August Organizing Project: Back to School Supplies

It’s just around the corner!

When most people ponder about getting organized for back to school, they think, “Let’s go shopping for back to school supplies!”

But there’s something you need to do first before you head out to shop for those back to school supplies.

1. Reflect on last year.

Have you thought about what systems you want to have in place for the upcoming school year? Did everything go swimmingly last year, so you’ll just set up the same routines with some fine tuning? Or did it not go smoothly, and you ended last school year telling yourself that things would be different next year? If it’s the latter, now is the time to make those changes. What worked? What did not – and needs to be addressed? Was paper a problem? Was finding study time a difficulty? Sit down with your children to plan for the fall semester.

2. Decide on your schedule.

When will your kids leave for school? When will they get picked up? When will they study? Begin examining how to better use your time so you don’t feel so rushed and frazzled.

3. Check your inventory.

Gather up all of the school supplies in the house. Donate to Goodwill all of those you never use or no longer care for. Examine what’s left. Using your supplies list from your school, create a shopping list for your back to school supplies so that you don’t over-buy.

Back to School Supplies Sales & Tax-Free Weekend

You will soon be bombarded with back to school sales announcements. Before you rush out in excitement when you see “50% off” or “Buy One, Get One Free” or “Tax Free Weekend”, please ask yourself whether or not you and your children actually need those items. In order to prevent clutter, it’s important to think about what purchases you will allow to enter your home. Buy because you need it, and not just because it’s on sale.

To see which back to school supplies qualify for sales tax exemptions in the state of Texas from August 9-11, 2013, click here.