Staying Organized: My Top Back-to-School Product Recommendations
Hey there, fellow parents! If you’re like me—a busy mom with five kids ranging from 5 to 16—then you know that staying organized is key to surviving the school year. With all my kids heading to school for the first time, I’ve had to come up with a plan to keep everything running smoothly. From managing my teenager’s sports schedule to handling my 5-year-old’s playdates, and running my own business, I need to be on top of everything. Here are my top tips and product recommendations for staying organized this school year.
Household Organization
Keeping the household running during the school year can feel like a never-ending task, but I try to keep my focus on containing the clutter. Here are my go-to items:
- Skydue Magnetic Calendar
- Amazon Link: Skydue Magnetic Calendar
- Why I love it: This magnetic calendar is my #1 organizational tool. It helps keep track of everyone’s schedules, and the monthly themes add a nice touch to my kitchen.
- Ballucci File Organizer Paper Sorter
- Amazon Link: Ballucci File Organizer Paper Sorter
- Why I love it: This file sorter has been a game-changer. Each kid has a cubby, and they know to empty their folders and backpacks into it every day. It cuts down on clutter and chaos.
- Amazon Echo Show
- Amazon Link: Amazon Echo Show
- Why I love it: This smart speaker with a screen is perfect for checking our digital calendar, finding recipes, playing music, and updating our shopping list.
Meals and Meal Planning
Feeding a family of seven is no small feat. Meal planning is essential to keep things running smoothly:
- Sweetzer & Orange Gold Meal Planner and Grocery List Magnetic Notepad
- Amazon Link: Sweetzer & Orange Gold Meal Planner and Grocery List Magnetic Notepad
- Why I love it: This magnetic meal planner and shopping list help me stay on track with meals and budget. The tear-off list is super convenient for grocery shopping.
- Premier Protein 12-Count Ready-Drink Shakes
- Amazon Link: Premier Protein 12-Count Ready-Drink Shakes
- Why I love it: These ready-made protein shakes are perfect for quick nutrition. I stash them everywhere—my car, fridge, sports bags, and office.
Sports and Carpooling
If you’ll be spending a lot of time in the car this fall for carpooling and sports, these items will make that time more enjoyable:
- LHZK Standing Extra Large Utility Tote Bag
- Amazon Link: LHZK Standing Extra Large Utility Tote Bag
- Why I love it: This tote can hold an enormous amount of stuff and is very easy to carry. It’s perfect for sports seasons and can be kept packed in the car.
- Matein Insulated Cooler Backpack
- Amazon Link: Matein Insulated Cooler Backpack
- Why I love it: This backpack is fantastic for long tournaments or games. It holds my laptop and charger, has a USB charging port, and a generous insulated cooler.
For My Health and Happiness
Sometimes, taking care of myself is just as important as managing the household:
- Touchland Glow Mist Revitalizing Hand Sanitizer Spray
- Amazon Link: Touchland Glow Mist Revitalizing Hand Sanitizer Spray
- Why I love it: This hand sanitizer spray is more expensive than others, but the rosewater scent is lovely, and it keeps my family safe and germ-free.
Tips for Staying Organized
- Use Color-Coding: Assign a color to each family member for calendars, folders, and storage bins to make it easy to see who needs what at a glance.
- Set Reminders: Use your smart speaker or phone to set daily reminders for important tasks like packing lunches, picking up kids, and attending meetings.
- Plan Meals Weekly: Spend some time each weekend planning meals for the week ahead. It saves time, reduces stress, and helps stick to a budget.
- Create a Command Center: Designate a spot in your home for organizing schedules, mail, keys, and important documents. A well-organized command center can keep the whole family on track.
- Delegate Chores: Involve your kids in household chores. Assign age-appropriate tasks to each child to lighten your load and teach them responsibility.
- Keep a Car Kit: Stock your car with essentials like snacks, water bottles, first aid supplies, and entertainment for kids. It will make those long car rides much more manageable.
- Stay Flexible: While organization is key, being flexible and adjusting plans as needed will help you handle unexpected changes and keep stress levels low.
These products have helped me stay organized and manage the demands of a busy household. I hope they can help you too! Here’s to a smooth and successful school year!