Getting organized is the perfect way to give your child a running start into the new school year. Summer is nearing its end (sigh), but you still have plenty of time to put together a back-to-school plan of attack to keep you and your family organized all year long.  These 10 tips will help you get started:

1. Plan your schedules now! Coordinate activities when possible, start talking to neighbors and other parents about carpooling, and put everyone’s schedules on a shared family calendar. Access the school calendar, and add important dates and no-school days to your family calendar, as well.
2. Don’t be stuck with leftovers. Check online or in local retailers for school supply lists, and stock up now. If lists aren’t available, get the basics. Notebooks, pencils, crayons and glue sticks are always needed.
3. Pack up the flip-flops, bathing suits and tank tops, but leave out a couple of summer outfits for those last few warm-weather school days.  Have your kids lay their clothes out the night before, and have them commit to their choices.
4. Make a meal plan. If the school year brings evenings packed with sports, music lessons and other activities, creating a weekly menu and shopping list can be a lifesaver.
5. When you get your teacher contact information, load it into your phone and email right away, so you’re not searching for that handout in a last minute scenario. Add the school’s attendance line to your contacts as well.
6. Designate a homework area, free of distractions and excessive media. Keep extra school supplies and project materials (poster board, markers, 3-ring binders) on hand.
7. Label everything! Taking a few minutes to label backpacks, lunch boxes, jackets and school supplies will save you time and money when something goes missing.
8. Stock up on healthy after-school snacks. Keep cut up fruits and veggies, nuts and cheese, and yogurt available and easily accessible.
9. Consider investing in some additional supplies for storage and organization, such as these vertical file folders, and Bento lunch containers.
10. Last, but certainly not least, charge you camera, and keep it by the front door, so you don’t forget those first day of school smiles!

Following these simple tips to Get Organized for Back-to-School can put your family on track for a less stressful, more successful school year.