It’s time to go back to school! Tips for your home and family

Can you believe it’s September already? The back-to-school season definitely makes life at home more chaotic as plans and preparations for heading back to class come together quickly.

At eximus, we want to help your transition go a little more smoothly. We have a few suggestions to help you ease back into your regular routine as school days, after-school activities, clubs and sports kick into high gear.

Create a special “homework area” in a common space or in your child’s room. Encourage your kids to help you to choose a spot that they feel comfortable working in. Use extra furniture to make a space for them and let them personalize their area by getting creative with craft supplies and unused things from around the house. For example, a spare bulletin board is a great backdrop for a collage of your son or daughter’s favourite photos and mementos (or a place to quickly pin newsletters and permission slips that you need to see).

Designate a place for newsletters and permission slips. It might help to put a basket or box close to where your child does their homework or near the door they walk through when they return home from school. Take ten minutes every night to read and sign the forms, tucking them into backpacks once you’re done.

Set up a shoe, jacket and backpack area where everything goes when your kids come home from school. It can be as easy as putting a few folding chairs in your entryway. Backpacks can sit in on the chairs, jackets hang on the back and shoes go underneath. If you’re tired of a trail of shoes dribbling out of the closet, consider using boxes or baskets for each family member to toss their shoes in when they kick them off.

Start transitioning your elementary and middle school aged kids into an evening routine. If your child’s summer bedtime is later than usual, start moving it up earlier by a consistent interval of time each night until they’re at their “school bedtime.” (And, while you’re at it, try shifting your bedtime a little earlier too, if possible. Your body will thank you when you’re trying to shuffle small bodies out the door in order to make it to their new classes before the first bell rings.)

Plan out meals for the week and do as much prep for them as you can beforehand – maybe the night before or over the weekend. Keep ingredients for each recipe grouped together so you can quickly pull them out of the pantry or fridge before dinner. Find new recipes that can go in the crockpot or into the oven all at once.

Are you a fan of lists? Keep a list of everything your child needs to do or have with them before they leave right beside the door or in another central spot in your home. Encourage them to refer to the list when they’re stuck and unsure of what to do next as they get ready for the day.

As your kids get older, are you finding that you need a little extra space in your place? Or, have you recently sent your youngest child off to university and feel like you have more room than you need?

Whether the back to school season has left you ready to downsize or find a little extra room to breathe, we’re here for you. Our eximus team would love to help you find the perfect home to meet your needs!

Interested in chatting about changing your space? Contact our team today!