel.com. You can also follow her on Twitter, check out her Facebook profile.

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