How to organize Back-to-School for your kids?

Back -to- School Preparations/Savings 101

It is now time to start preparing for ways to save with back-to-school and helping your children get back to the pace of getting up for breakfast, going to school and studying.  I am a very busy mom but I do find that if I try to prepare early for some back-to-school items early that I will have less to purchase as school starts.  I will be bringing you some great ways to save and prepare for your children and feel free to jump right in and share your tips and thoughts with all of our wonderful moms and dads all over the world.  

Preparation tip #1 –

Help your child create a simple schedule for completing homework in the afternoons, studying, dinner, etc.  Children need help with structure.  Try to limit television, computer games and talking with friends late in the evening to get a well balanced night of rest!




Preparation tip#2 –

Double check that homework has been completed properly well before bedtime.  Make sure uniforms or clothing outfits are neat and ready to wear for the next day. If you are really organized, create the weekly outfits on the weekend and you will not have to worry about the preparation during the week. 

Preparation tip#3–

Create a special area for homework completion.  Your child needs an area that they can concentrate on their homework.  This area should be free of distractions.  Consider a small sized desk or table they can work from.  Check your local Goodwill or Garage Sales to see what you can find.  Also, consider looking at tables that are within your home.  Be sure to place extra pens, calendar, pencils, paper, dictionaries, small computer, reward stickers, etc.

Savings tip #1 – 


Uniforms – Try to ask if your local school has any uniform sales.  There may be some parents who are willing to swap gently used clothes for uniforms or uniforms for clothes. 

Uniforms- Stock up on sizes in one size bigger for the next year when uniforms are on sale especially when there is a clearance.  I have noticed clearance sales on uniforms at Target for dirt cheap prices last year. 


Savings tip #2 – Consider using Ebates.com to shop with some of the online retailers and get cash back on your total purchases.  


Savings tips #3 – Check your local Craigslist.com and search under baby/kids.  Check out this example search for Atlanta when I search the word “uniform.”  Try it for your area.  As always be careful when meeting someone in person to purchase or exchange.  Consider taking someone with you or exchange in a public location. 


Savings tip #4 – Invest in a higher quality back pack that will last for several years instead of having to buy a back pack yearly. 


Savings tip #5 – Stock up on supplies when they go on clearance.  Create a special cabinet or shelf for overstock items. 


Savings tip #6 – Check L.L. Bean for great deals on backpacks.  You may even get lucky to get one on clearance that will last a long time.  


Savings tip#7- 

Books

Check half.com for cheap prices on books.
Amazon
Barnes and Nobles

Savings tip#8- Buy reusable containers (go green) for lunches taken to school.  Creating lunches for school can cut down on lunch meals if you have to pay. Use coupons to buy more than one food item.  Buy in bulk!

Target 
Craigslist
Staples
Staples Back-to-School %15 OFF Savings PASS *Must purchase for $10.
Staples – Grade School 
Staples – High School
Staples – College
Office Depot
Office Depot %5 Back-to-Schools Program
Office Max-Check discounts on orders over $50
Office Max K-5
Office Max Middle to High School
Office Max College
Office Max Teachers
Walmart -Back-to-School
Walmart Desk and Chairs

Old Navy
Old Navy School Uniforms 
Gap Back-to-School

 Enjoy,

Quida 
 
Question:  Have you found any great back-to-school resources that you would love to share with us?