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Essential Tools and Tips for Back-to-School Success

Writer's picture: Lisa HarrisLisa Harris

Women holding school supplies in front of a display of backpacks

It’s that time of year again! As summer winds down and the back-to-school season approaches, students, parents, and teachers alike are all gearing up for the busy days ahead. Whether you're a parent sending your first child off to kindergarten, a high-school freshman finally leaving middle school behind, or a college student moving into your senior year, the back-to-school season always brings a familiar mix of excitement and nerves in anticipation for the year ahead.


As with most things in life, getting organized is key to starting the school year off right! At Organize With Lisa, we understand the importance of creating a smooth transition from summer fun to academic focus. Here are some essential tools and tips for back-to-school to help students and parents stay on top of their game this school year.


1. Shop Smart for Back-to-School Supplies


No back-to-school season is complete without a trip to your local school supplies store! While it can be exciting for students to pick out new, trendy gear, it can also be stressful for parents to make sure their student has everything they need without overdoing it. Avoid excess spending and potential waste or clutter by taking inventory of what you already have before you hit the stores.  


Consider creating a detailed checklist tailored to your child's grade level or their specific teacher’s requests. Once your list is complete, shop early to avoid the last-minute rush and ensure your child has everything they need for the first day.


2. Personalized Planners for Students


A planner is a student's best friend when it comes to managing time and responsibilities, and if used correctly, can help them form invaluable lifelong time-management skills!


Like our students, not all planners are alike! Encourage your child to choose a planner that reflects their specific learning style and needs, whether it's digital or paper-based. For younger students, a simple weekly layout may be sufficient, while high school and college students might benefit from planners that include monthly overviews, goal-setting sections, and space for prioritizing tasks.


3. Homework Stations That Inspire Focus


Creating a dedicated homework station is crucial for fostering concentration and productivity. It can be especially difficult for some students to focus when surrounded by excessive noise, movement, or clutter, so finding a space free from distractions is key! Help your students optimize their focus and productivity by ensuring they have a well-lit, comfortable, and organized space that they can take charge of and make their own.


4. Family Command Center for Busy Parents


For parents, staying organized goes beyond shopping for school supplies! A family command center is an excellent way to manage daily life. Designate a central spot in your home (like your kitchen or entryway) and make use of a whiteboard or calendar to sync family schedules, track important deadlines and events, and plan ahead.


Avoid clutter by sorting important documents, school papers, and bills, and use chore charts to assign and monitor household responsibilities to ensure everyone contributes. A well-organized command center helps streamline communication, reduces stress, and ensures that nothing falls through the cracks!


5. Digital Tools for Tech-Savvy Families


If you’d like to reduce paper clutter even more, thankfully, there are countless apps and tools designed to make life easier for students and parents. Some of our favorites include:


  • Google Calendar: Syncs schedules across all devices and family members.

  • Todoist: A powerful task manager for tracking assignments and to-dos.

  • Cozi: A family organizing app that combines calendars, shopping lists, and to-do lists in one place.


These digital tools can be especially helpful for families with busy schedules, making it easier to stay connected and on top of everything.


As the school year approaches, taking the time to get organized will set the tone for a successful and stress-free semester. At Organize With Lisa, we're here to support you every step of the way. Whether you're setting up a homework station, creating a family command center, or finding the perfect planner, these resources and strategies will help your family stay on track and thrive throughout the year. Here's to a smooth and successful back-to-school season!


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Lisa Harris | 201 214 0652lisa@organizewithlisa.com

PO Box 1201, Paramus, NJ 07652 

Fully Insured | Bergen County-based | Serving Paramus, Ridgewood, Westwood, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, Alpine, River Vale, Emerson, Park Ridge, Wyckoff, Waldwick, Tenafly, Englewood, Mahwah, Ramsey, Washington Township, Wood Ridge, Rutherford, NJ and New York, NY  

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