The ultimate back to school checklist for stress free mornings
Getting organised for back to school can feel overwhelming, but the best way to remember what school supplies to buy, what school lunches to make, and what dates to schedule, is to have it all on a handy back to school checklist.
Here’s the ultimate back to school checklist you’ll need to help you with everything just mentioned, plus so much more.
If you’re ready to tackle the school year, here’s everything you need to do to make the year a great one.
I’ve also included this checklist in a printable PDF that you can use when getting ready for the school year, so you don’t forget anything.
Download your FREE back to school checklist here.
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School supplies checklist
If your children’s school doesn’t issue a school supplies checklist, here’s one that will help you decide what to buy for your kids.
Before purchasing school supplies, gather everything you already have, reuse what you can, and purchase what’s missing.
If you’re not replacing an item, let your kids know so they don’t refuse to use it when school starts, because their tastes have changed.
Also, before reusing backpacks, empty them and wash them in the washing machine.
Here’s some school supplies you can purchase for your children:
- Backpack
- Lunchbox
- Water bottle
- Pencil case
- Pens and pencils
- Coloured pencils or markers
- Highlighters
- Pencil sharpener
- Eraser
- Ruler
- Glue sticks
- Scissors
- Notebooks
- Post it notes
- Sticky tape
- Calculator
- Folders or binders
Uniforms
If you need to buy school uniform, my tip is to buy it towards the end of the school year, because sizes sell out fast as the start of school approaches.
To ensure that the uniform you buy still fits when school starts, buy uniform in the next 2 sizes.
For example, if your child is currently a size 5, buy a size 6 and a size 7, then once school starts return the size you don’t need, or keep it for when it fits.
Here’s a checklist to use if you need to buy your children a school uniform:
- Trousers / skirts / dresses
- Polo shirts / shirts / blouses
- Jumpers / cardigans
- PE kit (including trainers)
- School shoes
- Socks and tights
- Sun hat
- Beanie
- Coat or waterproof jacket
Think about how many of each of these items you need so you still have a set if another set is in the wash.
Labels
Once you have all of your school supplies and school clothing, make sure you label them with your children’s name, so the chances of them getting lost are minimised.
I use these name label stickers to label my kid’s lunchboxes, water bottles, larger stationery items, and uniforms.
School lunches and snacks
If your children take a packed lunch to school, making time to think about school lunch ideas and healthy snacks for school will save you a lot of time each school day.
You can do this by making a list of school lunch and school snack ideas that you can rotate each week.
Here’s some ideas to get you started:
- Chicken and lettuce wrap
- Pasta salad
- Leftovers
- Cheese and crackers
- DIY trail mix
- Rice cakes
- Oat bars
- Energy balls
School lunch supplies
Once you have your school lunch and snack ideas sorted, you’ll need something to store them in.
Here’s a school supplies checklist for school lunches:
- Bento lunchbox (this is the one I use)
- Thermal lunchbox (if your kids like hot lunches)
- Water bottle (I use these stainless steel kid’s water bottles because plastic ones constantly leak and I’m forever replacing them)
- Reusable snack containers
First day of school traditions
If you’d like to start some first day of school traditions, choose some that are easy, and that your children will enjoy.
Here are some first day of school traditions you may like to consider:
- Pancakes for breakfast
- A back to school dinner
- First day of school photo
- A visit to the park after school
Here are some more first day of school traditions you may also like to try.
Routines
Getting back into routines can be tricky after a long school break, especially getting kids to wake up in time for school.
If you’re looking for routine ideas, here’s some easy after school routine ideas, and some school morning routine ideas that will make back to school easier for everyone.
Some of the key things to incorporate into a back to school routine include:
- Preparing as much as possible the night before
- Having consistent bed times
- Telling your children what needs to get done to get out the door on time
- Thinking about how many extra-curricular activities you can realistically do
Home organisation
Another important element of a back to school checklist is getting your home organised for back to school.
This can include:
- Setting up a homework station
- Having a dedicated area for school supplies
- Having backpack storage, like hooks on the back of the front door
Get your calendar ready
Once school starts there’s a lot of school specific dates you need to remember, as well as a multitude of other dates you may need to factor in around school times.
Recording dates, times, and locations in your calendar, is the best way to keep track of everything.
Some items you may need to record on your calendar include:
- When to pay school fees
- When to submit school paperwork, including contact and medical forms
- Before or after school care arrangements
- Lunch money
- Back to school haircuts
- Dentist and doctor appointments
- PE and sports days
- School holidays
- Parent teacher meetings
- Teacher training days
- School trips and events
- School assemblies and plays
- Extra-curricular activities
Discuss any worries
As well as all of the practical items that form part of your back to school checklist, getting your children emotionally ready is a key part of preparing for back to school, especially for younger children who may be starting school for the first time.
Some things you can discuss with your children prior to starting school, to make sure they’re emotionally ready include:
- Talking about what they can expect for the new school year
- Asking if they have any worries or questions
- Setting up playdates with friends
- Reading books about starting school (two of my favourites are The Colour Monster Goes to School and Starting School)
A back to school checklist – a recap
As back to school approaches, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done, but with this comprehensive back to school checklist, you can start the school year less stressed.
Breaking down everything you need to buy, do, make, or organise, will allow you to tackle the school year with ease.
Whether it’s buying school supplies early, planning school lunches, starting traditions and routines, organising your home, getting your calendar ready, or easing first day of school nerves, the things you do before school starts will help you immensely during the school year.
With this ultimate school checklist nearby, you’ll be well on your way to calmer, more organised, and more enjoyable school mornings.
Want a simple checklist to make this even easier? Be sure to download this FREE back to school checklist to stay on track and feel in control.
Is there anything you would add to this back to school checklist that has helped you stay organised?
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